All SMGs tier list for Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2

Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2 debuted on December 17, 2024, for all regions across the globe. Featuring the mid-season update, this patch has made some unique modifications that has altered the gun meta and balance landscape within the title. Naturally, to keep up with the trends and to get your hands on the meta-tier weapons in the game, we have compiled the SMGs tier list for Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2.

The SMGs tier list for Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2 will rank the sub-machine guns in the game from S-tier to D-tier. To know more about them, read below.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer’s opinion.

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All Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2 SMGs tier list

Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2 features a total of five SMGs, all of which have been carefully placed in their respective tiers with careful consideration with regards to the following factors:

• Damage Output
• Recoil
• Pick rate
• Situational effectiveness

Moreover, the weapons are ranked based on five tiers: S, A, B, and C, with S being the highest tier and C the lowest.

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S-tier

The S-tier weapon effectively dominates the meta in Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2. It influences gameplay strategies. This weapon has the highest damage output, high rate of fire, stable recoil, and is effective in every situation. This weapon has the highest pick rate in the SMG category.

In the SMGs tier list, the S-tier weapon:

• C.A.R.

C.A.R. (Image via Respawn Entertainment/Sportskeeda)

The C.A.R. is a fast-firing submachine gun that utilizes both light and heavy ammunition, making it a versatile and effective firearm. It excels in close-range fighting thanks to its rapid rate of fire, which allows players to dispatch enemies at short range.

Despite SMGs not being hard meta in the on-going season, we believe that tthe effectiveness and versatility of the C.A.R. SMG is what makes it one of best weapons in the game in Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2.

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A-tier

The A-tier weapons are also good and effective and are considered the next best option after the S-tier. These weapons are often well-balanced and offer strong performance across various situations, making them popular choices among players

In the SMGs tier list, the A-tier weapons are:

• Volt
• Prowler

Volt

Volt (Image via Respawn Entertainment/Sportskeeda)

Introduced in Season 6 of Apex Legends, Volt quickly became popular among players due to its versatility and effectiveness in close-range engagements. It is a deadly weapon and our first pick when it comes to the A-tier for our Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2 SMGs tier list.

We believe that the Volt falls in the A-tier due to its situational effectiveness, and its general consistency in dishing out damage. While it might not have the fastest firing rate when it comes to sub-machine guns in the game, the Volt has the power to deal with the most consistent damage.

Being an Energy-based weapon, the Volt doesn't have much damage fall-off or bullet-drop. This makes it quite versatile, and in our opinion, powerful enough to be in the A-tier in our SMG tier list.

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Prowler Burst PDW

Prowler (Image via Respawn Entertainment/Sportskeeda)

The Prowler Burst PDW is a great burst SMG that offers high accuracy and allows players to deal precise damage to their targets at close to medium range. Equipping with level 3 laser sight allows the player to hip fire more accurately, making it highly effective.

The Prowler shoots in a burst of five, and with each bullet dealing 15 HP damage to the body, you can effectively deal 75 damage per shot. The weapon, like others, has a headshot multiplier, and naturally, with such beefy stats, it becomes our next pick for the A-tier in the SMGs tier list for Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2.

Furthermore, the Prowler PDW also has the highest magazine capacity compared to its counterparts. With a Level 3 Extended Magazine attachment, the weapon features a 35-round magazine. If you consider the stats discussed above, it becomes pretty evident how powerful this weapon truly is.

You might be interested in: 5 worst drop spots in World’s Edge in Apex Legends Season 23

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B-tier

The B-tier weapon excels in specific scenarios but lacks the versatility and consistency of higher-tier options. The weapon is considered average and has certain drawbacks which can be fixed with nerfs. While this weapon may not be the most popular choice, it still has its strengths and can be effective in the hands of skilled players.

In the SMGs tier list, the B-tier weapon is:

• Alternator

Alternator (Image via Respawn Entertainment/Liquipedia)

The Alternator is a perfect choice for beginners due to its slow rate of fire. It has decent damage output and manageable recoil, allowing players to maintain accuracy in crucial situations. This makes it easier for players to land consecutive shots on target, especially when engaging enemies at close range.

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C-tier

C-tier weapons are generally considered below average due to their lower damage output, slower fire rates, and poor handling. These weapons are less effective in crucial situations, making them less preferred by players who often use them as a last resort.

In the SMGs tier list, the C-tier weapon is:

R-99

R-99 (Image via Respawn Entertainment)

The R-99 is the worst SMG in the current meta. It has a small magazine size and horrendous recoil, which makes it difficult to control during sustained fire. The weapon heavily relies on attachments to reach its full potential and remains quite underwhelming compared to its competitors.

You might be interested in: 5 best team compositions for Lifeline Revived in Apex Legends Season 23

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These are the SMGs tier list for Apex Legends Season 23 Split 2. However, it should be noted that the SMGs tier list will likely change depending on the nerfs or buffs that the weapons receive in the future.

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