Apex Legends Season 31, also known as Cipher, has shaken up the weapon meta with the introduction of Akimbo Wingman, major Prowler and Nemesis nerfs, and several shotgun buffs. With some of the strongest weapons from Season 30 receiving adjustments, players have plenty of reasons to reconsider their favorite loadouts.
The Prowler and Nemesis dominated much of the previous season, but the C.A.R. SMG, returning Hemlok Burst AR, and newly introduced Akimbo Wingman are all serious contenders for the top spots. Meanwhile, the Peacekeeper and EVA-8 could finally give players more reasons to pick shotguns over SMGs.
So, which guns should you prioritize in Ranked, and which ones are better left on the ground? Here’s our Apex Legends Season 31 weapon tier list, ranking the best weapons based on their overall performance, versatility, balance changes, and early community feedback.
In brief:
- Prowler, C.A.R. SMG, Nemesis, Hemlok, and Akimbo Wingman are our early S-tier picks for Season 31.
- The Prowler and Nemesis received recoil nerfs, but both remain dangerous thanks to their strong damage output.
- Peacekeeper and EVA-8 received useful buffs, while Akimbo Mozambique has become a powerful Care Package weapon.
- R-99, Alternator, and the single Wingman remain viable, but each has tougher competition in the current meta.
Apex Legends Season 31 Weapon Tier List
For this tier list, we’re considering a weapon’s overall damage potential, ease of use, effective range, reliability, and performance in actual fights.
We’re also accounting for the latest Season 31 patch notes and how the changes affect weapons that performed particularly well in Season 30.
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S-Tier | Prowler Burst PDW, C.A.R. SMG, Nemesis Burst AR, Hemlok Burst AR, Akimbo Wingman |
| A-Tier | VK-47 Flatline, R-301 Carbine, Volt SMG, Peacekeeper, EVA-8 Auto, HAVOC Rifle, RE-45 Burst, Triple Take, Sentinel, R-99 SMG, Alternator SMG, Mastiff, P2020 |
| B-Tier | Wingman (Single), L-STAR EMG, G7 Scout, Devotion LMG, M600 Spitfire, Longbow DMR, Bocek Compound Bow, Rampage LMG |
| C-Tier | Charge Rifle |
| Care Package | Akimbo Mozambique, Kraber .50-Cal Sniper, 30-30 Repeater |
How the tiers work:
- S-Tier: The strongest overall weapons, capable of consistently winning fights and fitting into meta loadouts.
- A-Tier: Excellent weapons that can compete with S-tier picks, particularly in the right hands.
- B-Tier: Decent alternatives with specific strengths, but generally less reliable than higher-tier weapons.
- C-Tier: Situational picks that are difficult to recommend over more versatile options.
- Care Package: Powerful, limited-availability weapons that are ranked separately from standard ground loot.
The Care Package weapons are separated because their enhanced stats and limited ammunition make direct comparisons with floor weapons less useful.
These placements are an early assessment of the Season 31 meta rather than a ranking based on a full season of performance data.
S-Tier Weapons: Best Guns in Apex Legends Season 31
These are the weapons we recommend prioritizing whenever you find them.
Prowler Burst PDW
Despite receiving a nerf in Season 31, the Prowler remains one of the strongest close-range weapons in Apex Legends.
Respawn confirmed that the Prowler had been outperforming nearly every other SMG and assault rifle across different combat situations. Its dominance was especially noticeable in Season 30, where its usage and win rates continued climbing.
To bring it back in line, Season 31 introduced two changes:
- Increased overall recoil.
- Removed the Selectfire Receiver hop-up, eliminating its full-auto option.
The recoil increase mainly targets its effectiveness at medium range, where the Prowler had been competing with assault rifles.
However, the weapon still retains its devastating burst damage, making it extremely dangerous at close range.
Early community reactions also suggest that players aren’t convinced these changes will significantly reduce its dominance. The general concern is that its close-range damage remains untouched.
Verdict: The Prowler stays in S-tier for now. It’s still one of the best weapons for aggressive players who consistently take close-range fights.
C.A.R. SMG
The C.A.R. SMG is one of the biggest winners of the Season 31 update, mainly because several of its strongest competitors received nerfs while the C.A.R. remained unchanged.
Respawn’s weapon performance chart from October showed the C.A.R. among the leading weapons in encounter win rate and share of downs, alongside the Prowler and Nemesis.
The C.A.R. has several advantages:
- Excellent close-range damage output.
- Fast time-to-kill potential.
- Flexible Light and Heavy Ammo compatibility.
- Reliable performance during aggressive pushes.
Unlike the Prowler, the C.A.R. retains its full-auto firing mode, making it a straightforward choice for players who prefer tracking enemies rather than managing bursts.
It also pairs nicely with assault rifles like the Flatline and Hemlok.
Verdict: The C.A.R. is arguably the safest S-tier SMG recommendation in Season 31. With no direct nerfs in the launch patch, it has a strong opportunity to become the preferred close-range weapon.
Nemesis Burst AR
The Nemesis has been a dominant assault rifle for several seasons, and Season 31 hasn’t completely changed that.
According to Respawn, the Nemesis continued gaining popularity and improving its win rate throughout Season 30. Its combination of burst damage, increasing firing speed, and mid-range effectiveness made it difficult for other assault rifles to compete.
Season 31 introduces increased vertical recoil, making sustained bursts slightly harder to control.
Still, the Nemesis retains the qualities that made it powerful in the first place.
- High burst damage.
- Increasing fire rate during sustained engagements.
- Strong medium-range performance.
- Excellent shield-breaking potential.
Experienced players who can manage its recoil should continue getting excellent results.
Verdict: The Nemesis remains an S-tier assault rifle, although the returning Hemlok could give it serious competition.
Hemlok Burst AR
The Hemlok makes its long-awaited return to its classic burst-fire configuration in Season 31.
Respawn has removed the Hemlok Breach AR’s Elite variant, including its automatic firing mode, Breach Charge, and integrated silencer.
The returning Hemlok features:
- Body damage: 21
- Headshot damage: 29
- Burst and single-fire modes.
- Continuous bursts when holding the trigger.
- Tap-fire queuing improvements.
Its three-round burst can deal 63 body damage if all shots connect, making it particularly effective at medium range.
The Hemlok also benefits from its predictable firing pattern and ammo efficiency, particularly compared with weapons that rely on sustained automatic fire.
However, its placement is more provisional than the Prowler or C.A.R., since the returning version still needs more live-match testing.
Verdict: The Hemlok is an early S-tier contender and one of the best weapons to experiment with during Season 31.
Akimbo Wingman
The Akimbo Wingman is arguably the most exciting addition to the Season 31 weapon meta.
Players can now pick up a second Wingman to automatically enter Akimbo mode, allowing them to fire two revolvers in quick succession.
Respawn has adjusted the Wingman to accommodate this new mechanic.
| Stat | Season 31 |
|---|---|
| Ammo type | Heavy Ammo |
| Base damage per shot | 45 |
| Akimbo headshot damage per shot | 56 |
| Magazine capacity | Doubled in Akimbo mode |
| Firing pattern | Two sequential shots per burst |
| Drawbacks | Increased recoil and reload time |
A successful two-shot body burst can deal 90 damage before damage modifiers, making the Akimbo Wingman especially threatening when players land both shots.
Its biggest advantage is the combination of burst damage and flexibility.
Unlike most SMGs, Akimbo Wingman can also threaten enemies at medium range, although the additional recoil makes accuracy more challenging.
Its main weakness is consistency. Missing shots can quickly turn a favorable engagement into a lost fight.
Verdict: Akimbo Wingman earns a provisional S-tier placement thanks to its impressive burst potential. It’s one of the weapons most likely to move up or down as players master it.
A-Tier Weapons: Strong and Reliable Alternatives
A-tier weapons are excellent choices that can comfortably compete with the top guns, especially when used in their ideal situations.
Peacekeeper
The Peacekeeper could be one of the biggest winners of the Season 31 update.
Respawn increased its firing speed and improved how shotgun bolts interact with its rechamber and firing rates.
These changes directly address one of the Peacekeeper’s biggest weaknesses: the time between shots.
A faster Peacekeeper makes it easier to follow up on missed pellets or finish enemies after cracking their shields.
Its high burst damage also makes it particularly effective around cover, doors, and corners.
However, the Prowler and C.A.R. still provide tough competition in close-range fights.
EVA-8 Auto
The EVA-8 received a major attachment change in Season 31.
The Double Tap Trigger has been removed and replaced with Disruptor Rounds, which unlock after earning 375 weapon points.
Disruptor Rounds increase damage against shields, giving the EVA-8 another reason to compete with close-range SMGs.
The weapon’s automatic firing pattern also makes it forgiving for players who struggle with precision shotguns.
The EVA-8 could move higher if its new Disruptor setup proves consistently effective.
VK-47 Flatline and R-301 Carbine
Both assault rifles remain excellent general-purpose weapons.
The Flatline offers strong damage and reliable hip-fire capabilities, while the R-301 is easier to control during medium-range engagements.
Neither received a direct weapon nerf in the Season 31 launch patch.
With the Nemesis receiving additional recoil, these classic assault rifles become attractive alternatives for players who prefer consistent automatic fire.
The Flatline is particularly appealing for aggressive playstyles, while the R-301 remains a dependable option for players who prioritize accuracy.
Volt SMG and HAVOC Rifle
Energy weapons continue benefiting from the regenerating ammunition stockpile system introduced in Season 30.
The Volt remains one of the more comfortable SMGs to use thanks to its manageable recoil and solid close-range performance.
Meanwhile, the HAVOC offers excellent damage potential but requires more commitment due to its charge-up mechanics.
Both are strong enough to compete with higher-tier weapons in favorable situations.
R-99 and Alternator SMG
The R-99 and Alternator remain viable close-range weapons, but neither is as dominant as during some previous seasons.
Both received damage reductions in Season 30, which affected their usage and win rates.
The R-99 remains deadly with precise tracking, but its smaller damage-per-shot output makes missed bullets more punishing.
Meanwhile, the Alternator offers easier recoil control and a Double Tap Trigger upgrade, making it useful for players who prefer consistency.
They’re still worth picking up, although the C.A.R. and Prowler currently have the stronger case for S-tier.
Other A-Tier Weapons
Several additional weapons deserve consideration:
- RE-45 Burst: A strong close-range sidearm with quick handling and good finishing potential.
- Triple Take: Useful for medium-to-long-range engagements, especially after its Season 30 improvements.
- Sentinel: Excellent for opening fights with powerful sniper shots, especially when charged.
- Mastiff: Strong close-range burst damage, particularly when fighting around cover.
- P2020: A capable close-range option that becomes more threatening with Hammerpoint Rounds.
These weapons can perform extremely well with the right attachments and playstyle.
B-Tier Weapons: Decent but Situational Picks
B-tier weapons can still get the job done, although they generally require more favorable conditions or offer less consistent value than the weapons above.
| Weapon | Why It’s in B-Tier |
|---|---|
| Wingman (Single) | Reduced base damage makes precision shooting less rewarding without the second Wingman. |
| L-STAR EMG | Returning floor-loot version has lower damage, overheating capacity, and ammunition stockpile. |
| G7 Scout | Good at ranged poking, but less effective in aggressive close-range engagements. |
| Devotion LMG | Impressive sustained damage, but its wind-up and handling can make fights awkward. |
| M600 Spitfire | Large magazine and forgiving handling, but less competitive against faster-killing alternatives. |
| Longbow DMR | Useful at range, although competing ranged weapons can offer better versatility. |
| Bocek Compound Bow | Capable of dealing solid damage, but harder to use consistently than conventional weapons. |
| Rampage LMG | Useful for sustained pressure, but its slower firing characteristics limit its flexibility. |
Why the L-STAR Falls to B-Tier?
The L-STAR deserves special attention because it received several significant changes when it returned from the Care Package.
Respawn reduced its damage from 21 to 19 and lowered the number of shots before overheating from 28 to 22.
Its base ammunition stockpile also dropped from 168 to 88, and the Redline hop-up was removed.
Although its stockpile recharge time improved from 22 seconds to 18 seconds, the overall package is considerably weaker than the Care Package version.
The L-STAR can still be effective in close-range engagements, but the changes make it difficult to rank alongside the best ground-loot options without more evidence.
C-Tier Weapons: Weakest Picks in Season 31
Charge Rifle
The Charge Rifle takes our lowest spot in the early Season 31 weapon tier list.
It can deliver powerful damage at long distances, especially in the hands of players who understand its projectile timing and charge mechanics.
However, Apex Legends frequently rewards mobility, fast weapon swaps, and the ability to defend yourself during unexpected pushes.
The Charge Rifle struggles to offer the same flexibility as the Sentinel, Triple Take, or even conventional assault rifles.
Although it received improvements during Season 30 Split 2, its strengths remain tied to specific situations.
Verdict: Worth using if you enjoy its playstyle, but there are more reliable options for general Ranked matches.
Best Care Package Weapons in Apex Legends Season 31
Care Package weapons are designed to be exceptionally powerful, so we’ve placed them in a separate category.
Akimbo Mozambique
The Akimbo Mozambique replaces the L-STAR in the Care Package for Season 31.
It received several upgrades:
- Pellet damage increased from 17 to 18.
- Tighter shotgun spread.
- Executioner hop-up added.
- Executioner provides 15 shields per second through its healing effect.
- Reload speed decreased.
These changes make the Akimbo Mozambique extremely dangerous in close-range fights.
Its improved damage and tighter spread provide excellent offensive potential, while Executioner adds valuable survivability.
It’s one of the strongest weapons to pick up from a Care Package.
Kraber .50-Cal Sniper
The Kraber remains one of the most threatening sniper rifles in Apex Legends.
Its massive damage allows players to punish exposed enemies, create openings, and potentially eliminate opponents before a full team fight begins.
However, its limited ammunition and demanding accuracy make it a weapon that rewards precision.
30-30 Repeater
The 30-30 Repeater continues as a Care Package weapon in Season 31.
Its enhanced damage, improved charging mechanics, and Shatter Caps make it an excellent choice for players who enjoy marksman weapons.
It can apply tremendous pressure at medium range while offering more flexibility than a traditional sniper.
Best Weapon Loadouts for Apex Legends Season 31 Ranked
Picking two individually strong weapons isn’t always enough. A good loadout should cover multiple engagement ranges while matching your playstyle.
Here are some of our recommended weapon combinations for the early Season 31 meta.
| Weapon Loadout | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hemlok + C.A.R. SMG | Balanced Ranked gameplay with excellent medium and close-range coverage |
| Nemesis + Peacekeeper | Mid-range shield damage followed by powerful close-range bursts |
| Flatline + Akimbo Wingman | Aggressive players who enjoy pushing enemies |
| R-301 + EVA-8 | Consistent tracking and close-range shield pressure |
| Sentinel + Prowler | Long-range opening damage followed by aggressive pushes |
| Volt + Triple Take | Players who prefer reliable close-range defense and ranged poking |
Best Overall Loadout: Hemlok + C.A.R. SMG
The Hemlok and C.A.R. combination is our early favorite for Season 31.
The Hemlok can apply impressive pressure at medium range, while the C.A.R. provides the close-range damage necessary to finish enemies.
Both weapons can also use Heavy Ammo, simplifying ammunition management when running this combination.
Players who prefer automatic fire can swap the Hemlok for the Flatline.
Best Aggressive Loadout: Flatline + Akimbo Wingman
For players who enjoy constant fighting, the Flatline and Akimbo Wingman offer an exciting combination.
The Flatline provides consistent automatic fire, while the Akimbo Wingman can deliver devastating bursts when closing the distance.
However, players need to be comfortable with the Wingman’s recoil and limited room for missed shots.
How Season 31 Changed the Apex Legends Weapon Meta
Season 31 doesn’t completely replace the previous weapon meta, but several changes are likely to influence which guns players prioritize.
Prowler and Nemesis remain major threats. Respawn’s own data showed both weapons steadily improving in usage and win rate before Cipher. The latest recoil nerfs aim to reduce their consistency rather than remove their damage potential.
The C.A.R. SMG benefits from staying unchanged. While the Prowler received nerfs, the C.A.R. retained its existing performance, giving it a strong opportunity to gain popularity.
Shotguns have more opportunities to compete. The Peacekeeper’s firing-speed increase and EVA-8’s Disruptor Rounds could make both weapons more attractive, particularly in close-range fights.
Akimbo Wingman introduces another burst-damage threat. The new dual-wielding option offers an unusual combination of close-range firepower and medium-range potential.
The Hemlok returns as a more traditional assault rifle. With the Elite Hemlok removed, players must readjust to its classic burst and single-fire configurations.
These changes could make the weapon meta more varied as the season progresses.
What Is the Best Weapon in Apex Legends Season 31?
For now, the Prowler and C.A.R. SMG are our strongest close-range recommendations, while the Nemesis and returning Hemlok are excellent choices for medium-range engagements.
The Akimbo Wingman also has the potential to become one of the most dominant weapons in Season 31, although its effectiveness will depend heavily on accuracy and how quickly players master its new firing mechanics.
The Peacekeeper and EVA-8 are worth experimenting with, particularly if you prefer shotguns over SMGs.
Since Season 31 has only just launched, these rankings are likely to change as players discover optimal loadouts and Respawn collects more performance data.
