Apex Legends Weapons

Apex Legends Weapon overview – Dominating with the Right Loadout

Your choice of weapons in Apex Legends significantly influences your playstyle, engagement strategy, and chances of survival. With regular balance patches and loot rotations, the best weapons shift each season – but some remain consistent favorites for good reason. Below, we break down every weapon category, what they’re best for, and link to detailed guides so you can dive deeper into mastering each one.

Assault Rifles – The Backbone of Any Loadout

Assault rifles (ARs) offer the best balance between range, damage, and control. Ideal for mid-range combat but versatile enough for close and long-range fights, ARs are often the foundation of top-tier loadouts.

• HAVOC Rifle – An energy AR with a charge-up mechanic that becomes deadly with the Turbocharger.
• VK-47 Flatline – High damage per shot with heavy ammo, offering brutal stopping power.
• Hemlok Burst AR – Burst-fire heavy weapon for controlled mid-range takedowns.
• R-301 Carbine – A fan-favorite thanks to its recoil stability and reliability at all ranges.
• Nemesis Burst AR – A newer burst rifle that ramps up with sustained fire, blurring the line between burst and automatic.

Submachine Guns – For When You Need Speed

SMGs are built for close-quarters combat. Their fast fire rates and high mobility make them ideal for aggressive players who thrive in chaotic skirmishes.

• Alternator SMG – Great hip-fire accuracy and easy to control, perfect for early fights.
• Prowler Burst PDW – Burst fire with great time-to-kill, especially strong with the Selectfire hop-up.
• R-99 SMG – Blazing fast rate of fire – shreds enemies at close range.
• Volt SMG – A clean energy SMG with minimal recoil and solid damage output.
• C.A.R. SMG – Unique hybrid SMG that accepts both Light and Heavy ammo for unmatched flexibility.

Light Machine Guns – Suppression and Firepower

LMGs offer sustained fire, large magazines, and control over large areas of the map. While they can be slower to handle, they excel at shredding enemy squads when used strategically.

• Devotion LMG – High damage per second when fully spun up, especially deadly with a Turbocharger.
• L-STAR EMG – Fires energy rounds with no need to reload, but requires heat management.
• M600 Spitfire – Once a care package weapon, still reliable with great ammo capacity.
• Rampage LMG – Charges with Thermite Grenades for increased fire rate and great mid-range suppression.

Marksman Weapons – Tactical Precision

Marksman rifles bridge the gap between assault rifles and snipers. Perfect for players who prefer engaging at mid-to-long ranges without full sniper commitment.

• G7 Scout – Semi-auto precision rifle that rewards accurate tapping.
• Triple Take – Fires three energy projectiles – works like a shotgun-sniper hybrid with the precision choke.
• 30-30 Repeater – A lever-action rifle with charge-up headshots that hit hard.
• Bocek Compound Bow – Silent and powerful, ideal for stealthy long-range pokes.

Sniper Rifles – Long-Range Punishment

Snipers in Apex Legends are all about map control and poke damage. While some have a steep learning curve, they reward patient, skilled players.

• Charge Rifle – Beam-style sniper that’s easy to hit with at range – excellent for poke damage.
• Longbow DMR – Semi-auto sniper with high headshot potential.
• Kraber .50-Cal Sniper – One-shot kill potential – a game-changer in any late-circle scenario.
• Sentinel – Bolt-action sniper with a charge-up mechanic that increases damage output.

Shotguns – Close-Range Kings

Shotguns are your best friend in building fights and last-minute pushes. They’re brutal up close and can instantly turn the tide of a fight with one well-placed shot.

• EVA-8 Auto – Fully automatic shotgun with fast rate of fire.
• Mastiff Shotgun – Fires in a horizontal spread – great for strafing and peeking.
• Mozambique Shotgun – Often memed, but dangerous with Hammerpoint Rounds.
• Peacekeeper – High burst damage and great precision with the choke attachment.

Pistols – Backup That Packs a Punch

Pistols aren’t just last-resort weapons. With the right hop-ups and aim, they can be deadly in close encounters or mid-range duels.

• RE-45 Auto – Reliable, fast-firing pistol – especially effective with Disruptor Rounds.
• P2020 – Underestimated, but performs well with Hammerpoints.
• Wingman – High-skill, high-reward revolver that deals massive headshot damage.

Mastering the Apex Legends Weapon Meta: How to Choose the Best Loadout

Selecting the best weapon in Apex Legends depends on your playstyle, current map rotation, and available attachments. Here’s a quick guide to help you build an effective loadout:

Step-by-Step Loadout Strategy

1. Start with versatility: Pick a weapon like the R-301 Carbine or C.A.R. SMG that performs well in multiple ranges.
2. Complement your primary weapon: Pair a close-range weapon like the Peacekeeper with a mid-to-long-range option such as the G7 Scout or 30-30 Repeater.
3. Prioritize ammo efficiency: Avoid carrying two weapons that use the same ammo type to prevent running dry mid-fight.
4. Adapt to the ring: In early game, opt for easy-to-find weapons like the Mozambique. In late game, favor powerhouses like the Kraber if available.
5. Always look for attachments: A fully-kitted Devotion LMG is more lethal than a barebones Wingman.

Frequently Asked Questions about Apex Legends Weapons

What are the top-tier weapons this season?

The Nemesis Burst AR, C.A.R. SMG, and R-301 Carbine are among the most reliable weapons in the current meta due to their flexibility and consistency.

Which gun is best for new players?

The R-301 is extremely beginner-friendly thanks to its low recoil and versatility across different ranges.

What ammo types are in Apex Legends?

There are five main types: Light, Heavy, Energy, Shotgun, and Sniper. The C.A.R. is unique in accepting both Light and Heavy ammo.

Which sniper is easiest to use?

The Charge Rifle is considered the easiest due to its laser-style beam and lack of bullet drop.

Are shotguns still useful in ranked?

Yes – weapons like the Peacekeeper and Mastiff are still strong choices for coordinated team pushes and building fights.

Can I win a match using only pistols?

While challenging, it’s possible. The Wingman and RE-45 both have high damage potential and mobility, especially with hop-ups.

Is the Devotion still viable?

Yes, with a Turbocharger the Devotion becomes a laser beam capable of melting squads in seconds.

What’s the best weapon combo?

A popular combo is the R-301 paired with the Peacekeeper or R-99, giving you range and close-combat dominance.

Are care package weapons always better?

Care package weapons like the Kraber are extremely powerful, but they’re rare and can’t be customized – use them wisely.

Which weapons have the highest skill ceiling?

The Wingman, 30-30 Repeater, and Bocek Bow demand precision and timing but can be devastating in the hands of experienced players.