Apex Legends Pistols Guide: Best Sidearms, Tips & Loadouts content image
Pistols in Apex Legends offer fast handling, excellent mobility, and surprisingly high damage when used correctly. While they're often overlooked in favor of SMGs and assault rifles, each pistol fills a distinct role.
This guide covers every pistol currently available in Apex Legends, including their strengths, weaknesses, best attachments, and when to use them.
All Pistols in Apex Legends
Wingman
Apex Legends Pistols Guide: Best Sidearms, Tips & Loadouts content image
The Wingman rewards accurate aim with heavy damage while allowing excellent movement speed during ADS (Aim Down Sights). Despite using Sniper Ammo, it remains one of the strongest sidearms for players confident in landing shots.
Hop-Ups
- None
Strengths
- High per-shot damage
- Excellent peek shooting
- Strong at close and medium range
- Low movement penalty while aiming
- Very ammo efficient
Weaknesses
- Small magazine
- Punishes missed shots
- Requires consistent accuracy
Best Attachments
- 1x HCOG Classic or 2x Bruiser
- Extended Sniper Magazine
Best Pairings
- R-99
- Volt SMG
- Nemesis Burst AR
- EVA-8
Tips
- Aim for headshots whenever possible.
- Peek from cover instead of standing exposed.
- Use it to crack shields before pushing.
- Take advantage of its high ADS movement speed during duels.
RE-45 Burst
Apex Legends Pistols Guide: Best Sidearms, Tips & Loadouts content image
The RE-45 Burst is an easy-to-use sidearm that excels in close-range combat. Its burst-fire pattern delivers consistent damage while remaining forgiving for newer players. It functions as an excellent secondary throughout an entire match.
Hop-Ups
- None
Strengths
- Fast burst damage
- Very forgiving recoil
- Quick weapon swap speed
- Excellent hip-fire accuracy
Weaknesses
- Falls off at medium range
- Consumes ammo quickly
- Lower burst damage than SMGs
Best Attachments
- 1x HCOG Classic
- Extended Energy Magazine
- Laser Sight
Best Pairings
- Sentinel
- Charge Rifle
- R-301
- Hemlok
Tips
- Stay within close range for maximum effectiveness.
- Fire controlled bursts instead of spamming.
- Use hip-fire during point-blank fights.
- Swap to the RE-45 instead of reloading your primary.
- Pair it with long-range weapons to cover close encounters.
P2020
Apex Legends Pistols Guide: Best Sidearms, Tips & Loadouts content image
The P2020 has evolved from an early-game placeholder into a surprisingly effective sidearm thanks to its Akimbo capability. Dual-wielding dramatically increases its close-range damage output, making it a legitimate option beyond the opening minutes of a match.
Hop-Ups
- Hammer Points (Unlocked after 425 Points)
Strengths
- Excellent handling
- Very accurate
- Strong Akimbo mode
- Fast reloads
- Low recoil
Weaknesses
- Weak when used alone
- Limited effective range
- Requires sustained tracking
Best Attachments
- Extended Light Magazine
- Laser Sight
- 1x HCOG Classic (single mode)
Best Pairings
- Longbow DMR
- Sentinel
- Bocek Bow
- Rampage
Tips
- Upgrade to Akimbo as soon as you find a second P2020.
- Stay aggressive inside buildings.
- Aim for upper chest to maximize consistency.
- Use hip-fire while strafing.
- Finish weakened enemies quickly before they can heal.
Best Pistol Loadouts
Wingman Loadout
Primary: Wingman
Secondary: R-99, Volt, or EVA-8
Playstyle: Precision Skirmisher , use the Wingman to crack shields and deal burst damage at medium range, then finish fights with your close-range secondary.
RE-45 Burst Loadout
Primary: Hemlok
Secondary: RE-45 Burst
Playstyle: Long-range pressure with close-range backup , the Hemlok handles mid-to-long engagements while the RE-45 covers you when enemies push close.
Akimbo P2020 Loadout
Primary: Akimbo P2020
Secondary: Longbow DMR, Sentinel, or Bocek Bow
Playstyle: Sniper plus aggressive close-range finisher , poke from distance with your sniper and close the gap with dual P2020s to finish the job.
Which Pistol Should You Use?
Final Thoughts
Every pistol in Apex Legends serves a different purpose. The Wingman remains the premier choice for players who can consistently land shots, rewarding precision with some of the highest burst damage in the game. The RE-45 Burst is a dependable secondary that shines in close-quarters combat thanks to its forgiving burst fire and fast handling. Meanwhile, the P2020 has become far more competitive with its Akimbo option, transforming it from an early-game pickup into a viable close-range weapon when fully utilized. Choosing the right pistol depends on your preferred playstyle, but mastering any of them can give you a significant edge in fast-paced engagements.