Apex Legends Most Powerful Weapon Type Is Currently at the Bottom of the Barrel in Season 23

In the fast-evolving world of Apex Legends, the developers at Respawn Entertainment are constantly tweaking the balance of weapons to keep the gameplay fresh, exciting, and dynamic. With each new season, players can expect a variety of changes, from new weapons to changes to existing ones. These changes are designed to shake up the meta and encourage new strategies.

In Season 23, it looks like one of the game’s most powerful weapon classes, the Submachine Guns (SMGs), has been hit very hard with balance changes that have left it in a less-than-ideal state. They have been replaced by the Shotguns and long-time players are voicing their concern over social media platforms and gaming forums.

SMGs Have Fallen From Grace in Apex Legends Season 23

SMGs have long become the bread and butter of players who love to play aggressively and at close-range combat in Apex Legends. Weapons like the R-99, Volt, and Alternator were the staples of the weapon pool, with many players relying on their rapid fire and high damage output to dominate in tight spaces.

With SMGs taking a backseat in the new Season 23, players are finding themselves leaning more toward Shotguns, LMGs, and even Sniper Rifles for close to mid-range combat. Particularly, shotguns have become a staple in the loadouts due to the changes made to Gibraltar’s bubble and the improved capability of healing items.

The new meta revolves around a hit-and-run style of play: using a shotgun at the edge of the bubble, peeking out to take a shot, and then quickly retreating to safety (healing up if needed). With the effectiveness of healing increased this season, this tactic has proven to be more effective than ever.

While some players are happy to see SMGs no longer dominate the meta after years of being top-tier, many are frustrated by how weak SMGs feel now. One player summed up the reaction on Reddit with a question:

What is the point of SMGs right now?
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The reaction to the new meta is divided. While some players are enjoying the shift away from SMGs, others are calling for adjustments to help these weapons regain their former power. Despite the changes, the community is still engaged, with players discussing everything from weapon balancing to the various updates brought by Season 23.

Players Looking Forward to The Road Ahead

As the community continues to send mixed signals over SMG changes, the question remains: will Respawn respond to these concerns and bring the class weapons back into balance, or is the time of SMGs in Apex Legends officially over? For now, it looks like players will have to adapt to the current weapon meta and make the most of the tools at their disposal.

In the meantime, SMG gamers may need to take a backseat and explore other powerful options like the shotguns and LMGs that have been dominating the game. It’s time to dominate the battlefield with Mastiff’s devastating damage, the Rampart’s LMG setup, or the close-range precision of the P2020 with Hammerpoint.

There are plenty of options for players who are feeling disappointed with the current state of the entire SMG class. With changes and balances coming every season alongside changes with different patches, players never know when the SMGs will find their groove again.

In the end, one thing is clear: in Apex Legends Season 23, the power balance has shifted, and SMGs are currently at the bottom of the barrel (maybe not behind Snipers). But, like every season before it, this could all change with the next patch.