• Guide

Best weapons and gun tier list - Apex Legends

Improve your chances of winning by picking the best weapon for the job in Apex Legends.

Sam Chandler

February 7, 2019 2:30 AM

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There are almost two dozen guns to use in Apex Legends and finding the best weapon for the job can be tough. While weapon preferences are entirely subjective, it could be argued that there are various gun tiers and weapons which should be chosen over others. As the meta of Apex Legends shifts and changes, we’ll be sure to update this list of best weapons and various gun tiers.

Best weapons and gun tiers

Much like other battle royale games on the market, Apex Legends offers various guns for players to use. Almost all of these weapons are viable in different situations, but there are some standout options that will likely become fan favorites.

Below you will find several tables that detail a weapon’s stats, specifically its headshot and body shot damage, the available attachments, and how “good” it is. Use this tiering system to make better weapon choices on the battlefield.

• Wingman
• R-99
• Flatline
• Peacekeeper
• Spitfire
• Longbow

Pistols

Pistols will likely be a rather early-game pick up for most players until another option can be found. Out of all the available options, the Wingman is going to be extremely popular due to its raw damage output. Even though it has quite a lot of kick, landing even two headshots is going to be worth it.

Sub Machine Guns

Sub Machine Guns are the excellent alternative to a full auto Assault Rifle, and often excel in close-quartes combat. While the Prowler does offer greater damage per burst, it does require a rather steady hand, and if any shots miss, you’ll be at an immediate disadvantage. The Alternator has a slower rate of fire, making the R-99 the better option.

Assault Rifles

The Assault Rifles are a bit of a mixed bag. Some players might prefer the burst fire of the Hemlok while others opt for a full auto variant like the Flatline. Though the R-301 offers full auto, because it uses light ammo it’s going to be dealing less damage than its Flatline counterpart.

Shotguns

Though the EVA-8 can fire in full auto, it's rate of fire is just a bit too slow to be worth the ease of use. The Peacekeeper however, offers great burst damage. In skilled hands, the Peacekeeper is going to be the better option, especially when you take into consideration the damage difference. The Mozambique shouldn't be ruled out, as it's an incredibly handy weapon, offering the fastest rate of fire. When all three rounds hit, players can reach dangerously high damage levels.

Light Machine Guns

The Devotion has quite a long spool-up time, making it risky when you’ve already been hit. The Spitefire, however, deals more damage and comes out the gate at full auto. In saying this, if you can reach the full RPM of the Devotion, it will be dealing more damage overall thanks to its larger clip.

Sniper Rifles

The Triple Take offers the most damage out of the non-legendary options while the Longbow offers the most attachments. For some users, the Scout will be the best option thanks to the light ammo type and quick rate of fire. In any case, the Kraber should always be picked up, as it’s a one-shot down when hitting the body.

The landscape of a battle royale game is forever changing, and Apex Legends is no different. Choosing a weapon in the heat of battle isn’t easy, and it’s made even more difficult with random drops and player preference. Though some weapons can be considered the “best” or “top tier guns”, it doesn’t always mean they will gel with your particular playstyle, so take the time to find what works best for you.

Sam Chandler

Head of Guides

Hailing from the land down under, Sam Chandler brings a bit of the southern hemisphere flair to his work. After bouncing round a few universities, securing a bachelor degree, and entering the video game industry, he's found his new family here at Shacknews as Head of Guides. There's nothing he loves more than crafting a guide that will help someone. If you need help with a guide, or notice something not quite right, you can message him on X: @SamuelChandler