You’ve probably seen the mid-January chaos. If you dropped into a match this week, you likely noticed something felt a bit... off. Or maybe just different. Everyone is carrying this sleek, dual-purpose machine that sounds like a lawnmower on steroids.
The Flex SMG has officially arrived.
It isn't just another spray-and-pray tool. Honestly, it’s basically two guns in one, and it’s making the old "SMG vs. AR" debate feel kinda irrelevant. Usually, when Epic Games drops a new weapon in Fortnite, we get a week of "it's too OP" followed by a nerf that kills it. But the Flex SMG is weird. It’s smart.
What is the Flex SMG and why is everyone using it?
Let’s get the basics out of the way. The Flex SMG dropped with the v39.20 update on January 9, 2026. It's a fully automatic submachine gun, but it has a "variable" firing personality.
If you’re hip-firing, the thing is a buzzsaw. It’s fast. You’re looking at rapid-fire lead that melts through wooden builds and panic-walls like they aren't even there. But then you aim down sights (ADS). Suddenly, the fire rate slows down. The shots become meaty. Powerful.
It feels more like a tactical carbine than an SMG when you're looking through the glass.
The Stats You Actually Care About
According to the latest data from sources like Esports Insider and community testers, the damage profile is surprisingly consistent.
- Body Damage: 17 (Legendary variant).
- Headshot Multiplier: 1.5x (roughly 26 damage per headshot).
- Rarity: You can find it in everything from Common (Grey) to Mythic.
It’s currently outclassing the Holo Rush SMG because it doesn't force you into a single playstyle. You don't have to carry a mid-range rifle if you're good with the Flex's ADS mode. That frees up an inventory slot for extra minis or a South Park-themed consumable like the new Cheesy Poofs.
How the New Weapon in Fortnite Fits Into the Chapter 7 Meta
The Chapter 7 Season 1 meta has been dominated by the Deadeye AR and the Iron Pump Shotgun. We all know the drill: hit 'em with the Deadeye from 50 meters, then close the gap for the one-pump.
But the Flex SMG is the first real threat to that routine.
Basically, the Flex SMG fills the "gap" between those two extremes. If you miss your first pump shot, you can swap to the Flex and finish the job faster than a Tactical Pistol ever could. Pro players are starting to realize that the Flex SMG in ADS mode is stable enough to beam people off of grind rails and wingsuits.
Is it better than the Twin Hammer Shotguns?
Honestly, it depends on how you play. The Twin Hammers are great for sustained pressure, but the Flex SMG offers more versatility. If you’re caught in the open in Zero Build, the Flex is your best friend. It’s the "Swiss Army Knife" of the current loot pool.
Where to Find the Flex SMG and Its Mythic Version
You can find the standard versions of the Flex SMG literally anywhere—chests, floor loot, and even the occasional vending machine. But if you want the version that truly breaks the game, you’re looking for the Mythic drop.
Current rumors and player reports suggest that the higher-tier versions are popping up more frequently in the new Sus Studios POI. It's a hot drop, so be ready to fight. If you’re playing Ranked, expect at least three other teams to be contesting the area just to get their hands on a Gold or Mythic Flex.
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Why Some Players Are Actually Annoyed
Not everyone is happy.
A common complaint on the Fortnite subreddits right now is that the Flex SMG makes the Dual Micro SMGs look like trash. And they’re not wrong. The Dual Micros have a faster fire rate, but their magazine size is so small that if you miss three shots, you’re basically dead. The Flex is more forgiving.
There’s also the "identity crisis" factor. Some "OG" players think a new weapon in Fortnite shouldn't try to be an SMG and a rifle at the same time. They want clear roles. But hey, Epic loves to keep us on our toes.
Quick Survival Tips for Using the Flex
- Stop Tapping: In ADS mode, don't tap-fire. The recoil is predictable enough that you can just hold the trigger and let the slower fire rate do the work.
- The Box-Fight Secret: If someone is turtling in a 1x1, use the hip-fire to break the wall, but immediately switch to ADS the second the wall breaks. The transition is fast enough to catch them off guard.
- Ammo Management: It uses small ammo. Since the fire rate is so high in hip-fire, you will run out of bullets faster than you think. Carry at least 400 rounds if you plan on making this your primary.
The Future of the Flex SMG
Will it stay? Probably for the rest of Season 1. Epic usually sticks with these hybrid designs for at least one full season to see how they affect the FNCS (though there isn't a traditional FNCS this particular season, competitive play is still heavy).
The real question is whether they’ll buff the Arc Lightning Gun to compete with it. Right now, the Lightning Gun is... well, it’s kinda useless compared to the Flex.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, stop ignoring the grey and green Flex SMGs you see on the floor. Pick them up. Get used to the rhythm of the fire rate change. It’s the most important new weapon in Fortnite we’ve seen in months, and mastering it is the quickest way to those Chapter 7 Victory Royales.
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Next Steps for Your Loadout:
Jump into a Creative 2.0 map or a standard Battle Royale match and focus specifically on the transition between hip-fire and ADS. Notice the "click" in the fire rate. Once you can intuitively switch between the two modes without thinking, you'll be able to win mid-range trades that you'd normally lose with a standard SMG. Check the Sus Studios area specifically for higher-rarity spawns to test the Legendary damage profile.