Apex Legends: The 15 Best Weapons

Apex Legends offers a dynamic arsenal that changes with ongoing updates, affecting damage output, recoil patterns, and more. Players have diverse preferences for what constitutes the best weapon based on factors like time-to-kill (TTK), ease of use, and adaptability to different playstyles. High TTK weapons can unleash devastating damage quickly but often require precise handling.

The effectiveness of weapons can also depend significantly on the Legend being played. Defensive characters may excel with close-range firepower like SMGs or shotguns, whereas offensive characters might find a combination of assault rifles (ARs) and SMGs more effective. Matching weapons with the appropriate Legend enhances gameplay, allowing players to maximize their tactical advantages in battle. This guide will explore the top-tier weapons in Apex Legends, ensuring you’re well-armed for any combat scenario.

#15: Alternator

The Alternator SMG has gained a significant performance boost with the reintroduction of Disruptor Rounds, enhancing its damage output. Historically, the Alternator lagged behind other SMGs in terms of DPS, but with Disruptor Rounds, it now excels at shredding shields and inflicting substantial damage. This SMG is favored for its straightforward recoil pattern and superior hip-fire accuracy, making it more manageable than its counterparts. Additionally, its effective range extends to medium distances, setting it apart from typical SMGs.

#14: L-Star EMG

The L-Star EMG, while often overlooked, offers a DPS of 170 and a rate of 600 RPM. This energy weapon challenges players with its unconventional recoil and indefinite magazine size, rewarding those who master its unique mechanics. The ability to use extended mags to delay overheating adds to its tactical viability. However, the recent elimination of its barrel attachment has made recoil management more difficult, especially noticeable in long-range engagements. Typically, players might carry an L-Star temporarily to house attachments for other favored energy weapons they hope to acquire later.

#13: 30-30 Repeater

The 30-30 Repeater has experienced some setbacks recently, with the removal of its Skullpiercer hop-up and a decrease in magazine capacity, impacting its effectiveness. Despite these changes, it remains a formidable choice for mid-range combat, serving as a viable alternative to traditional sniper rifles.

Previously, the 30-30 Repeater benefited significantly from the Skullpiercer, which enhanced its headshot damage capability. Now, without this hop-up, it falls behind other sniper rifles designed to offer superior headshot damage, promoting varied tactical approaches among players. Nevertheless, the 30-30 Repeater continues to deliver substantial damage, holding its ground as a potent option in the arsenal. Below are the damage values both with and without the Skullpiercer, illustrating the extent of its recent nerf.

#12: Spitfire

The Spitfire has experienced a resurgence following substantial buffs in Season 18, which addressed several of its shortcomings. Previously criticized for its lackluster hip-fire accuracy, challenging recoil, and mediocre DPS, these areas have seen significant improvements. Enhancements include refined ADS recoil, tighter hip-fire spread, and the addition of compatibility with a Barrel Stabilizer.

Now equipped with a generous magazine capacity of 50 rounds when extended with a purple mag, the Spitfire offers sustained fire, allowing players to maintain pressure in combat scenarios. This capacity to continue firing while opponents reload makes the Spitfire a formidable choice for medium-range engagements, marking its transition from overlooked to a reliable staple in players’ arsenals.

#11: Longbow DMR

The Longbow DMR stands out as a pivotal sniper rifle in Apex Legends, especially after its projectile size was increased in season 19, making it easier for players to land shots. With significant base damage and a rapid firing rate, the Longbow enables sharpshooters to effectively punish enemies caught in the open.

Equipped with an expansive magazine capacity, particularly when outfitted with a purple magazine that extends it to 12 shots, the Longbow allows for sustained pressure in sniper duels. The addition of a Skullpiercer hop-up enhances its headshot potential, rendering it arguably the top sniper choice for those capable of consistently hitting headshots, transforming it into a lethal tool on the battlefield.

#10: Havoc

The Havoc rifle, Apex Legends’ inaugural post-launch weapon, initially set the bar high as a formidable energy rifle. Originally featuring a potent hit-scan mode that surpassed even today’s charge rifles, the Havoc remains a powerhouse in the arsenal. With a high DPS and a generous magazine size of 36 rounds, it forgives mistakes and sustains fire longer than many other weapons.

Its manageable recoil lets players consistently deal significant damage from range. When outfitted with a Turbocharger, which recently had its damage debuff removed in Season 19, the Havoc ascends to new heights, often regarded as the premier assault rifle in the game due to its enhanced firing capabilities.

#9: R-99

In Season 18, the R-99 SMG underwent significant nerfs, with an increase in recoil and a reduction in ammo capacity, leading the CAR SMG to surpass it in terms of utility, as both now have comparable ammo capacities with extended magazines. Despite this, the R-99 still maintains its status as a viable secondary weapon in many loadouts, though it necessitates an extended mag to truly excel.

Remaining the highest DPS SMG in the game, the R-99’s recent adjustments have encouraged players to explore other options, such as the CAR, testing new strategies and combina

#8: Volt

Hailing from the Titanfall 2 arsenal and debuting in Apex Legends in Season 5, the Volt SMG quickly became a favorite for its unique status as the only energy SMG in the game. Renowned for its robust performance in close combat, the Volt also handles well at medium distances due to its moderate rate of fire, which eases recoil management.

Equipping a purple laser sight significantly enhances its hip-fire accuracy, making the Volt an even more reliable choice for rapid, unaimed firefights. This combination of precision and power ensures that the Volt remains a top pick among the diverse array of weapons available in Apex Legends.

#7: Flatline

The VK-47 Flatline, often likened to the AK-47 of Apex Legends, splits the community into those who favor its high damage output and those deterred by its challenging recoil. For those who have mastered its kick, the Flatline proves lethal at medium distances.

Devotees of the Flatline appreciate its reliable hip-fire accuracy, making it a viable choice in close-quarters combat when precision aiming is less feasible. This weapon’s distinct characteristics make it a robust choice for players who can harness its full potential on the battlefield.

#6: Kraber

The Kraber, once renowned for its one-shot kill ability, remains a formidable weapon in select situations, despite community-driven nerfs that reduced its dominance in competitive play.

No longer capable of one-shotting opponents equipped with purple helmets and shields, the Kraber’s lethal edge has been softened. However, it still shines in early-game scenarios and can be a game-changer in late-game third-party fights, where opponents might not be at full health, allowing for strategic knockdowns from afar. Its rarity only adds to the thrill of wielding it effectively under the right conditions.

#5: Wingman

The Wingman remains a challenging yet rewarding weapon in Apex Legends, notorious for its high skill ceiling and tendency to miss crucial shots. What sets the Wingman apart is its rapid strafing capability while aiming down sights and the significant damage it can deal with headshots. Despite multiple nerfs over the seasons, it continues to be a favored choice among players.

This pistol excels from close to medium range even without any enhancements. However, players might feel its decreased effectiveness following its return from the Care Package status and the regrettable removal of the Skullpiercer hop-up, which once amplified its lethality.

#4: Peacekeeper

In skilled hands, the Peacekeeper becomes a formidable weapon, especially after its enhancement with Disruptor Rounds. This hop-up has transformed it into arguably the top shotgun choice in Apex Legends, making it even more lethal in close combat scenarios.

The inclusion of Disruptor Rounds increases the Peacekeeper’s damage output significantly, making it deadly in close-range encounters. Equipping this shotgun with a purple shotgun bolt and the Disruptor Rounds turns it into an absolute powerhouse, capable of dominating close-quarter battles.

#3: Nemesis

The Nemesis, a recent addition designed to compete with the likes of the R301 and Flatline, quickly became a favorite assault rifle among players. Its standout feature is its manageable recoil, which enables effective medium-range combat.

When its energy meter is fully charged, the Nemesis transforms into an exceptionally powerful weapon, catching opponents off-guard and quickly taking them down. It boasts a rapid reload speed and reliable hip-fire accuracy, making it versatile and deadly in close-quarters skirmishes.

#2: Car SMG

Initially met with skepticism due to its challenging recoil, the CAR SMG has since ascended as a favored SMG in Apex Legends, surpassing even the popular R-99. Once players mastered its recoil pattern, they recognized its exceptional handling and powerful close-range capabilities, courtesy of its blistering fire rate.

The CAR’s dual ammo compatibility—accepting both heavy and light rounds—solidified its position as a top pick. This unique feature offers significant logistical advantages, ensuring players can easily maintain ammunition supplies throughout the match.

#1: Prowler

The Prowler has ascended to a top-tier status among Apex Legends weapons, especially now as it enters the gold rotation. Equipped with extended magazines, the Prowler boasts the largest magazine capacity of any SMG in the game, making it a formidable choice for close-quarters combat. It relentlessly tears through opponents who venture too close without caution.

While primarily a burst weapon, the Prowler also holds its own at medium range once players master its unique recoil pattern. With proficiency, it transforms into a devastating tool for both close and moderate engagements.

Conclusion

This rundown of the top 15 weapons in Apex Legends showcases the diversity and strategic depth of the arsenal available to players. From the steady precision of the Prowler to the disruptive power of the Peacekeeper with Disruptor Rounds, each weapon caters to different play styles and tactical approaches. Whether you’re a seasoned sharpshooter or a close-quarters combatant, understanding the nuances of these top-tier weapons can significantly enhance your gameplay and decision-making on the battlefield. Keep this guide handy as you aim to dominate the Apex Games, adapting your arsenal as the meta evolves with each season.