In Apex Legends, mastering close-quarters combat is essential for surviving the final circles, winning hot drops, and dominating tight urban skirmishes. Season 26 has reshaped the weapon meta significantly, with buffs, nerfs, and new attachments influencing which guns reign supreme in close-range engagements. This article explores the best weapons for close-range combat in Apex Legends, analyzing their strengths, ideal use cases, and how they fit into the current meta.
Understanding Close-Range Combat in Apex Legends
Close-range combat in Apex Legends typically refers to engagements within 0–30 meters. These fights demand high mobility, fast reaction times, and weapons with rapid fire rates, tight hipfire spreads, and strong burst damage. Shotguns, SMGs, and select pistols dominate this space, especially when paired with movement-enhancing Legends like Octane, Wraith, or Horizon.
S-Tier Close-Range Weapons
These weapons are the most effective in close-range scenarios, offering high damage output, fast time-to-kill (TTK), and strong hipfire accuracy.
1. Peacekeeper
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Type: Shotgun
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Damage: Up to 110 per shot
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Ammo Type: Shotgun Shells
The Peacekeeper has returned to ground loot and remains one of the most lethal close-range weapons. Its precision choke allows for tighter spread when aiming down sights, but its true power lies in hipfire during fast-paced fights. With purple shotgun bolts, the Peacekeeper can two-pump enemies reliably, making it a top-tier choice for aggressive players.
2. R-99 SMG
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Type: Submachine Gun
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Damage: 12 per shot
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Ammo Type: Light Rounds
The R-99 boasts the fastest consistent body TTK among ground SMGs. Its high fire rate and tight hipfire spread make it ideal for shredding enemies at point-blank range. While it requires precise aim and recoil control, skilled players can one-clip opponents with ease. It pairs well with mobility-focused Legends and excels in chaotic team fights.
3. RE-45 (with Hammerpoint Rounds)
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Type: Pistol
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Damage: 12 per shot (increased against unshielded targets)
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Ammo Type: Light Rounds
The RE-45 has emerged as a top-tier secondary weapon, especially when equipped with Hammerpoint Rounds. It deletes unshielded enemies quickly and offers excellent hipfire accuracy. Its fast draw time and mobility make it perfect for finishing off downed or cracked opponents.
4. Volt SMG
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Type: Submachine Gun
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Damage: 15 per shot
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Ammo Type: Energy Ammo
The Volt SMG offers a balance between recoil control and damage output. While its TTK is slightly slower than the R-99, its low recoil and consistent damage make it a reliable choice for players who prefer stability over raw speed. It’s especially effective in close-to-mid range transitions.
5. P2020 Akimbo
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Type: Pistol (Dual-Wield)
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Damage: 15 per shot
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Ammo Type: Light Rounds
Once considered a meme-tier weapon, the P2020 has become a sleeper hit in Season 26 thanks to buffs and the Akimbo mechanic. Dual-wielding P2020s allows for rapid hipfire shots with surprisingly high damage output. It’s a strong option for players who want a lightweight, fast-draw weapon that can surprise enemies in tight quarters.
A-Tier Close-Range Weapons
These weapons are excellent in close-range combat but may require specific attachments or playstyles to reach their full potential.
6. CAR SMG
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Type: Submachine Gun
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Damage: 13 per shot
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Ammo Type: Light or Heavy Rounds
The CAR SMG is versatile, allowing players to use either light or heavy ammo. It sits between the R-99 and Volt in terms of TTK and recoil. While it lacks the raw speed of the R-99, its flexibility and solid damage make it a dependable choice for close-range fights.
7. EVA-8 Auto
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Type: Shotgun
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Damage: 63 per shot
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Ammo Type: Shotgun Shells
The EVA-8 has received quiet buffs in recent seasons, improving its fire rate and consistency. With a purple shotgun bolt and paintball mod, it can deliver rapid damage at point-blank range. However, it falls off quickly with distance and requires good positioning to be effective.
8. Devotion (with Turbocharger)
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Type: LMG
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Damage: 16 per shot
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Ammo Type: Energy Ammo
The Devotion is a beast in close-range when equipped with a Turbocharger. Its ramp-up mechanic allows it to melt enemies in seconds, especially during coordinated pushes. While it’s bulky and burns through ammo quickly, its damage potential is unmatched in tight corridors.
B-Tier Close-Range Weapons
These weapons can be viable in close-range combat but are generally outclassed by higher-tier options.
9. Mozambique Akimbo
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Type: Shotgun Pistol (Dual-Wield)
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Damage: 45 per shot
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Ammo Type: Shotgun Shells
The Akimbo Mozambique offers decent burst damage and mobility. It’s fun to use and can surprise enemies, but its inconsistent spread and lower damage ceiling make it less reliable than the Peacekeeper or EVA-8.
10. Alternator SMG
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Type: Submachine Gun
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Damage: 16 per shot
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Ammo Type: Light Rounds
The Alternator is easy to control and has a forgiving recoil pattern. However, its slower fire rate and lower TTK make it less competitive in high-skill lobbies. It’s a good beginner weapon but falls short in intense close-range duels.
Honorable Mentions and Situational Picks
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Wingman: While not traditionally a close-range weapon, skilled players can use it effectively in hipfire duels.
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Mastiff: Offers strong horizontal spread and burst damage, but its slow fire rate and inconsistent hit registration limit its viability.
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Bocek Bow: Not a close-range weapon per se, but its explosive arrows can disrupt enemies in tight spaces.
Best Loadouts for Close-Range Dominance
To maximize your effectiveness in close-range combat, consider pairing these weapons with complementary gear and Legend abilities.
Loadout 1: R-99 + Peacekeeper
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Ideal for aggressive Wraith or Octane players
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Covers both burst and sustained damage
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High mobility and kill potential
Loadout 2: Volt + RE-45
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Balanced recoil and finishing power
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Great for mid-to-close transitions
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Works well with Bangalore or Horizon
Loadout 3: Devotion + P2020 Akimbo
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Devotion for team wipes, P2020 for quick swaps
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High ammo consumption, but devastating in buildings
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Best with Gibraltar or Rampart for cover
Tips for Close-Range Combat
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Use cover and movement: Strafe, slide, and wall-bounce to avoid damage while maintaining pressure.
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Hipfire when possible: Most close-range weapons have tight hipfire spreads, allowing for faster reactions.
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Swap weapons instead of reloading: In a pinch, switching to a secondary is faster than reloading.
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Use audio cues: Footsteps, door interactions, and ability sounds can help you pre-aim and pre-fire.
Conclusion
Close-range combat in Apex Legends is fast, chaotic, and unforgiving. Choosing the right weapon can be the difference between clutching a fight or getting sent back to the lobby. In Season 26, the Peacekeeper, R-99, RE-45, Volt, and P2020 Akimbo stand out as the top-tier choices for dominating close-quarters engagements. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a rising star, mastering these weapons will elevate your gameplay and help you secure more wins.