Season 16 of Apex Legends is here, so it’s time once again to evaluate where all of the firearms stand in the new meta. When making my list of the best weapons, I decided to not include any crate weapons, so don’t expect to see the Kraber, Bow, RE-45, or the Hemlock Additionally, we are looking at a weapon’s general performance, damage numbers, and versatility in the new meta. While a skilled player can use any gun, these are simply the most consistent across the board.
Since this could easily shift, we will be updating this guide monthly with any changes. Make sure to check back with us to see if any big nerfs or buffs helped raise the profile of a firearm. Finally, if you don’t see your favorite gun on this list: that doesn’t mean it’s bad; it’s just not nearly as viable as others! Fear not: you can still be effective with any weapon in Apex Legends so long as you land your shots and understand the gun’s limitations.
Updated February 22, 2023
Assault Rifles
Nemesis
The newest gun introduced into Apex Legends is also the best in the game. This four-round burst assault rifle is absolutely dominating across all modes and ranks right now. Outputting an insane amount of damage, the Nemesis is without question the strongest gun available right now. Not only does it hit like a truck, but the fire rate of this weapon will increase the more you fire it. Once it hits 100%, players can utterly melt anyone in their path with very little effort. Everyone fully expects this gun to get nerfed in the future, so enjoy this monster while it lasts.
Flatline
The Flatline has always been a solid assault rifle due to its high damage potential and controllable recoil. While it’s not as accurate as the Hemlock, its sheer stopping power makes up for this. It’s terrific for those that prefer to fight at mid and close range, while still having a fairly reliable recoil pattern. With the R-301 in the crafter, the Flatline is absolutely worth picking up for anyone needing a medium-range weapon. Boasting one of the best hipfire spreads in the game, the Flatline is simply a consistent, strong gun that works with nearly every legend and build.
R-301
The R-301 is still one of the most reliable weapons in Apex Legends. Even though its damage got a nerf, this assault rifle still boasts solid stopping power, range, and accuracy. The favorite of many players across all rankings, the R-301 is a staple of many loadouts. Much of this is thanks to the easily controllable recoil and consistency as a mid-range option. However, players will be punished if they try to hipfire this gun as the spread has been increased to put a greater emphasis on using close-range secondary guns.
Marksman Rifles
G7 Scout
One of the best weapons right now in Ranked. This marksman rifle is making waves due to its high damage ouput and fast fire rate. In a skilled hand, the G7 Scout can absolutely massacre enemies from afar and make pushes quite difficult if there’s no cover. It’s an oppressive weapon, allowing players to harass and even secure kills from well over 100+ meters. You can also rock the Double-Tap Hop-Up, which ups the scout’s damage potential at the cost of some recoil. Did we mention this weapon also has a large magazine size? Yeah, there’s a reason the G7 Scout is currently one of the most popular weapons in the game.
Triple Take
This is a pretty oppressive long-range weapon that allows players to pepper their foes with energy rounds from afar. The duality of the choked-up shots or splitting rounds allows users to easily harass their targets or engage them up close. It also does solid damage, especially if you land a charged headshot. Unsurprisingly, the Triple Take is also fairly reliable thanks to the spread of the shots. While the other scouts require a bit more skill to use the Triple Take’s ease of use makes it an obvious choice for long-range combat.
SMG
C.A.R. SMG
The C.A.R. SMG is a terrifyingly adaptable weapon. Able to use both Heavy and Light ammo, this firearm is perfect for those who like to land and get right into a fight. With a predictable vertical recoil pattern and solid damage, the C.A.R. SMG is a weapon worth getting good with. While it doesn’t kill as quickly as the R-99, the sheer consistency and availability of ammo make it a perfect weapon for those who like to constantly be aggressive. Despite being thrown into the Crafter, this submachine gun is definitely worth making. It’s a terrific close to medium-range weapon, pairing nicely with most loadouts in the game.
R-99
It’s the R-99 and it got a damage increase. I don’t know what else to really say. The R-99 has always been one of the best weapons in the game and now it’s even more powerful.
Volt
Freed from the Care Package, the Volt is an absolute menace at close range. Despite the R-99 being a lot of players’ favorite close-range weapon, it’s difficult to ignore the Volt’s sheer consistency, range, and damage output. Despite having a smaller magazine size, the Volt can still wallop any foes that dare to step into your line of sights. It also helps the gun’s recoil is extremely easy to control, allowing skilled players to laser enemies from afar or consistently land headshots while moving.
Pistols
Wingman
Skullpiercer may be gone, but that doesn’t mean the Wingman is a terrible weapon. Since Apex Legends’ release, the Wingman has been a beloved weapon due to its sheer stopping power and accuracy. Even though it took a backseat the past couple of seasons, the re-introduction of the Skullpiercer Hop-up has made this one of the best weapons for people who can actually hit their shots. With a 2X HCOG Bruiser or 1X HCOG Classic sight, this hand cannon can accurately take down foes with only a few rounds. The only problem? The Wingman is terrible if your accuracy isn’t great. So, unless you’re confident about landing headshots, you might want to pass on this weapon for now.
Shotguns
Peacekeeper
With the Mastiff in the Carepackage, players more or less really only have the Peacekeeper to use. With the recent buff to shotguns, the Peacekeeper has quickly taken the role of the best close-range weapon in the game. Thanks to a buff to pellet size, the PK is comically strong now, capable of easily downing someone in 2-3 well-placed hits. This makes it far more consistent in fights — especially when you’re fighting against moving or smaller targets like Wraith.
Sniper Rifles
Longbow
Despite the removal of Skullpiercer, the Longbow DMR remains one of the best snipers in Apex Legends. While the Sentinel hits harder and the Triple Take is better for newbies, the Longbow benefits from a faster fire rate and the ability to increase its headshot damage. This makes it quite easy to use when you are fighting very mobile targets or ones that are dipping in and out of over. It also doesn’t require players to waste any additional resources to power it up for extra damage, which is always nice. The Longbow is undoubtedly the most reliable sniper in the game, making it the go-to choice for anyone who wants to engage at a distance.
