Ever felt like you’re useless in close-quarters combat unless you’ve got the right pistol? Yeah, we’ve all been there. In the fast-paced world of Apex Legends, your choice of sidearm can be the difference between clutching that round or getting eliminated before you even know what hit you. And let’s face it, nobody wants to go out because they chose a dud pistol at the start of the match.
In this post, we’re diving deep into which pistols reign supreme in Apex Legends, breaking down not just stats but also real-world scenarios from the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS). You’ll learn:
- The best pistol for every situation;
- How pros leverage these guns in competitive play;
- Tips on improving your aim and gameplay;
- A few bad habits you should avoid—because trust me, I’ve made them *all*.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why Pistols Matter in Apex Legends
- Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Best Pistol
- Top Tips for Perfecting Pistol Play
- Pro Examples from ALGS Matches
- Frequently Asked Questions About Apex Legends Pistols
Key Takeaways
- Not all pistols are created equal—some shine in specific situations while others fall flat.
- The Wingman is often hailed as meta due to its high damage output—but it’s not always the best.
- Mastery requires practice, patience, and understanding weapon mechanics.
Why Pistols Matter in Apex Legends

I once spawned with nothing but a RE-45 and thought my team was doomed. Spoiler alert: I ate dirt within seconds. Turns out, knowing why certain pistols dominate—and how to use them effectively—can save your squad more times than you’d think.
Pistols matter because they fill critical gaps in your loadout strategy:
- Early-game survival when primary weapons are scarce.
- Close-range bursts where shotguns might fail.
- Filling energy or heavy ammo reserves while waiting for better loot.
But here’s the catch: most players overlook the nuanced strengths of each pistol. Let’s fix that.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Best Pistol
What Makes a Great Pistol?
Before jumping into recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the factors that determine “greatness”:
- Damage Per Shot (DPS): How much hurt can it dish out?
- Fire Rate & Reload Speed: Can you keep up pressure during fights?
- Ammo Type Compatibility: Does it share ammo with other weapons in your kit?
Ranking Apex Legends’ Pistols
- The Wingman: Chef’s kiss for raw power. It decimates enemy shields quickly, but don’t miss those shots—it’s punishingly slow.
- P2020: The budget pick that punches above its weight. Reliable fire rate and easy to find makes it an underrated favorite.
- Mozambique Shotgun-Hybrid Thingy: Listen, buddy, unless you’re point-blank and lucky AF, steer clear.
Which One Should YOU Pick?
Optimist You: “Use whatever fits your playstyle best!”
Grumpy Me: “Fine—but only if you actually practice landing headshots.”
Top Tips for Perfecting Pistol Play
Tip #1: Learn Weapon Mechanics Inside Out
Each pistol has unique recoil patterns and optimal ranges. Spend time in firing ranges mastering spread control and burst timing.
Tip #2: Prioritize Headshots
Your pistol isn’t meant for spraying bullets wildly. Headshot accuracy amplifies even mediocre pistols into formidable tools.
Terrible Tip Alert:
Don’t exclusively rely on pistols late-game—they’ll leave you vulnerable against fully kitted opponents. Unless you’re trying to meme yourself into elimination, stick to balanced loadouts.
Pro Examples from ALGS Matches

During last season’s ALGS Championship, top-tier player Repulsor showcased how lethal the Wingman could be by securing multiple eliminations mid-air during chaotic rotations. Talk about clutch!
Another standout moment came from a lesser-known competitor who clutched an entire squad wipe using a P2020—proving that skill + knowledge trumps pure weapon stats every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apex Legends Pistols
Q: Is the Wingman overrated?
Absolutely not. While some argue its slow reload holds it back, skilled players consistently dominate with it. It’s still king…if you’re good enough to wield it.
Q: Can beginners handle pistols well?
Yes, especially with forgiving options like the P2020. Focus on aiming fundamentals first before worrying about flashy high-damage picks.
Q: Do attachments significantly improve pistols?
For sure—for example, extended mags turn the low-capacity Wingman into a longer-lasting beast. Always look for upgrades!
Conclusion
To recap, the best pistol in Apex Legends depends heavily on context, preference, and skill level. Whether you prefer the brute force of the Wingman or the flexibility of the P2020, mastering their quirks will elevate your gameplay dramatically.
And remember, gaming greatness takes dedication. So grab your controller, queue up a few matches, and embrace the grind. Good luck out there, Legend!
“Like spinning through Supply Drops, life throws surprises
RPG explosion incoming—dodge quick!”


