Apex Legends Season 24 Split 2 officially launched on March 25, 2025, bringing with it significant adjustments to various weaponry. While the community anticipated a shift in the meta dominated by submachine guns (SMGs), surprises unfolded as an underperforming pistol transformed into a formidable choice. This article delves into the unexpected rise of this pistol as a top-tier, close-range weapon in the current season.
Unveiling the Best Close-Range Pistol in Apex Legends Season 24
P2020 Pistol: The Unexpected Challenger
The P2020 pistol has recently emerged as a central player in the current meta of Apex Legends Season 24 Split 2. Despite a seemingly minor buff introduced in the mid-season update, its effects have proven to be revolutionary for gameplay.
- Improved laser effectiveness compared to other weapons.
“Dev Notes: The P2020 had worse-than-average scaling with the lasers as the base hipfire was better than its peers. We’ve decided to remove this and lean harder into its hipfire accuracy being a part of its identity.”
The Mechanics Behind the P2020’s Rise
To comprehend the P2020’s ascent to prominence, it’s essential to analyze the impact of its recent adjustments. Previously, its base hipfire spread lagged behind other pistols and SMGs, rendering it less viable in close encounters. Although it had the option for a Laser Sight, the results were often disappointing when compared to other alternatives.
The latest modifications have greatly enhanced the weapon’s hipfire capabilities. In intense close-quarter combat scenarios, the P2020 can now outperform leading SMGs like the C.A.R., Volt, and R-99, making it a powerful sidearm choice.
Exploring New Possibilities
The introduction of Akimbo weapons in Season 22 opened new avenues for gameplay, allowing players to dual-wield certain firearms. The P2020—and the Mozambique—were the selected weapons for this feature. While their effectiveness was initially questioned, the P2020 in dual-wield mode has emerged as perhaps the strongest close-quarters weapon currently available.
Choosing the P2020 as a secondary tool provides players with a weapon boasting a generous magazine capacity and enhanced hipfire accuracy. It can efficiently eliminate enemies in critical moments, delivering impressive time-to-kill (TTK) rates for close combat. Being semi-automatic, the P2020 mitigates the risk of wasting ammunition that often accompanies high-fire-rate SMGs.