Naturally, any such list is innately subjective, determined by personal preference and skill. Certainly in a game that has frequently buffed, nerfed and reworked so many of its varied weapons already. However, there will absolutely be distinct reasoning for each and every selection. There are plenty of combinations that support different approaches to the game.
But many of these loadouts in Apex Legends will include weapons that generally agree with each other. Some are inspired by the pro scene , where teams like TSM continue to impress. But the list will also be mindful of more casual gamers, likely the majority of the player base.
_Updated April 26th, 2021 by Stephen LaGioia: _ **** Respawn Entertainment's thrilling BR shooter has seen a slew of additions and tweaks during its turbulent history. A handful of new weapons have trickled in since its debut in early 2019, and even some of the original guns have seen at least minor alterations. With a few new seasons released since the time of this list, and the ninth looming on the horizon, it seemed appropriate to reload with more ideal weapon loadouts.
15 Flatline And Mozambique
The Mozambique has long been considered one of the game's more tepid weapons, to the point of reaching meme status. Yet, the gun has received a few minor refinements since its lukewarm debut, including an apparent major buff for season 9 . This has allowed it to steadily climb up the tier lists , particularly when laced with Hammerpoint Rounds.
It's since become a solid close-range complement for certain weapons, particularly the Flatline. This impactful Assault Rifle can dish out ample damage at midrange, while the Mozambique can cover things at a more up-close-and-personal distance.
14 R-99 And Hemlok
Let's face it, there are few weapons that the fan-favorite R-99 doesn't pair decently with to some degree. Yet, the burst-firing Hemlok makes a particularly solid match with the close-range SMG, which unloads at close range.
The Hemlok is often effective at poking an opponent and picking them off from relatively longer range. After being hobbled or flustered at a distance, players can swoop in and seal the deal by going in guns blazing with the R99. The two weapons are quite distinct from one another — which really makes this pairing work.
13 Sentinal And Spitfire
This combo was already pretty appealing, but a fairly recent buff to the lukewarm Sentinel only adds to it. This unique sniper rifle can be pretty devastating in the right hands, and when blasted at full charge.
It's a pretty great complement to the Spitfire, which has a more traditional nature of spraying bullets from mid and close range. Look at the Sentinel as the initiator, while the Spitfire can decidedly finish the job. Players can really cover all their bases with these two guns, and be a DPS monster to boot.
12 30-30 Repeater And Volt
Among other things, season 8 brought with it this fun lever action rifle, which quickly drew attention with its unique features. The 30-30 is quite versatile with its ability to fire charged shots when aiming down the sights and decent hipfire accuracy.
Pair this with the Volt SMG, and players can be a swift, efficient wrecking machine. The 30-30 serves to coax and hobble targets, while the powerful, fast-firing Volt can effectively finish the kill at medium range.
11 Mastiff And Triple Take
Apex Legends Mastiff
The Peacekeeper was always a terrifying shotgun, so trading gold status with the Mastiff made plenty of sense. However, despite losing its care package might, the Mastiff and its wide iron sights keep it viable.
Body shots may not always be quite damaging enough in tough situations, but Mastiffs can take a head clean off. It’s just the backup a sniper needs, when utilizing the Triple Take. That rifle is a deadly repeater with the precision choke, allowing a surprising margin of error for subsequent shots.
10 R-301 And Peacekeeper
This once-potent may be somewhat removed from its heyday in 2019. Regardless, it still proves one of the deadliest weapons in the game at an up-close-and-personal distance. It can certainly still be useful when paired with a complementary weapon.
The R-301 Carbine can take care of business at farther and moderate distances, especially when laced with Optics and the Anvil Receiver Hop-Up. This won't be the fastest-firing combo, but it can sure dish out loads of damage.
9 EVA-8 And Flatline
Apex Legends EVA-8
This should be a solid loadout for any squad’s "tank". It’s also especially user-friendly for newcomers, or anyone getting used to their aim. The Flatline can be stunningly easy to shoot from the hip, which is always handy for an ambush.
Its iron sights can be frustrating, but with simple scopes it can become a devastating mid-range weapon that handles well. Meanwhile, the EVA-8’s rate of fire is crucial. Dead isn't inevitable if the first shot or two is missed. Further, acquiring the double-tap can make it plenty lethal enough for those who feel more confident with their aim.
8 R-301 And Mastiff
While similar to the previous entry, this loadout can be useful for more aggressive players that have a keen eye. The R-301 is famously accurate at longer distances, but also has a superb rate of fire that holds up in close-quarters combat. And although light ammo is generally weaker, it’s also very easy to come by.
The 301’s balance is extraordinarily useful. It doesn’t burn through its bullets too quickly, and it’s still frenetic enough up close. However, the Mastiff keeps the player from hoarding all the light ammo. And if one finds themselves muttering "clever girl" , a la Jurassic Park, the Mastiff aids in survival after using the 301 from afar.
7 R-400
A questionable loadout, to be sure, but the R-99 is an absolute beast. Combined with the R-301, anyone using this loadout will have to exclusively use the squad’s entire supply of light ammunition.
Now, the 99 simply melts enemies apart, riddling them with an unbelievable rate of fire. But missing that first clip leaves the user instantly exposed. This is easy enough if the enemy has great armor and strafing, and the 99 generally isn’t known for its range. At least, not so much on consoles. So, the R-301 balances that out. Range is increased, and it can also more accurately finish off a weakened opponent up close.
6 Spitfire And G7
Apex Legends G7 Scout
The sheer amount of bullets that a Spitfire can hold is more than intimidating enough. That it harnesses heavy ammo, and boasts decent hip fire at close range, makes it downright slaughter.
The high damage output also makes it comfortable for new players. However, the Spitfire just doesn’t have any range, which is supported by the G7 here. The G7 Scout with a ranger scope can decimate at surprising speeds. It’s more or less an unofficial sniper rifle , even if its natural iron sights are miserable. Still, this composition of weapons supports every distance from close to long range.
5 R-301 And Longbow
Apex Legends Longbow Through The Heart Skin
The preferred sniper rifle for those with a keen eye, it has become even deadlier with the Skullpiercer revival. Headshots become utterly devastating, and the Longbow’s rate of fire makes it easier to compensate for a missed shot or two. So, it has all the repeater abilities of the Triple without a need for the choke to wreak havoc.
But sniping always gives away the player's position, and its visibility makes one subject to third parties from afar. So, the R-301 can be a lifesaver in a pinch if someone closes in. But it also allows its user to push after weakening the enemy squad with a knock or two.
4 Havoc And Hemlock
The Havoc is one of those few weapons that can truly feels overpowered , which is why the Turbocharger is long gone. The instability of the Havoc’s first few rounds are the only thing balancing it out. It simply shreds, even at mid-range, in the right hands. And the size of its output keeps it more accurate than the L-Star’s blinding fireballs.
Meanwhile, the Hemlock can deliver high damage up close with burst fire, and accurate sprays from longer distances with single fire mode. The Havoc burns through its mag very quickly, and is central up close. Conversely, the Hemlock has good range, and doesn’t require many bullets to get the job done, allowing for more energy ammo on hand.
3 R-99 And Prowler
This loadout will require a tremendous amount of ammunition, and may not have the best range. But one can hardly imagine any combination more punishing, up close and personal. Some may be fine with the Prowler’s burst fire, but this sub-machine gun has an unnatural degree of recoil without attachments.
When the Prowler is equipped with a Selectfire Receiver, it basically translates to an R-99 that harnesses the damage output of heavy ammunition. This keeps the user from cannibalizing or hoarding light ammo. With the right accuracy, more aggressive players can use this loadout to rip through entire squads.
2 Flatline And G7
The smallest distinction from a previous entry, but the Flatline is just different enough from the Spitfire to earn its superiority.
Firstly, it’s quite notable that the Flatline actually has a single-fire mode, essentially making it a heavy-ammo counterpart to the R-301. As such, the Flatline has the automatic force and damage output of the Spitfire, but with similar stability and range to the R-301. The Spitfire can even feel just a tad more uncontrollable, too. Possibly because of the very magazine capacity which distinguishes it, which could also encourage users to spray and pray.
1 R-99 And Wingman
Apex Legends weapons Legends Wingman
The Wingman is a troublesome weapon, especially for newcomers. Even its practice in the Firing Range doesn’t seem to capture its essence. It has a low mag capacity, and can be frustratingly inaccurate without a high degree of practice. In fact, its iron sights are generally uncomfortable, usually best used with an HCOG "Classic". This frees up visibility at mid and long ranges, and essentially offers a laser pointer.
However, the Wingman preserves heavy ammunition while still causing an obscene amount of damage. Particularly with a Skullpiercer attached. This loadout works for advanced players with strong accuracy. They can beam enemies up close with the R-99, good for retreating and pushing alike. Meanwhile, the Wingman has versatile range and won’t demand much ammo, leaving the 99 open for plenty of light.
NEXT: Borderlands 3: 10 Underrated Weapons You Should Really Start Using
