Season 16 is here, and with it weapon changes. So join us in our seasonal overview of the Apex Legends guns. From damage per body part to shots to kill.
A complete breakdown of the Apex Legends guns by ammo type, weapon class, damage, mag size, and most importantly the number of shots to kill an enemy. We've highlighted some of the most important info of each weapon class so you don't have to do all the digging yourself. This Apex Legends gun damage cheat sheet will help you be informed and flex to your friends just how much you know about the game.
Light Machine Guns
LMG's in Apex have always been a weird case, but have been slowly becoming more viable options. However, despite their improvements, they are still incredibly outclassed by other weapons. Their long reload times and slow fire rates don't balance out with their slightly higher damage output. Light Machine guns in Apex pose quite the balancing challenge, as they can be easily pushed over the top.
Weapon | Headshot DMG | Body DMG | Limb DMG | Mag Size | Shots to kill (White - Purple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devotion | 23 | 15 | 13 | 36/40/44/48 | 10 - 13 |
| L-STAR | 38 | 25 | 14 | - | 9 - 12 |
| Spitfire | 27 | 18 | 15 | 35/40/45/50 | 9 - 12 |
| Rampage | 39 | 26 | 22 | 40 | 6 - 8 |
One of the biggest weapon changes of Season 17 and is still in Season 18 was the move of the L-STAR LMG into the care package. This move was quite a surprise but a welcome one. The L-STAR was infamously one of the worst weapons in the game. However with its move to the package, not only did the LMG get a huge damage buff with built-in disruptor rounds, but also increased handling. So if you happen to find an L-STAR, be sure to use and abuse it.
As for Season 18 specific changes, the Spitfire got some buffs in the patch notes. The new season didn't bring increased damage numbers or increased ammo count. What the new season brought was an attachment slot for the LMG. Now, the Spitfire can be equipped with a barrel to further improve stability. As well as the fact that the ADS and hipfire were improved, the Spitfire might find some use.
So in short:
- The L-Star is still great
- The Rampage is still a great option for LMG
- The Spitfire isn't half bad
Assault Rifles
Assault Rifles have always been reliable weapons and haven't gone through too many changes over the seasons. But Season 16 changed the Assault Rifle game with the inclusion of the Nemesis. This new energy AR has had little to no changes to it. Meaning that it is still a great pick even now in Season 18.
Weapon | Headshot DMG | Body DMG | Limb DMG | Mag Size | Shots to kill (White - Purple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemesis | 30 | 17 | 13 | 20/24/28/32 | 9-12 |
| Havoc | 32 | 18 | 14 | 24/28/32/36 | 9-12 |
| R-301 | 23 | 13 | 10 | 18/20/25/28 | 11-15 |
| Flatline | 32 | 18 | 14 | 20/25/28/30 | 9-12 |
| Hemlock | 39 | 22 | 17 | 18/24/27/30 | 7-9 |
Despite the inclusion of the Nemesis AR, the overall landscape of the Assault Rifles hasn't changed. The most recent shift was the Nemesis, taking over as an alternative to both those weapons. However, the true star of Season 18 is the return of the Hemlock to ground loot as its damage numbers haven't shifted too far from its Care Package variant.
In short:
- The Hemlock is still arguably the best AR
- The R301 and Flatline are classics for a reason
- The Nemesis hasn't been nerfed into the ground yet
Pistols
The Pistol category of weapons that have gone back and forth with their strength. Mainly with the inclusion of their possible hop-ups. Bouncing between the Hammerpoint and Skullpeircer hop-ups between seasons. Season 14 had their big return, then Season 15 removed them, season 16 brought them back and they seem to be in a good spot. Hammerpoint rounds turn the P2020 and RE-45 decent alternatives to the king of pistols, the Wingman.
Weapon | Headshot DMG | Body DMG | Limb DMG | Mag Size | Shots to kill (White - Purple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P2020 | 27 | 18 | 16 | 14/16/18/21 | 9-12 |
| RE-45 | 21 | 14 | 13 | 25 | 11-15 |
| Wingman | 97 | 45 | 41 | 6/7/8/9 | 4-5 |
In short:
- Hammerpoints make the P2020 and RE-45 good options
- The Wingman as always reigns on top
Related articles
Marksmen and Sniper Rifles
These two classes of weapons, like last season, haven't changed. The last notable update to either weapon class was the Kraber nerf back in season 13. However, towards the end of Season 17 and now in Season 18, the 30-30 Repeater has been gaining tons of popularity. Not to mention the massive Charge Rifle rework of the season.
Weapon | Headshot DMG | Body DMG | Limb DMG | Mag Size | Shots to kill (White - Purple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Rifle | 150-220 | 75-110 | 68-99 | 4/5/6/8 | 2-3 |
| Longbow | 118 | 55 | 50 | 3/8/10/12 | 3-4 |
| Kraber | 280 | 140 | 112 | 4 | 2 |
| Sentinel | 140 | 70 | 63 | 1/5/6/7 | 2-3 |
Combining both aspects of the long-range damage of snipers with the lighter movement speed of Assault Rifles, Marksmen have made quite a small niche in Apex for themselves. Especially since Sniper ammo tends to be harder to find than the counterparts of the Marksmen weapons.
Although the damage output of the Marksmen is less, both classes of weapons are the best at long-range poke. It just depends on preference. However, as of late, Marksmen Rifles have been on the more popular side.
Weapon | Headshot DMG | Body DMG | Limb DMG | Mag Size | Shots to kill (White - Purple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G7 | 60 | 34 | 26 | 10/15/18/20 | 5-6 |
| Triple Take | 111 | 63 | 57 | 18/21/24/27 | 3-4 |
| 30-30 | 100 | 57 | 48 | 6/8/10/12 | 3-4 |
| Bocek Bow | 123 | 70 | 63 | 1 | 3 |
In short:
- The 30-30 and G7 Scout far outclass the Triple Take, especially with their hop ups
- The Longbow is the best sniper stat-wise despite its lower damage
- The Verdict is still out for the new Charge Rifle
Sub Machine Guns
The most popular category of the Apex weapons are easily SMGs. Unlike other categories, there's been a class-wide small change to the Sub Machine Guns in Season 18. This change being the Strafe Speed and Headshot multipliers got reduced.
Despite this, nothing has changed in terms of the popularity of the class. As well as the age-old debate between the best SMG continues to be a topic of high debate within the community. However, with the Prowler moving into the Care Package and receiving the ancient relic that is the Select Fire Receiver Hop Up, there is one clear winner.
Weapon | Headshot DMG | Body DMG | Limb DMG | Mag Size | Shots to kill (White - Purple) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alternator | 20 | 16 | 13 | 19/22/25/27 | 10-13 |
| Prowler | 24 | 16 | 12 | 35 | 10-13 |
| R-99 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 17/20/23/26 | 13-17 |
| Volt | 19 | 15 | 12 | 19/21/23/26 | 10-14 |
| C.A.R. | 16 | 13 | 10 | 19/21/23/26 | 12-16 |
However, at the end of the day, the R99 is still old and reliable. It still seems to be the most used of the weapon class. But don't let that fool you as the Alternator, now able to equip Disruptor rounds is nothing to scoff at, as it's almost on par with the Prowler's damage and is easier to find.
In short:
- The debate between the best SMG continues
- The Prowler is back to its former Select Fire Receiver glory
- The R99 still remains popular
Apex Legends Gun Damage spreadsheet
You can check out the full Apex Legends gun damage spreadsheet with more in-detail statistics here. You can also check out our other Apex guides below.
Carrying on last season's balance, the tweaks to weapons have all been minor except for the inclusion of the Nemesis AR. The state of Apex's weapons (outside the Nemesis) is pretty balanced with every weapon of each class being relatively around the same level.
