For close-quarters combat in Apex Legends, several legends excel through their unique abilities for aggressive pushes, evasion, or controlling the battlefield. While the "best" can depend on playstyle, Horizon is exceptionally strong for controlling territory and manipulating vertical space, with her Black Hole ultimate providing crucial utility in close combat to initiate pushes or hold positions. Other top contenders include highly mobile and aggressive legends like Wraith, Octane, and Revenant.
Horizon: The Controller of Close Engagements
Horizon, a Gravitational Manipulator, is renowned for her ability to dominate territory and utilize vertical movement effectively. In close-quarters combat, her Black Hole (Ultimate Ability) is a game-changer. This ability can group enemies together, making them vulnerable to concentrated fire or area-of-effect abilities. It provides a critical window for your team to:
- Push Enemies: By pulling opponents out of cover and into a confined space, the Black Hole sets up devastating attacks, allowing your squad to close the distance and eliminate them swiftly.
- Hold Positions: Conversely, it can be used defensively to deny an area to pushing enemies, buying your team precious time to heal, reload, or reposition during intense close-range firefights.
Her Gravity Lift (Tactical Ability) also contributes to close combat by offering immediate high-ground advantage or escape routes, further enhancing her versatility in tight spaces.
Other Top Contenders for Close Combat
While Horizon offers exceptional control, several other legends are also considered top-tier for direct, aggressive close-combat engagements due to their unique kits that emphasize speed, evasion, and utility.
Aggressive Mobility
- Wraith: Known for her ability to disengage or reposition instantly with Into the Void (Tactical) and create quick rotations or pushes with Dimensional Rift (Ultimate). Her small hitbox also makes her harder to hit in close-range duels.
- Octane: His Stim (Tactical) provides an unparalleled speed boost, perfect for aggressive pushes, flanking enemies, or quickly retreating. His Launch Pad (Ultimate) offers vertical and horizontal mobility, allowing for rapid repositioning or surprising enemy teams.
Disruptors and Duelists
- Revenant: An excellent choice for initiating aggressive pushes with his Death Totem (Ultimate), which grants a second chance. His Silence (Tactical) can disable enemy abilities, making him a formidable opponent in close quarters, stripping away an enemy's defensive or offensive tools.
- Mad Maggie: Excels at flushing enemies out of cover with her Riot Drill (Tactical) and closing distances or creating chaos with her Wrecking Ball (Ultimate), which also leaves behind speed-boosting pads. She's built for aggressive, in-your-face combat.
Factors Defining Close Combat Effectiveness
When choosing an Apex Legend for close combat, consider abilities that provide:
- Mobility: The ability to quickly engage, disengage, or reposition.
- Crowd Control/Area Denial: Abilities that can trap, slow, or displace enemies, making them easier targets.
- Damage Utility: Skills that can directly damage or set up damage opportunities.
- Defensive/Evasive Capabilities: Skills to mitigate incoming damage or avoid being hit.
Summary of Top Close Combat Legends
Here's a quick overview of legends highly effective in close combat scenarios:
| Legend | Primary Strength in Close Combat | Key Ability for Close Combat |
|---|---|---|
| Horizon | Territory Control & Push/Hold Utility | Black Hole (Ultimate): Groups enemies, sets up pushes, or denies areas. |
| Wraith | Evasion & Rapid Repositioning | Into the Void (Tactical): Become invulnerable for quick disengages or pushes. |
| Octane | Aggressive Pushes & Speed | Stim (Tactical): Significant speed boost for relentless aggression and flanking. |
| Revenant | Disruption & Aggressive Initiation | Death Totem (Ultimate): Enables safe, aggressive pushes; Silence (Tactical): Disables enemy abilities for easier eliminations. |
| Mad Maggie | Flushing & Direct Aggression | Riot Drill (Tactical): Forces enemies out of cover; Wrecking Ball (Ultimate): Creates chaos and speeds up allies for rapid assaults. |
Ultimately, the "best" close combat legend integrates seamlessly with team composition and individual playstyle. However, legends that offer exceptional mobility, crowd control, or direct combat advantages consistently stand out in high-intensity, close-quarters engagements in Apex Legends.
