Tag: Beginner Guide

Apex Legends Weapons Guide: Best Guns, Weapon Types & Beginner Tips

Apex Legends Weapons Guide: Best Guns, Weapon Types & Beginner Tips

Choosing a weapon in Apex Legends is about more than picking up the gun with the highest damage.

You need to think about range, recoil, magazine size, ammo availability, attachments, your second weapon, and even the Legend you’re playing. A weapon that feels incredible in a close-range fight can become awkward when you’re trying to pressure another squad from a distance.

That is why there isn’t one weapon that is simply the best gun in Apex Legends for everyone.

EA’s own weapons guide recommends trying different guns and learning which weapons feel comfortable at different ranges. For newer players, Assault Rifles and SMGs are a particularly useful starting point because they cover a wide variety of encounters.

This Apex Legends weapons guide breaks down the major weapon types, explains how to choose a loadout, and covers practical tips for getting more value from the guns you find during a match.

Apex Legends Weapon Types Explained

Apex Legends divides its guns into several weapon categories, each designed around different combat situations.

Understanding those roles is more useful than memorizing a tier list because weapon balance changes regularly.

Apex Legends weapon types infographic showing seven categories—Assault Rifles, SMGs, LMGs, Shotguns, Marksman, Snipers, and Pistols—represented by recognizable weapon silhouettes.

Assault Rifles

Assault Rifles are some of the most versatile weapons in Apex Legends.

They’re generally useful at close-to-mid range and can be effective for players who are still learning how to manage different engagements.

Examples include:

  • HAVOC Rifle
  • VK-47 Flatline
  • Hemlok Burst AR
  • R-301 Carbine
  • Nemesis Burst AR

The biggest advantage of an Assault Rifle is flexibility.

You can use one to pressure an enemy across a street, fight around a building, or support a teammate during a medium-range engagement.

For beginners, the R-301 Carbine is an especially approachable starting point because of its relatively manageable handling. EA also specifically recommends it as a beginner-friendly weapon.

Submachine Guns

SMGs are built around faster, closer-range engagements.

They’re particularly useful when fights move inside buildings or when you need to follow up quickly after closing the distance.

SMGs reward:

  • Good tracking.
  • Confident movement.
  • Close-range positioning.
  • Knowing when to reload.
  • Staying close enough for your weapon’s strengths to matter.

A common mistake is carrying an SMG and then taking every fight from too far away.

If your weapon is strongest at close range, your positioning should help you get there safely.

Light Machine Guns

LMGs generally offer larger magazines and sustained fire.

That can make them useful when suppressing an enemy position or maintaining pressure while your teammates reposition.

The trade-off is that they can feel less agile than some lighter weapons.

They’re particularly useful when you want to keep firing rather than constantly resetting your weapon.

Shotguns

Shotguns specialize in close-range burst damage.

They can be extremely effective when you’re fighting around doors, corners, buildings, and other tight spaces.

The catch is obvious: you need to be close enough for the weapon to do its job.

Shotguns also punish missed shots more severely than many automatic weapons. If you fire and miss during a close-range fight, the opponent may have enough time to punish you before you can fire again.

That makes shotguns excellent weapons for players who are comfortable with movement and positioning.

Marksman Weapons

Marksman weapons occupy an interesting middle ground.

They’re generally suited to players who want more range than an SMG or Assault Rifle can comfortably provide without committing fully to a traditional sniper.

They can be useful for:

  • Mid-to-long-range pressure.
  • Opening damage before a rotation.
  • Holding an angle.
  • Punishing enemies who stay exposed.

However, weapon balance between Marksman weapons and other categories changes over time.

Respawn has specifically discussed moving away from a Marksman-dominated meta during 2026, so it’s better to think of this category in terms of its role rather than assuming Marksman weapons will always dominate long-range encounters.

Sniper Rifles

Sniper Rifles are designed for long-range engagements.

They allow you to pressure enemies who are too far away for most close-range weapons to use effectively.

The downside is that they can be awkward when another squad suddenly pushes into close range.

If you choose a sniper, your second weapon becomes especially important.

You don’t want to discover halfway through a fight that both weapons are designed for long-range engagements.

What Is the Best Gun in Apex Legends?

There isn’t a universal answer.

The strongest weapon for you depends on how you play and what the match gives you.

A weapon that has excellent statistics on paper isn’t automatically the best choice if you can’t control its recoil or consistently land shots with it.

Instead, ask three questions:

What range am I fighting at?

If most of your fights happen inside buildings, a shotgun or SMG may make more sense than a sniper.

Can I control the weapon?

A weapon with theoretically excellent damage won’t help much if your shots consistently miss.

Does it complement my second weapon?

Your two weapons should ideally cover different situations.

That third question is particularly important for beginners.

Best Weapons for Beginners

If you’re still learning Apex Legends, don’t worry about mastering every gun immediately.

Start with weapons that help you understand the fundamentals.

R-301 Carbine

The R-301 is a strong beginner choice because it is versatile and relatively easy to understand.

It can handle a range of encounters and gives new players an opportunity to practice tracking, recoil control, and positioning without requiring an extremely specialized playstyle.

If you find one early in a match and feel comfortable with it, there is little reason to abandon it simply because another weapon has a higher reputation.

Flatline

The VK-47 Flatline offers a different feel from the R-301.

It rewards players who are comfortable with its recoil and damage profile.

If you’re transitioning from easier-to-control weapons, spend some time in the Firing Range before deciding whether you like it.

Alternator

The Alternator can be approachable for players who prefer a straightforward automatic weapon.

It can work well in close-to-mid-range encounters and is useful while you’re learning how to track moving targets.

Volt

The Volt is another useful option for players who enjoy close-range automatic fire.

Its current energy-weapon ammunition system is different from the traditional ammo system many longtime players remember, so newer guides that describe it as simply consuming conventional Energy Ammo are outdated.

Peacekeeper

The Peacekeeper is a good weapon to practice if you want to improve your close-range accuracy.

It can be rewarding when your timing and aim are good, but it is less forgiving when you repeatedly miss.

The Best Weapon Depends on Your Range

Apex Legends combat range infographic showing recommended weapons by distance: Shotguns and SMGs for close range, Assault Rifles and Marksman weapons for mid range, and Marksman and Sniper weapons for long range.

One of the easiest ways to improve your weapon choices is to think about engagement range.

Close Range

Good options include:

  • SMGs
  • Shotguns
  • Certain Pistols

Close-range weapons work best when you’re fighting around buildings, corners, doors, and tight cover.

Movement also becomes extremely important here.

Your recent movement practice should complement your weapon choice. If you’re carrying an SMG or shotgun, being able to strafe, slide, change direction, and use cover can make a huge difference.

Mid Range

This is where Assault Rifles and many Marksman weapons become useful.

Mid-range fights give you enough distance to avoid some of the chaos of a point-blank fight while still allowing consistent pressure.

For beginners, this is often the easiest range to learn because you have more time to react than you would in a shotgun duel.

Long Range

Snipers and certain Marksman weapons are designed for this role.

Long-range fights can be useful for:

  • Gathering information.
  • Cracking shields.
  • Forcing enemies out of cover.
  • Creating opportunities for your squad to rotate.
  • Punishing teams that remain exposed.

But don’t fall into the trap of shooting from far away simply because you can.

If you’re dealing 20 or 30 damage repeatedly without creating an opportunity for your team, you may be better off rotating into a stronger position.

How to Build a Good Two-Gun Loadout

Apex Legends two-gun loadout infographic showing a mid-range primary weapon paired with a close-range secondary, with example Assault Rifle + SMG and alternative Marksman + SMG combinations.

Your two weapons should generally complement each other.

A simple beginner setup is:

Mid-range weapon + close-range weapon

For example:

Assault Rifle + SMG

This gives you a weapon for sustained mid-range fights and another for aggressive close-range engagements.

Another option is:

Marksman + SMG

This gives you more range while keeping a strong close-range option.

You could also use:

Sniper + Shotgun

This setup gives you a very strong range split, but it requires more confidence because both weapons are specialized.

The important thing is to avoid creating unnecessary overlap.

If both weapons are strongest at exactly the same range, you may find yourself poorly equipped when the fight changes distance.

Don’t Choose a Weapon Before Considering Your Second Gun

This is an easy mistake to make when looting.

You find a weapon you like, grab it immediately, and then spend the next several minutes looking for another gun that uses the same type of ammo or fills the same role.

Instead, think in pairs.

For example:

“I have a strong mid-range weapon. Now I need something for close range.”

That simple thought process makes looting more efficient.

It also helps prevent awkward loadouts.

Ammo Management in Apex Legends

Ammo management is part of weapon selection.

EA currently lists several ammunition systems, including Light, Heavy, Energy, Shotgun Shells, Sniper Ammo, Mythic Ammo, and Arrows. Some special ammunition systems behave differently from traditional floor-loot ammo.

One particularly important current change is the Energy weapon rework introduced with the Marked update.

Energy Ammo was removed as a conventional lootable item. Energy weapons instead have their own ammunition stockpile, which regenerates over time. Different weapons have different stockpile sizes, and the regeneration pauses while firing or reloading.

That means old guides explaining energy weapons as if they work exactly like Light or Heavy Ammo are no longer accurate.

For newer players, the bigger lesson is simple:

Don’t fill your inventory with ammo just because you have space.

Carry what your weapons actually need, pay attention to how much ammunition you are using, and make sure you have enough supplies for the fights you’re likely to take.

Weapon Attachments Matter

Finding the right attachment can change how comfortable a weapon feels.

Depending on the weapon, attachments can improve areas such as:

  • Magazine capacity.
  • Reloading.
  • Handling.
  • Recoil control.
  • Optics.
  • Hip-fire performance.
  • Other weapon-specific characteristics.

But don’t spend half a match searching for a perfect attachment.

A weapon you can use confidently with a basic setup is usually more valuable than a weapon sitting in your inventory while you search for one missing attachment.

Prioritize Attachments That Solve a Problem

Instead of thinking:

“I need the best attachment.”

Think:

“What is currently making this weapon difficult to use?”

If you’re constantly running out of bullets during a fight, a better magazine can matter.

If you struggle to control recoil, an attachment that improves handling or recoil can be more valuable.

If you’re fighting primarily at longer distances, the right optic can make target acquisition easier.

This is a much more useful way to think about attachments.

Don’t Chase Every Hop-Up

Hop-Ups can modify or enhance certain weapons, but their availability and implementation can change between seasons.

A common beginner mistake is seeing a Hop-Up and immediately deciding that they need the corresponding weapon.

Instead, start with the weapon.

If you already like the gun and find the relevant attachment, great.

Don’t build your entire loadout around finding one particular Hop-Up unless you already understand why you want it.

Apex has also moved toward locked Hop-Up systems in previous updates, so older loot guides can describe systems that no longer work the same way.

Weapon Choice Should Match Your Playstyle

Your Legend and weapons don’t have to match perfectly, but they can complement each other.

Aggressive Players

If you enjoy pushing enemies and taking close-range fights, consider weapons that reward:

  • Fast tracking.
  • Quick movement.
  • Close-range accuracy.
  • Rapid follow-up damage.

SMGs and shotguns are natural options to experiment with.

Defensive Players

If you prefer holding buildings, controlling angles, and forcing enemies to approach you, weapons that provide sustained pressure or reliable mid-range damage can be more comfortable.

Long-Range Players

If you prefer watching an enemy squad from a distance and looking for opportunities to punish exposure, Marksman weapons and Sniper Rifles may suit you better.

Just remember that eventually the fight may come to you.

Having a second weapon capable of handling close-range pressure is important.

Match Your Weapon to Your Legend

Some Legend abilities can make certain weapon styles more comfortable.

For example, a mobility-focused Legend can make it easier to close distance with an SMG or shotgun.

That doesn’t mean you need to force a particular weapon onto a particular Legend.

Instead, think about what your Legend allows you to do.

If your Legend can quickly reposition, you may be able to take angles that make a close-range weapon more effective.

If your Legend specializes in holding an area, you may get more value from weapons that let you control an approach.

This is where weapon choice becomes part of your overall game plan rather than an isolated decision.

The Biggest Weapon Mistakes Beginners Make

1. Chasing the “Meta” Gun

A weapon can be strong without being the right weapon for you.

If you can’t control it, your personal results may be worse than with a supposedly weaker weapon that you understand.

2. Carrying Two Weapons for the Same Range

Running two close-range weapons can leave you struggling to pressure enemies across open terrain.

Likewise, carrying two long-range weapons can become painful when another squad pushes your building.

Think about coverage.

3. Ignoring Recoil

Damage numbers don’t matter if your shots aren’t connecting.

Spend time in the Firing Range learning how your weapon behaves.

4. Reloading in the Open

A magazine running dry doesn’t mean you should stand still and reload.

Use cover, reposition, or break line of sight when possible.

This connects directly to the movement fundamentals covered in an Apex Legends movement guide.

5. Staying in a Bad Fight Because You Have the “Right” Weapon

A good gun doesn’t fix bad positioning.

If you’re exposed, outnumbered, or being pushed from multiple angles, repositioning may be more important than continuing to fire.

6. Spending Too Long Looting

The perfect loadout doesn’t matter if another squad reaches the next position before you do.

Get weapons that work, grab useful attachments, secure enough ammunition, and keep moving.

How to Practice Your Weapons

Apex Legends weapon practice infographic showing five steps: recoil control, tracking moving targets, strafing while shooting, quick weapon swaps, and using cover effectively.

The Firing Range is one of the best places to become comfortable with a weapon before relying on it in a real match.

Don’t just shoot at a stationary target.

Practice situations that resemble actual fights.

Drill 1: Recoil Control

Choose one automatic weapon.

Fire at a target while controlling the recoil.

Start at a comfortable range, then move farther away.

Drill 2: Tracking

Move around while keeping your crosshair on a target.

This is particularly useful for SMGs and other weapons that require sustained tracking.

Drill 3: Strafe + Shoot

Combine your weapon practice with movement.

Strafe left and right while firing and maintain your crosshair placement.

This connects your aim training with the movement skills you’ve already been practicing.

Drill 4: Weapon Swap

Practice switching between your two weapons.

You don’t want to spend several seconds fumbling through your inventory during a fight.

Learn which weapon you reach for at each range.

Drill 5: Cover

Practice firing from behind cover, retreating, reloading, and re-peeking from a slightly different angle.

This teaches an important lesson:

Good shooting is not just about aim. It’s also about giving yourself safe opportunities to shoot.

How to Choose a Weapon After Landing

The first weapon you find doesn’t need to be your final weapon.

Early in a match, prioritize functionality.

If you find an SMG and a shotgun, you can fight.

If you find an Assault Rifle and a pistol, you can fight.

You don’t need to spend the next five minutes searching for your dream loadout.

As you rotate, you can gradually improve your weapons and attachments.

This is especially important during contested drops when another squad is already nearby.

A usable weapon now is more valuable than a theoretically better weapon that you might find later.

What If You Find a Weapon You Don’t Like?

Use it long enough to understand why you dislike it.

Is the recoil difficult?

Is the fire rate uncomfortable?

Are you fighting at the wrong range?

Does the weapon require more precise aim than you’re currently comfortable with?

Sometimes the problem isn’t the weapon.

Sometimes you’re asking it to do something it wasn’t designed to do.

If you consistently dislike a weapon after giving it a fair test, move on.

Apex gives you enough weapon variety that you can build a loadout around your strengths.

How to Improve Your Weapon Choice Over Time

Apex Legends weapon decision-making flowchart showing how to choose weapons based on combat range, select a complementary second weapon, and use a loadout that the player can control confidently.

You don’t need to memorize every weapon statistic.

Instead, start paying attention to what happens in your matches.

After a fight, ask:

Did I lose because my weapon was weak, or because I used it badly?

Was I fighting at the wrong range?

Did my second weapon give me another option?

Did I run out of ammunition?

Did I miss because I couldn’t control the recoil?

These questions are much more useful than simply checking which weapon currently has the highest pick rate.

Apex is constantly changing.

Respawn’s 2026 updates have already adjusted weapon damage, recoil, magazine sizes, ammo systems, weapon rotations, and other mechanics.

Learning how to evaluate a weapon will therefore remain useful even when the meta changes.

A Simple Beginner Weapon Checklist

Before committing to a loadout, ask yourself:

  • Do I have a weapon for my preferred fighting range?
  • Does my second weapon cover a different range?
  • Can I control both weapons?
  • Do I have enough ammunition?
  • Do I have useful attachments without spending too much time looting?
  • Can I fight effectively indoors?
  • Can I pressure enemies at medium range?
  • Do my weapons work with the way I like to play?

If the answer is mostly yes, your loadout is probably good enough.

You don’t need a perfect setup.

You need a setup you understand.

Final Thoughts

The best weapons in Apex Legends aren’t necessarily the ones at the top of a tier list.

The best weapon for you is the one you can control, understand, and use at the range where your fights actually happen.

For beginners, start with versatile weapons such as Assault Rifles and SMGs. Learn how each weapon behaves, practice recoil and tracking in the Firing Range, and build two-gun loadouts that cover different situations.

From there, experiment.

Try shotguns if you want to improve your close-range fighting. Try Marksman weapons if you enjoy controlling longer angles. Test Snipers if you prefer patient, long-range engagements.

Most importantly, don’t let the current meta dictate everything you pick up.

Weapon balance will continue to change. Ammo systems can change. Attachments can change. Care Package rotations can change.

The skill that lasts is knowing why you’re choosing a weapon and what you want it to accomplish.

Once you start thinking that way, looting becomes faster, your loadouts become more deliberate, and your weapon choices start supporting the rest of your game instead of determining it.

Related Apex Legends articles

Apex Legends Movement guide

Apex Legends Octane Guide

Apex Legends Weapons Guide

Apex Legends Beginner Guide

Apex Legends Movement Guide: Sliding, Strafing & Advanced Tips

Apex Legends Movement Guide: Sliding, Strafing & Advanced Tips

In Apex Legends, winning a gunfight isn’t always about who lands the first shot. Sometimes it’s about who reaches cover first, who takes the better angle, or who can make the other player miss while keeping their own crosshair on target.

That is why movement matters so much.

You don’t need to master every flashy movement technique to become a better Apex player. In fact, most players will see bigger improvements by learning a few fundamentals—sprinting efficiently, sliding at the right time, strafing while shooting, and using terrain intelligently—before worrying about advanced mechanics.

This Apex Legends movement guide covers those fundamentals first, then moves into more advanced techniques and practical drills you can use in the Firing Range.

Why Movement Matters in Apex Legends

Apex Legends is built around momentum, positioning, and fast engagements. Movement helps you do much more than travel around the map.

Good movement can help you:

  • Reach cover before an enemy finishes their reload.
  • Make yourself harder to track during a close-range fight.
  • Change angles without giving an opponent an easy target.
  • Escape a bad engagement.
  • Take high ground or stronger defensive positions.
  • Stay with your squad during rotations.
  • Create better opportunities for your own shots.

EA’s beginner guidance specifically recommends sprinting rather than walking, holstering your weapon while travelling, sliding down declines, and using movement options such as launch pads and ziplines to travel efficiently.

The important distinction is that fast movement isn’t automatically good movement.

If you sprint into an open area with no cover, slide past your teammates, or chase an enemy into a bad position, moving quickly won’t save you. The best movement supports your positioning rather than replacing it.

Apex Legends Movement Basics

Before learning advanced techniques, make sure the basic movement loop feels natural.

Apex Legends basic movement diagram showing sprint, slide, jump, strafe, and cover

Sprinting

Sprinting is your default way of moving around the map.

Use it when rotating between locations, repositioning during a fight, or closing distance when you aren’t actively aiming.

One simple habit is worth developing early: don’t walk when you could safely sprint.

There is little benefit to moving slowly through open areas when you’re not trying to maintain a specific firing position.

Holstering Your Weapon

Holstering your weapon lets you move faster while travelling.

It is particularly useful when:

  • Rotating toward the next Ring.
  • Catching up with your squad.
  • Crossing a relatively safe area.
  • Retreating from a fight.
  • Moving between buildings.

You don’t want to spend the entire match with your weapon holstered, though. If you expect an enemy around the next corner, having your weapon ready is more important than squeezing out a little extra movement speed.

That small decision—weapon out or weapon holstered—becomes increasingly important as you improve.

Sliding

Sliding is one of the most useful movement mechanics for beginners.

A basic slide lets you maintain momentum while lowering your character’s profile and moving quickly across suitable terrain.

The easiest way to understand sliding is to think about momentum, rather than treating it as a button you press constantly.

Use slides when terrain and positioning make them useful. Sliding down a slope, for example, can help you cover ground quickly. Sliding across flat terrain can also help you change your position during a fight, but doing it repeatedly without a purpose can make your movement predictable.

Slide Jumping

Slide jumping combines a slide with a jump to preserve momentum and cover ground efficiently.

A simple practice routine is:

  1. Sprint forward.
  2. Start a slide.
  3. Jump near the end of the slide.
  4. Continue sprinting once you land.
  5. Repeat the sequence.

Don’t worry about performing it perfectly at first. The goal is to make the transition feel automatic.

Once you stop thinking about every individual input, you can concentrate more on where you’re actually going.

Strafing: The Movement Skill You Should Learn First

Strafing is moving sideways while keeping your aim on an opponent.

It sounds simple, but effective strafing is one of the most important skills in Apex.

Apex Legends strafing example showing a character moving left and right while maintaining aim on a target

When you’re standing still and shooting, your opponent has a much easier target. When you’re moving unpredictably while maintaining your aim, they have to constantly adjust.

How to Practice Strafing

Start in the Firing Range.

Pick a target and move left and right while keeping your crosshair around the target’s upper body.

Don’t immediately try to move as quickly as possible.

Instead, focus on three things:

  • Keep your crosshair on the target.
  • Change direction without losing control.
  • Avoid falling into an obvious left-right rhythm.

Once you can track a stationary target comfortably, increase the difficulty by shooting while moving and then practicing against moving targets.

EA also recommends using the Firing Range to practice aim, tracking, recoil control, and other mechanical skills.

Don’t Strafe Like a Metronome

One common beginner habit is moving left, then right, then left, then right at exactly the same pace.

That looks like movement, but it isn’t particularly difficult to predict.

Instead, vary your timing.

Move one direction for a moment, change direction, briefly adjust your movement, and occasionally use the environment to break the opponent’s line of sight.

Your objective isn’t to look flashy.

Your objective is to make your opponent’s next shot harder.

Crouching and Changing Your Height

Crouching can be useful during fights, particularly when combined with strafing.

Changing your character’s height can disrupt an opponent’s tracking and create awkward situations in close-range fights.

However, constantly crouch-spamming isn’t a substitute for good positioning.

If you are fighting beside a piece of cover, for example, changing your height while moving around that cover can be much more useful than repeatedly crouching in the open.

Think about where your opponent expects you to be.

Good movement often comes from making small changes that force them to adjust their aim.

Use Cover as Part of Your Movement

One of the biggest mistakes newer players make is treating movement and positioning as separate skills.

They aren’t.

Apex Legends cover movement comparison showing a character running across open ground versus moving safely from cover to cover

Imagine you’re fighting an enemy outside a building.

You could strafe around in the open and hope your movement is enough to keep you alive.

Or you could move between the doorway, wall, box, rock, or other available cover while taking shots.

The second option gives your movement a purpose.

Try to build the habit of asking:

“Where am I moving next if I get shot?”

If you don’t have an answer, your current position may already be too exposed.

Movement During a Gunfight

Movement becomes much more valuable when combined with shooting.

Close-Range Fights

At close range, standing still is usually a bad idea.

Use strafing, crouching, short slides, and nearby cover to make yourself harder to track.

But don’t sacrifice your aim just to move constantly.

There is a point where excessive movement makes your own shots worse.

A useful rule is:

Move enough to make yourself difficult to hit, but not so much that you can’t control your weapon.

That balance is more valuable than performing complicated movement techniques.

Reloading

Reloading creates a vulnerable moment.

Rather than standing in the open while your weapon reloads, use the time to:

  • Move behind cover.
  • Change your angle.
  • Strafe toward safety.
  • Break the enemy’s line of sight.
  • Create enough distance to reset the fight.

The same principle applies when healing.

Don’t automatically heal in the exact location where you took damage. If the enemy knows where you are, reposition first whenever the situation allows it.

Moving While Healing

Healing is another opportunity to think about movement.

If you’re behind solid cover, stay protected.

If your cover is weak or the enemy has an angle on it, consider repositioning before committing to a longer heal.

The goal isn’t to constantly run around while healing. It’s to avoid giving an opponent an easy prediction.

Advanced Apex Legends Movement Techniques

Once the basics become comfortable, you can start experimenting with more advanced movement.

However, there is an important warning here: Apex movement mechanics have changed over the game’s lifespan.

Old movement tutorials can remain popular long after the underlying mechanics have been adjusted. Respawn has previously made changes to tap-strafing and specifically described its intention to alter rapid directional inputs associated with the technique.

For that reason, treat older movement tutorials with caution and verify advanced techniques against current patch notes or in-game behavior before building your playstyle around them.

Bunny Hopping

Bunny hopping refers to maintaining momentum through repeated jumps and movement inputs.

It has historically been used to make certain movement situations more fluid, particularly when repositioning or combining movement with healing.

The exact usefulness and execution of movement techniques can change as Apex evolves, so don’t make bunny hopping your first priority.

If your basic slide jumps and strafing aren’t consistent yet, you’ll get more value from practicing those skills.

Tap-Strafing

Tap-strafing is one of the most well-known advanced Apex movement techniques, particularly among mouse-and-keyboard players.

The term has also been used to describe slightly different movement behaviors, which is one reason older guides can become confusing.

Respawn has previously discussed changes targeting rapid directional commands after jumping, including the movement behavior commonly associated with scroll-wheel tap-strafing.

Because Apex is continuously updated, don’t assume that an old tap-strafing tutorial still describes the current implementation.

If you’re interested in learning it, check the latest game behavior and patch notes first.

Wall Bouncing

Wall bouncing involves using a wall and jump input to redirect your movement.

It can be useful for changing direction quickly or creating an unexpected angle during a fight.

But again, mechanics should come after fundamentals.

A player who can consistently strafe, use cover, slide, and maintain accurate aim will generally benefit more from those skills than a player who knows several flashy techniques but can’t win a basic close-range duel.

Movement and Aim Have to Work Together

Movement is only half of the equation.

If you’re moving perfectly but your crosshair is nowhere near the enemy, you’re not accomplishing much.

When practicing movement, deliberately combine it with aim.

Try this:

  1. Pick a target in the Firing Range.
  2. Strafe left and right.
  3. Keep your crosshair around the target’s upper body.
  4. Fire short bursts.
  5. Change direction.
  6. Repeat without stopping your tracking.

Once that feels comfortable, add slides and jumps.

This gradually teaches your hands to coordinate movement and aiming rather than treating them as two separate skills.

EA’s current PC guidance also emphasizes tracking, crosshair placement, recoil control, and regular Firing Range practice.

Movement for Rotations and Team Play

Movement isn’t only for winning 1v1 fights.

It also affects how effectively your squad rotates around the map.

Apex rewards teams that move together and avoid unnecessary exposure. EA recommends staying close to your squad and using movement options to avoid falling behind.

If your teammates are rotating, don’t take an unnecessary detour just because you spotted some loot.

If you’re crossing an open area, think about the safest route rather than simply taking the shortest one.

If the Ring is closing, holster your weapon when appropriate and focus on getting your squad into a good position.

Movement becomes much more powerful when your entire team arrives at the next fight together.

The Biggest Movement Mistakes Beginners Make

Learning what not to do can save you a lot of time.

1. Moving Constantly Without a Purpose

Movement isn’t automatically useful just because you’re moving.

If you’re already behind cover, there may be no reason to sprint around.

Sometimes the strongest position is simply the one that gives you the best angle and protection.

2. Prioritizing Speed Over Cover

Running quickly into an open area can put you in a worse position than moving slowly between pieces of cover.

Don’t confuse mobility with safety.

3. Practicing Advanced Mechanics Too Early

It’s tempting to spend hours learning complicated movement because it looks impressive.

But if your strafing, slide jumping, aim, and positioning are inconsistent, advanced techniques shouldn’t be your main focus yet.

Build the foundation first.

4. Repeating the Same Movement Pattern

Predictable movement is easy to punish.

If you always strafe in the same direction, always slide at the same distance, or always take the same route around cover, experienced opponents can anticipate you.

5. Forgetting Your Squad

Apex is a team game.

Being mechanically fast doesn’t help much if you leave your teammates behind and start a fight alone.

Stay close enough that your squad can support you when an engagement begins.

A Simple Apex Legends Movement Practice Routine

You don’t need a complicated training schedule.

Spend 10–15 minutes in the Firing Range before playing if you want to work specifically on movement.

Apex Legends movement practice drill showing sprint, slide, slide jump, strafe, aim, and cover in sequence

Drill 1: Slide Jumps

Spend a few minutes moving around the range using sprint → slide → jump.

Focus on consistency rather than speed.

Drill 2: Strafing

Choose a target and strafe from side to side while keeping your crosshair on it.

Change your timing occasionally.

Drill 3: Movement + Shooting

Shoot while strafing.

Concentrate on keeping your aim stable while changing direction.

Drill 4: Cover

Move between pieces of cover and practice exposing yourself only long enough to take shots.

This teaches an important habit: movement should create safer opportunities, not simply make you harder to hit.

Drill 5: Apply It in Real Matches

Finally, stop practicing and play.

Movement needs to become useful under pressure.

A mechanic that works perfectly against a stationary target can feel completely different when you’re low on health, being pushed by a squad, and trying to reach cover.

That is why actual matches are part of the practice process.

Which Apex Legends Are Best for Learning Movement?

Some Legends naturally encourage players to think more about mobility.

Octane

Octane is an obvious choice for movement-focused players because his kit is built around speed and mobility.

His Stim and Launch Pad make it easier to experiment with aggressive repositioning and fast rotations.

If you’re learning how to use movement to create openings, Octane is a natural Legend to explore.

Related article: Apex Legends Octane Guide: Abilities, Tips & Beginner Strategies

Pathfinder

Pathfinder rewards players who pay attention to terrain and positioning.

His mobility encourages you to think vertically and look for creative routes around the map.

Wraith

Wraith’s kit can complement players who enjoy taking aggressive angles and quickly disengaging from dangerous situations.

However, you don’t need a mobility-focused Legend to learn good movement.

The fundamentals apply to every Legend.

Apex currently divides Legends into five classes—Assault, Controller, Recon, Skirmisher, and Support—with Skirmishers specifically focused on fast-paced combat and mobility.

Apex Legends Movement Settings

Your settings can affect how comfortable movement feels.

Rather than copying a professional player’s configuration exactly, start with controls that feel natural and make it easy to access the inputs you use most.

Controller players can also explore Advanced Look Controls if they want more control over aiming and movement. EA describes ALC as settings that provide greater control over these areas.

The most important thing is consistency.

If you constantly change sensitivity, button layouts, or movement settings, it becomes harder to develop reliable muscle memory.

Find a setup that feels comfortable and give yourself time to learn it.

The Movement Rule Most Beginners Get Wrong

Here’s the biggest lesson to take away from this guide:

The best movement isn’t necessarily the fastest movement.

Good movement helps you accomplish something.

Maybe you’re moving toward cover.

Maybe you’re breaking an enemy’s line of sight.

Maybe you’re creating a better angle.

Maybe you’re dodging shots while maintaining your aim.

Maybe you’re rotating with your squad before another team can take the position you want.

If you can’t explain why you’re moving, there’s a good chance you’re moving too much.

That mindset will take you further than memorizing a list of advanced techniques.

Final Thoughts

Apex Legends movement can look intimidating when you watch highly skilled players chaining together advanced mechanics, but you don’t need to master everything at once.

Start with the fundamentals:

  • Sprint efficiently.
  • Holster your weapon when travelling safely.
  • Learn consistent slide jumps.
  • Practice strafing while aiming.
  • Use cover instead of relying purely on speed.
  • Change your movement patterns so you’re harder to predict.
  • Move with your squad.
  • Practice advanced techniques only after the basics feel natural.

Once those habits become automatic, you can start experimenting with more advanced movement mechanics.

And remember that Apex is a live-service game. Movement mechanics can be adjusted over time, so older tutorials aren’t always reliable sources for current techniques. Keep an eye on current updates when learning mechanics such as tap-strafing or other advanced movement techniques.

The goal isn’t to become the flashiest player in the lobby.

It’s to become the player who is consistently in the right place, at the right time, with enough control to win the fight.

Related Apex Legends Articles

Apex Legends Beginner Guide

Apex Legends Movement Guide

Apex Legends Weapons Guide