Apex Legends

Overview

Apex Legends is a free-to-play sci-fi first-person survival-shooter developed by Respawn and published digitally by Electronic Arts for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC (via Origin) on February 4, 2019. It was later released via Steam on November 4, 2020 and received a port for the Nintendo Switch on March 9, 2021.

A spin-off of the Titanfall series, Apex Legends brings a modern battle royale twist (similar to PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUNDS and the Battle Royale mode in Fortnite) to the fast-paced futuristic universe. As such, some of the series' traditional gameplay elements (including the Titan mechs and wall-running) have been scrapped.

The game takes place sometime after the end of the Frontier War (the conflict set in the main Titanfall games), where those in the now-barren Frontier worlds are now making their way to a remote cluster of planets known as the Outlands. Used to spending their lives in conflict, some of its inhabitants participate in a bloodsport known as the "Apex Games".

Each standard match of Apex Legends features either 20 three-player squads (for the original "Trios" mode) or 30 two-player squads (for the post-release "Duos" mode), with each squadmate as their own unique "Legend", as they scatter for loot and fight to be the last team standing. Similar to other Hero Shooters (such as Overwatch), each Legend has a variety of special abilities to aid themselves (and their teammates) in battle. Players can make use of two unique features to aid them in combat: Intelligent Inventory (an intuitive inventory and weapon management system) and Smart Comms (a contextual "ping" system to help communicate with squadmates).

As standard with similar free-to-play games, Apex Legends uses a multi-currency system (including "Crafting Metals" for common items, "Legend Tokens" for rarer items, and premium "Apex Coins", the latter of which are usually purchased with real money), randomized loot boxes ("Apex Packs"), and a seasonal multi-tier Battle Pass system for time-limited rewards. Certain characters, mainly newer ones, must be purchased with either Legend Tokens or Apex Coins. Additional characters, cosmetics, weapons, maps, game modes, and quality-of-life updates (such as cross-platform multiplayer) have been regularly added since the game's original release.

A mobile version of the game for iOS and Android devices, ported by LightSpeed Studios, was released on May 17, 2022 as Apex Legends Mobile. This version was later shut down on May 1, 2023.

Gameplay

Communication

Apex Legends features a robust pinging feature that allows players to communicate in-game through HUD icons and character dialog. A single tap of the pinging button/key will place a neutral marker, while a double tap will call out hostiles in that area. Players can also hold down the button/key to access more options. All items in the world, such as weapons, ammo, attachments, ziplines, supply crates, and more, can be pinged to call them out to squadmates.

Battle Royale

The standard large-scale survival-shooter game mode, with each match putting up to 60 players in one gigantic battlefield, with twenty squads of three players (Trio) or thirty squads of two players (Duos). Players build up their inventory from items scattered across the map and attempt to win the match by being the last squad standing, as eliminated squads cannot respawn.

In this mode, all players start on a dropship flying in a straight path across the map. The squad's automatically-designated "Jumpmaster" can, at any time, begin skydiving the squad into the battlefield. The Jumpmaster can also relinquish the role and squadmates can optionally deploy by themselves (or split off from the Jumpmaster at any time).

The mode makes use of a feature called the "Death Box", where dead players drop a small crate containing all of the items they had in their inventory (rather than scattered around them). Players can interact with the crate using a menu interface, scavenging for weapons, ammo, attachments, and other items. Squadmates can also interact with the crate to recover their Banner Card, which can be used at a Respawn Beacon to bring them back into the match with no items. If the squad fails to recover a Banner Card within 90 seconds of their death, they can no longer be respawned.

Ranked Leagues

The mode is also used for Ranked Leagues, where players spend Ranked Points (RP) to participate in Trios matches (on a particular map) and receive RP for their match placement and kills/assists. Ranked Leagues were added in Season 2 and, beginning with Season 4, reset progress half-way into the Season (known as "Ranked Splits").

There are six player tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Master) and players are matchmade with players of similar tiers, with the top 750 players given the designation of "Apex Predator". At the end of the Season, players earn bonus cosmetics for their highest tier placement (with the highest tier granting a special trailing effect while skydiving.

Ranked Leagues also make use of abandon penalties, where leaving matches can cause players to forfeit their gained RP (while losing an additional entry's worth) and get locked out from all modes. Players who disconnect due to issues can also receive a penalty if they fail to reconnect within a short time. Players are free to leave once their team is eliminated or once they can no longer respawn. The game also includes "Loss Forgiveness", where players on a team with an abandoning player or partial squad do not receive negative RP for the match.

Maps

Kings Canyon

Included with the original release, Kings Canyon is a temperate island on the planet Solace with several scientific outposts from the defunct Interstellar Manufacturing Corporation.

Its notable features are the Supply Ship (a roaming mobile aerial Hot Zone that travels to random destinations on the map) and Loot Ticks (stationary destructables that can be destroyed for loot).

A special nighttime variant was used for the limited-time Shadowfall game mode, and was later used in the map rotation (as "Kings Canyon After Dark").

Updates

In Season 2, the map was revamped after an EMP blast allowed nearby wildlife to invade, causing destruction of certain settlements near the river at the center. Leviathans are monolithic creatures that can raise their feet to expose loot under them, but can kill unsuspecting Legends by stomping down. Flyers are winged creatures that can drop randomized death boxes when eliminated. In addition, new settlements were added, including a six-story structure known as the Cage.

In Season 5, the map was further changed after a large chunk of the southwest portion of the map (containing the former Skull Town and Thunderdome) sank into the sea, forming the Broken Coast and its newly-constructed industrial rig (Salvage). In addition, the northeast portion of the map was reworked with a massive rig (Offshore Rig) and an unearthed structure (Capacitor). Leviathans also made their way off the island. This change also introduced Charge Towers (massive glowing devices that, when activated, restores the Ultimate Ability of all players on its platform) and Loot Bunkers (special armory bunkers that unlocked throughout the Season).

In Season 8, the map was further changed after a large gunship crashed on the northwestern portion of the map (forming the Crash Site). Slum Lakes was also reworked into Spotted Lakes. Loot Bunkers and The Farm were removed and Leviathans returned. This change also introduces Observation Towers (tall sniper towers which require activation) and Explosive Holds (artillery pods that can be opened with explosive ordnance).

In Season 14, the map was further changed after the salvage opration was completed and cleaned up (forming the area Relic).

World's Edge

Added in Season 3, World's Edge is a volcanic area on the planet Talos made inhabitable due to heat-reducing towers. However, the land was made deserted by a lethal flash freeze due to an exploded tower ("The Epicenter") decades before.

Its notable features include Geysers (which launch Legends faster than Balloons), Cargo Bots (which fly around the map and can be downed for loot), and Vaults (which are full of rare loot and can only be accessed through Vault Keys dropped by some Cargo Bots). It originally featured a Train, a roaming mobile Hot Zone that traveled around a specific path on the map.

Updates

In Season 4, the map was revamped after the arrival of a gigantic structure known as the "Planet Harvester", destroying some settlements while splitting Capitol City into two fragments (East and West). It also added a new northern settlement, Survey Camp, which introduce new "Weapon Racks" (guaranteed weapon spawns). In addition, this season added Updrafts, where players who jump into lava fissures will be carried back up while taking damage.

In Season 6, the map was further changed as Hammond Industries continued developing on it. New passageways and tunnels are added, as well as new settlements (Countdown and Staging) and new usable panels, or "Blast Walls", that raise large bridges. The roaming Train was removed, and new broken-down Trains appear throughout the map.

In Season 10, the map was further changed as the battlefield is breaking apart due to the Planet Harvester. Refinery, Sorting Factory, and Train Yard has been destroyed (turning into Climatizer, Lava Siphon, and Landslide) and new automatically-running gondolas are added.

Olympus

Added in Season 7, Olympus is a utopian city floating in the clouds above the planet Psamathe. However, it was evacuated 40 years after an accident led to the creation of a massive bubble of Phase energy, which has been growing unstable.

Its notable features include Tridents (three-seat vehicles for quicker transportation) and the Phase Runner (an always-on Phase portal connecting between multiple areas throughout the map). Later in the Season, Loot MRVNs were introduced that gave loot when charged and interacted with.

Updates

In Season 9, the map was changed as a large derelict vessel (known as The Icarus) docked on the Crossroads.

In Season 12, the map was further changed with a large structure, known as the Phase Driver. The device can be interacted with to give high-tier loot (but will alert all nearby players).

Storm Point

Added in Season 11, Storm Point is a tropical coast on the planet Gaea, home to a long-forgotten IMC research base.

Its notable features include Gravity Cannons (as a replacement for redeployment balloons) which launch players in a predestined direction but allows them complete control of their weapons and abilities. In addition, new types of wildlife (including special Wildlife Nests) can give EVO Armor points, "smart loot" (ammo based on the squad's loadouts), and crafting materials when eliminated.

Updates

In Season 13, the map was changed as the corpse of a giant sea creature (known as the Downed Beast) docked on the shoreline. IMC Armories are also added, allowing teams to acquire smart loot if they survive 60 seconds of Spectre waves.

Broken Moon

Added in Season 15, Broken Moon is a colonized chunk of the broken moon Cleo, orbiting above the planet Boreas.

E-District

Added in Season 22, E-District is a dense urban island in the city of Suotamo on the planet Gaea.

Arenas

Added in Season 9, Arenas is a competitive mode where two teams of three engage in round-based combat. Players must purchase all of their starting weapons, gear, and ability charges prior the start of each round (similar to games like VALORANT and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive), and must eliminate all opponents to win. As of Season 16, this mode is no longer available.

Players win each match by winning at least three rounds, winning two more rounds than the opposing team (similar to the "advantage scoring" rules of tennis). On the fourth "tiebreaker" round (round 11), the game goes into a faster Sudden Death round to determine the match winner.

Similar to Battle Royale, Arenas mode makes use of The Ring to herd players into a specific portion of the arena (which changes on each round). Respawn Beacons and Survival Items are unavailable. Supply Crates are available near the center of the arena, and a Care Package drops (with three pre-determined fully-kitted weapons) after a certain amount of time.

Inventory

After purchasing weapons, players can spend additional amounts to upgrade them in pre-made kits (first for a Common kit, then for a Rare kit, then for an Epic kit). Each upgrade also unlocks their corresponding optics, which can be switched for free. Weapons do not carry over between rounds, and ammo cannot be purchased.

Gear that can be purchased include Syringes, Shield Cells, Med Kits, Shield Batteries, Frag Grenades, Thermite Grenades, Arc Stars, and Legendary Backpacks (with the Guardian Angel perk equipped). Players can only carry up to 3 of each Throwable (with the exception of Fuse).

While player Abilities are unlimited in Battle Royale mode, Arenas limits the amount of times (or "charges") each player can use their Tactical Ability in a single round. Players can opt to purchase additional charges before the round begins. Ultimate Abilities are no longer built-up over time and must be purchased, with most Ultimate Abilities only purchasable once every 1-2 rounds. Any leftover abilities purchased are carried over to the next round.

Players no longer start with Evo Shields, instead starting with a Helmet and Body Shield whose grades are determined by the round (Rare for rounds 1-2, Epic for rounds 3+). In rounds 9-11, the Body Shield is Heirloom. Players always start with a Common-grade Knockdown Shield, Epic-grade Backpack, two Syringes, and two Shield Cells. In rounds 3+, players also start with a Shield Battery.

Mixtape

Added in Season 16, Mixtape is a casual playlist that rotates between three game modes, all of which have infinite respawns, infinite ammo, and no knockdown state:

• Control - Two three-squad teams fight to capture and hold three Capture Zones, gaining points each second for each Zone held. Players respawn in waves at their chosen location (including their team's "home base"). Five weapon loadouts are available, and players upgrade their gear per life by earning points. Players have infinite shield items and regenerating health. Uses maps based on specific locales in Battle Royale mode. Originally a LTM beginning in Season 12.

• Gun Run - Four squads fight to cycle through 25 different weapons, including an exclusive Throwing Knife, by getting a single kill with each of them. Players have infinite shield items and regenerating health. Uses Arena maps. Originally a LTM beginning in Season 14.

• Team Deathmatch - Two two-squad teams fight to be the first to obtain a certain amount of combined kills. Five weapon loadouts are available. Players have infinite health items and regenerating shields. Uses Arena maps.

Arena & Mixtape Maps

Arena, Gun Run, Team Deathmatch

Unique:

• Party Crasher
• Phase Runner
• Overflow (added on July 13, 2021)
• Encore (added on October 12, 2021)
• Habitat 4 (added on January 11, 2022)
• Drop-Off (added on March 29, 2022)
• Thunderdome (added on February 13, 2024)

From King's Canyon:

• Artillery
• Skull Town (added on June 29, 2021)
• Hillside (added on August 3, 2021)

From World's Edge:

• Thermal Station
• Dome (added on August 3, 2021)
• Fragment East (added ???)

From Olympus:

• Golden Gardens
• Oasis (added on August 3, 2021)
• Estates (added ???)

From Storm Point:

• The Wall (added ???)

From Broken Moon:

• The Core (added on August 8, 2023)

Control

• Caustic Treatment (King's Canyon)
• Lava Siphon (World's Edge)
• Hammond Labs (Olympus)
• Barometer (Storm Point)
• Production Yard (Broken Moon)
• Thunderdome

Inventory

Weapons

Players can find a variety of weapons in the battlefield, each split into six ammo types (Light Rounds, Heavy Rounds, Energy Ammo, Shotgun Shells, Sniper Ammo, and Arrows). While all weapons (with some exceptions) have the same rarity, weapon attachments vary in rarity.

Players can only equip two weapons at a time and cannot hold them in their main inventory. Equipping them does not take up any of their inventory slots.

In rare occasions, players can find special Legendary versions of a weapon (known as Fully Kitted weapons), all of which have a unique predetermined set of attachments (none of which can be replaced). In addition, some of the more powerful weapons (such as the Kraber) are Heirloom, can only be found in Care Packages, have their own supply of Mythic Ammo (that cannot be replenished), and cannot use attachments.

Assault Rifles

• R-301 Carbine (Light Rounds) - Fully-automatic assault rifle with a fast rate-of-fire. Can be toggled into semi-automatic for better control, and can use Barrel Stabilizer attachments.

• Hemlok Burst AR (Heavy Rounds) - Assault rifle that fires in three-round bursts. Can be toggled into semi-automatic for better control, and can use Barrel Stabilizer attachments.

• VK-47 Flatline (Heavy Rounds) - Fully-automatic assault rifle with a slow rate-of-fire. Can be toggled into semi-automatic for better control.

• HAVOC Rifle (Energy Ammo) - Fully-automatic assault rifle that must be "spun-up" prior to firing by holding down the trigger. Added on February 20, 2019.

• Nemesis Burst AR (Energy Ammo) - Assault rifle that fires in four-round bursts. Can be rapidly fired when the trigger is held, with the firing rate increasing on continuous use. Can use Barrel Stabilizer attachments. Added in Season 16.

Submachine Guns

• R-99 SMG (Light Rounds) - Fully-automatic sub-machine gun with a faster rate-of-fire. Can use Laser Sight attachments. Currently a Care Package weapon as of Season 22.

• Alternator SMG (Light Rounds) - Fully-automatic sub-machine gun with a slower rate-of-fire and improved horizontal recoil. Can use Laser Sight attachments.

• Prowler Burst PDW (Heavy Rounds) - Sub-machine gun with a five-round burst. Can use Laser Sight attachments.

• C.A.R. SMG (Heavy Rounds) - Fully-automatic sub-machine gun with an optional firing mode that uses Light Rounds instead. Can equip either Heavy or Light Extended Magazine attachments to boost magazine size, but cannot use Barrel Stabilizer attachments. Added in Season 11.

• Volt SMG (Energy Ammo) - Fully-automatic sub-machine gun with improved recoil. Can use Laser Sight attachments. Added in Season 6.

Light Machine Guns

All LMGs have a unique perk where their recoil spread while hip-firing gets tighter the longer the weapon is firing.

• M600 Spitfire (Light Rounds) - Fully-automatic light-machine gun with a consistent rate-of-fire. Can use Barrel Stabilizer attachments. Used Heavy Rounds prior to Season 14.

• Rampage (Heavy Rounds) - Fully-automatic light-machine gun with a slower consistent rate-of-fire. Can be "revved up" temporarily by expending a Thermite Grenade on it, giving up to 90 seconds of increased firing rate (with each shot shortening that timer). Added in Season 10.

• Devotion LMG (Energy Ammo) - Fully-automatic light-machine gun with a rate-of-fire that builds up the longer it fires. Can use Barrel Stabilizer attachments. Currently a Care Package weapon as of Season 21.

• L-STAR EMG (Energy Ammo) - Fully-automatic light-machine gun with larger, slower projectiles. Does not require reloading, but can overheat if the trigger is held down too long. Extended Energy Ammo attachments allow it to fire more shots before overheating. Added in Season 3.

Marksman Weapons

• G7 Scout (Light Rounds) - Semi-automatic precision rifle. Can use Barrel Stabilizer attachments. Was classified as a Sniper Rifle prior to Season 4 and as an Assault Rifle prior to Season 9.

• 30-30 Repeater (Heavy Rounds) - Semi-automatic lever-action rifle with chamber-fed reloading (which gets faster on longer reloads). Can charge up shots by aiming down the sight for additional damage. Added in Season 8 and was classified as an Assault Rifle prior to Season 9.

• Triple Take (Energy Ammo) - Semi-automatic triple-barreled precision rifle with a fully-horizontal spread and an optional "precision choke" firing mode (in which aiming down the sight "charges" the shot for a tighter, more accurate spread). Was classified as a Sniper Rifle prior to Season 9 and used Sniper Ammo between Seasons 4-8.

• Bocek Compound Bow (Arrows) - Compound single-shot bow. Can charge up shots by holding down the Fire button for increased accuracy and damage, and launching charged arrows at a consistent rate ramps up the time it takes to fully charge. An optional "shatter caps" firing mode allows hip-fired shots to split into multiple fragments for shorter ranged "shotgun" blasts. Uses a 3X HCOG Ranger scope. Added in Season 9. Currently a Care Package weapon (as of Season 16).

Sniper Rifles

• Longbow DMR (Sniper Ammo) - Semi-automatic precision rifle. Used Heavy Ammo prior to Season 4.

• Charge Rifle (Sniper Ammo) - Railgun that must be charged-up prior to firing, firing bolts at a fasttrajectory (which get more damaging the longer it travels, pierces through enemies, and forces doors open). Added in Season 3. Used Energy Ammo prior to Season 4. Prior to Season 18, this was more of a beam rifle, charging up as a weaker continuous beam before delivering a heavy instantaneous pulse.

• Sentinel (Sniper Ammo) - Bolt-action sniper rifle. Can be "charged up" temporarily by expending two Shield Cells on it, giving up to two minutes of increased damage (with each shot shortening that timer). Firing in a consistent rate ramps up the rate-of-fire. Added in Season 4.

• Kraber .50-cal Sniper (Sniper Ammo, Care Package) - Bolt-action sniper rifle with very high stopping power and accuracy, at the cost of a very slow firing rate and very weak handling. Has a 6x/10x variable zoom scope. Unlike other weapons, the Kraber has been a standard Care Package weapon since the game's release.

Shotguns

• Mozambique Shotgun (Shotgun Shells) - Fully-automatic triple-barreled shotgun pistol with a three-pellet "triangle" spread. Second Mozambique can be used akimbo, sacrificing optics and reload speed for faster firing. Cannot use Stock attachments.

• EVA-8 Auto (Shotgun Shells) - Fully-automatic shotgun that fires in an eight-pellet "figure-8" spread.

• Peacekeeper (Shotgun Shells) - Lever-action shotgun with a eleven-pellet "star" spread. Can toggle a "precision choke" mode where aiming down the sight "charges" the shot for a tighter, more accurate spread. Cannot use Stock attachments.

• Mastiff Shotgun (Shotgun Shells) - Semi-automatic shotgun with chamber-fed reloading and an eight-pellet fully-horizontal spread. Cannot use Stock attachments. Was originally a Care Package weapon prior to Season 5.

Pistols

• RE-45 Auto (Light Rounds) - Fully-automatic handgun with increased damage to shielded targets. Can use Laser Sight attachments.

• P2020 (Light Rounds) - Semi-automatic handgun. Second P2020 can be used akimbo, sacrificing optics and reload speed for faster firing. Can use Laser Sight attachments.

• Wingman (Sniper Ammo) - Double-action revolver with high stopping power. Cannot use Barrel Stabilizer or Extended Magazine attachments. Used Heavy Rounds prior to Season 14.

Weapon Attachments

• Optics - Sights and scopes that improve magnification while aiming down the sight. While most common scopes can be used on any weapon, rarer ones can only be used for certain weapons (such as Sniper scopes, which can only be used for SRs). Certain scopes include variable zooming (allowing players to change magnification by pressing Sprint while aiming), while legendary scopes offer threat highlighting (showing enemies with a red highlight, even through smoke).

• Barrel Stabilizers / Laser Sights - Barrel Stabilizers improve recoil reduction and are used for some long-ranged weapons, while Laser Sights improve hipfire spread and are used for some close-ranged weapons.

• Stocks - Improves the weapon's drift while aiming, as well as the speed at which the weapon is deployed, undeployed, raised, lowered, and reloaded. Two versions are used: Standard (for ARs, SMGs, LMGs, and Shotguns) and Sniper (for SRs and most MWs). Not used for Pistols.

• Extended Magazines / Shotgun Bolts - Extended Magazines increase the magazine size for weapons with either Light, Heavy, Energy, or Sniper ammo, with Legendary versions reloading the weapon while holstered. Shotgun Bolts increase the firing rate for weapons with Shotgun ammo, with Legendary versions reloading shells while sliding (even when stowed).

Hop-Ups

Hop-Ups are unique weapon attachments that are only applied to certain weapons, giving them an additional buff (such as increased damage against shielded or unshielded opponents) or changing an aspect of their gun (such as firing two-round bursts). Care Package weapons usually have their Hop-Up integrated.

They are swapped out in a seasonal rotation, with some being removed entirely (being integrated into the weapon itself).

Currently Available

• Boosted Loader - Reduced reload time when the magazine is near-empty, which also overloads the magazine. Can be applied to the EVA-8 Auto, Hemlok Burst AR, Triple Take, Wingman.

• Gun Shield Generator -. Deploys a frontal gun shield when aiming down the sight. Can be applied to the Devotion LMG, L-STAR EMG, Rampage, and M600 Spitfire.

• Turbocharger - Reduced weapon spin-up or ramp-up time. Can be applied to the HAVOC Rifle or Devotion LMG.

Currently Unavailable

• Anvil Receiver - Fires two rounds at once in semi-automatic mode for increased damage. Can be applied to the R-301 Carbine and VK-47 Flatline.

• Deadeye's Tempo - Launching charged shots at a consistent rate ramps up the time it takes to fully charge them. Can be applied to the Bocek Compound Bow and Sentinel.

• Disruptor Rounds - Increased damage to shielded targets. Can be applied to the Alternator SMG, L-STAR EMG, or RE-45 Auto.

• Double Tap Trigger - Adds a two-burst firing mode. Can be applied to the G7 Scout and EVA-8 Auto.

• Hammerpoint Rounds - Increased damage to unshielded targets. Can be applied to the Mozambique Shotgun, RE-45 Auto, and P2020.

• Skullpiercer Rifling - Increased headshot damage. Can be applied to the 30-30 Repeater, Longbow DMR, and Wingman.

Throwables

• Frag Grenade - Timed grenade.

• Thermite Grenade - Impact grenade. Explodes into a wall of fire that damages over time.

• Arc Star - Timed sticky grenade. Enemies damaged by it are temporarily slowed down.

Consumables

• Syringe (common) - Restores 25% health. 5 seconds to use. 4 can be stacked in one inventory slot. Since Season 9, players start with two of these at the beginning of each match.

• Shield Cell (common) - Restores 25% shields. 3 seconds to use. 4 can be stacked in one inventory slot. Since Season 9, players start with two of these at the beginning of each match.

• Medkit (rare) - Restores all health. 8 seconds to use. 2 can be stacked in one inventory slot.

• Shield Battery (rare) - Restores all shields. 5 seconds to use. 2 can be stacked in one inventory slot.

• Ultimate Accelerant (rare) - Restores 20-35% of the Ultimate Ability gauge. 7 seconds to use.

• Phoenix Kit (epic) - Restores all health and shields. 10 seconds to use.

Gear

Each player has four special slots, each of them reserved for a specific piece of Gear:

• Helmet - Reduces the amount of additional damage received by headshots. It reduces the damage by either 10% (common), 20% (rare), or 25% (epic/legendary). The Legendary version adds the Fast Charge perk, which reduces the cooldown of Tactical Abilities and Ultimate Abilities by 25%.

• Body Shield - Absorbs all incoming damage with a separate shield pool. It uses either 50% (common), 75% (rare), 100% (epic/legendary) or 125% (heirloom) of the shield gauge. Each shield, other then Legendary, are known as "Evo Shields" and can be leveled up to the next tier by inflicting damage. The Legendary version instead adds the Improved Minor Heal perk, which doubles the efficiency of Syringes and Shield Cells. Prior to Season 6, this was split into two shield types: regular Body Shields and upgradable Evo Shields (with the latter added on March 17, 2020).

• Knockdown Shield - Allows the player to activate a directional shield when downed that absorbs all incoming damage. It absorbs damage up to either 200% (common), 450% (rare), or 750% (epic/legendary). The Legendary version adds the Guardian Angel perk, which restores 50% shields and 70% health of allies revived by the wielder.

• Backpack - Gives additional slots to the player's main inventory. By default, players carry only 10 items; this is increased to either 12 (common), 14 (rare), or 16 (epic/legendary). The Legendary version adds the Deep Pockets perk, which increases the stack size for Shield Batteries, Med Kits, and Phoenix Kits.

Similar to weapons, players cannot hold Gear in their main inventory and equipping them does not take up any of their inventory slots. Since Season 9, players start each match with a common version of the Helmet, Body Shield, and Knockdown Shield.

Survival Items

In addition to Gear slots, players have access to an additional "Survival" slot for special deployable utility items. Like Gear, players cannot hold these items in their main inventory and equipping them does not take up any of their inventory slots.

• Evac Tower (rare) - Deploys a high-altitude balloon, connected with a vertical zip-line, that can allow the player to redeploy their glide when reaching the top. Balloon can be destroyed. Added on Season 17.

• Heat Shield (rare) - Deploys a dome that, when outside of the Ring, negates Ring damage and increases revival speed for those inside the dome. Added on March 23, 2021.

• Mobile Respawn Beacon (rare) - Deploys a drop zone for a one-time use Respawn Beacon. Added on July 7, 2020.

Legends

Prior to Season 16, Legends were categorized in four classes: Offensive, Defensive, Support, and Recon. This was later changed to five (Assault, Skirmisher, Recon, Controller, and Support), each with their own special class perk.

Assault

Assault Legends focus on opening up their opponents for an offensive assault, usually through pushing them out of cover. They can also access the secret compartment of red Supply Bins for additional weapon attachments, and can carry more ammunition per stack.

• Ash, Incivisive Instigator - Shows recent deathboxes on her mini-map. Can scan deathboxes to temporarily reveal the remaining squadmates' location on the mini-map. Her Tactical Ability (Arc Snare) throws an area-of-effect snare that tethers the first enemy inside. Her Ultimate Ability (Phase Breach) creates a one-way portal to a targeted location. Added in Season 11.

• Ballistic, Refined Gunslinger - Can equip a third weapon in his sling, which cannot take attachments. His Tactical Ability (Whistler) fires a missile that can be locked onto enemies and overheat their gun, causing them to take damage when they continuously shoot. His Ultimate Ability (Tempest), buffs the reloading speed and armed movement speed of nearby teammates while temporarily upgrading his slinged weapon. Added in Season 17.

• Bangalore, Professional Soldier - Sprints faster when taking enemy fire. Describes most items in detail when pinging them. Her Tactical Ability (Smoke Launcher) deploys a shoulder-mounted cluster of smoke grenades. Her Ultimate Ability (Rolling Thunder) deploys a beacon that calls in an artillery strike that, after a delayed fuse, damages all enemies (while slowing down and blinding all players inside). Unlocked from the start.

• Fuse, Explosives Enthusiast - Launches grenades from his arm-mounted grenade launcher, which fires them farther and faster. Can hold two grenades per inventory slot. His Tactical Ability (Knuckle Cluster) launches an impact cluster bomb that expels airburst explosives. His Ultimate Ability (The Motherlode) launches a mortar that explodes mid-air, creating a ring of fire that reveals enemies inside. Added in Season 8.

• Mad Maggie, Rebel Warlord - Improved mobility while wielding a shotgun. Automatically highlights enemies she damages. Her Tactical Ability (Riot Drill) fires a drill that attaches to objects (walls, shields, etc.) and continuously burns enemies on the other side. Her Ultimate Ability (Wrecking Ball) throws a ball that, before detonating, deploys special pads that boost movement speed,. Added in Season 12.

Skirmisher

Skirmisher Legends focus on quickly moving their team in-and-out of dangerous situations, usually through special mobility devices. They can also reveal the highest-value item of Care Packages from a distance, even before they land, and automatically ping Care Packages on-sight.

• Alter, Void Breacher - Can interact with a deathbox from a distance in a limited capacity. Her Tactical Ability (Void Passage) deploys a two-way portal that allows her and her allies to phase through surfaces. Her Ultimate Ability (Void Nexus) deploys a device that allows her and her allies to one-way teleport to it. Added in Season 21.

• Horizon, Gravitational Manipulator - Improved movement control while in the air. Reduced fall impact. Her Tactical Ability (Gravity Lift) deploys a device on the ground that lifts players upward. Her Ultimate Ability (Black Hole) deploys a device that pulls nearby players towards it before delivering a blast. Added in Season 7.

• Octane, High-Speed Daredevil - Automatically heals himself over time (at a slow pace). His Tactical Ability (Stim) allows him to damage himself to move faster and negate attacks that cause slowdown. His Ultimate Ability (Launch Pad) deploys a platform that launches players forward, which they can also double-jump out of. Added in Season 1.

• Pathfinder, Forward Scout - Revealing Care Packages reduces the cooldown of his Ultimate Ability. His Tactical Ability (Grappling Hook) deploys a grappling hook to quickly reach hard-to-reach places. His Ultimate Ability (Zipline Gun) deploys a zipline towards a chosen location. Unlocked from the start.

• Revenant, Synthetic Nightmare - Improved walking speed while crouched. Can climb much higher walls. His Tactical Ability (Shadow Pounce) allows him to charge-up a forward leap. His Ultimate Ability (Forged Shadows) grants him a temporary shield that regenerates over time when depleted, with knockdowns improving the duration and regeneration. Added in Season 4 and reworked in Season 18.

• Valkyrie, Winged Avenger - Can double-jump to engage her jetpacks and hover above the ground (although she cannot use her normal weaponry while engaged). Can scan enemies while skydiving. Her Tactical Ability (Missile Swarm) deploys a series of 12 mini-rockets that both damages and disorients enemies. Her Ultimate Ability (Skyward Dive) allows her and attached allies to launch high into the air to skydive. Added in Season 9.

• Wraith, Interdimensional Skirmisher - Automatically detects nearby danger through "random whispers". Her Tactical Ability (Into the Void) allows her to phase through dimensions to dodge gunfire and make her harder to notice. Her Ultimate Ability (Dimensional Rift) deploys a portal at her position and allows her to run forward quickly to deploy a second portal for two-way teleportation. Unlocked from the start.

Recon

Recon Legends focus on tracking the location of nearby enemies, allowing them to ambush or avoid groups. They can also access Survey Beacons to temporarily reveal all enemies (although nearby enemies will be alerted when doing so) and can highlight enemies while ADS.

• Bloodhound, Technological Tracker - Automatically detects recent clues left behind from enemies (such as footsteps and blood residue). Can use ethereal White Ravens to track the nearest enemy. Their Tactical Ability (Eye of the Allfather) briefly reveals enemies in close proximity through walls. Their Ultimate Ability (Beast of the Hunt) temporarily grants them enhanced movement speed, improved clue detection, additional White Ravens, and Threat Vision. His Ultimate can be extended through kills. Unlocked from the start.

• Crypto, Surveillance Expert - His Tactical Ability (Surveillance Drone) deploys an aerial drone that can be remotely-controlled through its on-board camera (leaving himself vulnerable). The drone can be used to automatically mark enemies for teammates, manipulate doors and chests, receive deceased teammates' banners, and remotely use both Survey and Respawn Beacons. His Ultimate Ability (Drone EMP) detonates the drone with a powerful EMP blast, damaging shields of nearby enemies (temporarily slowing everybody down in the process) and destroying enemy electronic gadgets. Added in Season 3.

• Seer, Ambush Artist - Able to detect nearby enemies (with audio and visual cues) while aiming down the sight. Can "aim down the sight" while unarmed. His Tactical Ability (Focus of Attention) summons a large blast of micro-drones that reveal and interrupt enemies, even through walls. His Ultimate Ability (Exhibit) creates a large sphere of micro-drones that reveal enemies inside (as long as they are running or firing a weapon).

• Vantage, Survivalist Sniper - Can aim down the sight with her eyepiece (or with ranged scopes) to display information about enemies she targets and show her weapon's bullet drop. Her Tactical Ability (Echo Relocation) deploys her winged companion Echo, which she can then use to propel herself towards him. Her Ultimate Ability (Sniper's Mark) is unique in that she can switch to her customized sniper rifle (with 3x-8x zoom and shots that debuff) at any time, and gains a bullet every time the meter fills (for up to five bullets). Added in Season 14.

Controller

Controller Legends focus on fortifying their team's position, usually through area-of-denial devices. They can also access Ring Consoles to reveal the location of the next ring, have a +25HP shield overcharge when in the zone, and can recover their undamaged Tactical drops remotely to restore their charge.

• Catalyst, Defensive Conjurer - Can reinforce doorways to lock them from enemies. Immune to enemy Catalyst abilities. Her Tactical Ability (Piercing Spikes) throws a fluid spike trap that slows and deals damage over time. Her Ultimate Ability (Dark Veil) summons a large wall of fluid that slows and blinds enemies inside. Added in Season 15.

• Caustic, Toxic Trapper - Relies on deploying noxous gas ("Nox Gas") which damages, slows, and blinds enemies inside. Immune to all Nox Gas and has innate Threat Vision against those inside it. His Tactical Ability (Nox Gas Trap) deploys up to six large canisters that release Nox Gas when shot (or when enemies are in close proximity). His Ultimate Ability (Nox Gas Grenade) deploys an impact grenade that releases a large cloud of Nox Gas.

• Rampart, Base of Fire - Increased magazine size and reload time for Light Machine Guns and her Ultimate Ability. Her Tactical Ability (Amped Cover) deploys a crouch-cover wall with an energy barrier that blocks incoming shots and amplifies the damage of outgoing shots. Her Ultimate Ability (Emplaced Minigun "Sheila") deploys a mounted gatling gun (that anyone can use) with recharging reserve ammo. Up to 5 Amped Covers can be deployed at a time, and both Abilities can be picked up when undamaged and unused, restoring some of her charges (one charge for Tactical and 50% for Ultimate). Added in Season 6.

• Wattson, Static Defender - Can fully charge her Ultimate Ability with one Ultimate Accelerant, and can carry two Ultimate Accelerants in one inventory slot. Her Tactical Ability (Perimeter Security) deploys interconnected poles that forms a fence of electricity, damaging and slowing enemies that walk through it. Her Ultimate Ability (Interception Pylon), deploys a temporary pylon that destroys incoming ordinance, repairs shields, and hasten her Tactical Ability recharge. Added in Season 2.

Support

Support Legends focus on team survivability through protection, recovery, and resupply. They can also access the secret compartment of blue Supply Bins for additional consumable and survival items, and can craft Respawn Banners at crafting stations (which can also be used for squadmates with expired Banners).

• Conduit, Shield Healer - Added in Season 19. Gains a burst of speed while running towards a teammate out of range. Her Tactical Ability (Radiant Transfer) grants temporary shields to her and nearby teammates. Her Ultimate Ability (Energy Barricade) deploys an array of devices which damage and slow enemies. Added in Season 19.

• Gibraltar, Shielded Fortress - Can toggle a gun shield to block incoming fire while aiming down the sights. His Tactical Ability (Dome of Protection) deploys a dome-shield that blocks all gunfire. His Ultimate Ability (Defensive Bombardment) deploys a beacon that calls in a damaging smoke-filled mortar strike. Unlocked from the start.

• Lifeline, Combat Medic - Reviving fallen squadmates instead deploys a drone that revives them automatically, although she reverts back to normal reviving if the drone is in use. Her Tactical Ability (D.O.C. Heal Drone) deploys a drone that slowly heals nearby players. Her Ultimate Ability (Care Package) deploys a supply-filled drop pod from orbit. Unlocked from the start.

• Loba, Translocating Thief - Automatically detects nearby ground loot (of Epic and Legendary tiers) through walls. Her Tactical Ability (Burglar's Best Friend) allows her to throw a jump drive bracelet which she then uses to teleport. Her Ultimate Ability (Black Market Boutique) deploys a device that anyone (friend or foe) can use to teleport any two nearby loot to their inventory. Added in Season 5.

• Mirage, Holographic Trickster - Automatically deploys a holographic decoy (while cloaking himself) when downed. He also cloaks himself while reviving teammates (cloaking that teammate as well) and while using a respawn beacon. Can deploy decoys while using the jump-pack. His Tactical Ability (Psyche Out) sends out a decoy to confuse enemies (which can be manually controlled to mimic his every action). His Ultimate Ability (Vanishing Act) cloaks him while deploying a group of decoys that mimic his every action.

• Newcastle, Heroic Defender - Can drag downed allies around while providing them with a protective Revive Shield. His Tactical Ability (Mobile Shield) throws a drone that moves forward while providing a large energy shield. His Ultimate Ability (Castle Wall) allows him to make a leaping slam that deploys a large wall (with two crouch-cover and three full-size sections). Added in Season 13.

Seasons

Beginning on March 19, 2019, the game introduced three-month "Seasons" that introduce new Legends, weapons, and other major game adjustments. Players progress through a tiered reward system, known as Battle Pass, to unlock exclusive cosmetic upgrades, XP boosts, Crafting Materials, Apex Packs, and Apex Coins.

As the "free tier" of each Battle Pass does not include many unlockables, players can opt to purchase the "premium tier" for 950 Apex Coins. Each fully-upgraded premium Battle Pass grants the player 1000 Apex Coins, allowing the player to earn their purchase back and pay-it-ahead for the next Season.

1. Wild Frontier (03/19/2019) - Introduced Octane and the challenge system.
2. Battle Charge (07/02/2019) - Introduced Wattson, the L-STAR EMG, an update to Kings Canyon, Ranked Leagues, skydiving emotes, and alternative game customization (loading screens and music packs).
3. Meltdown (10/01/2019) - Introduced Crypto, the Charge Rifle, the World's Edge map, and weapon charms.
4. Assimilation (02/04/2020) - Introduced Revenant, the Sentinel, and an update to World's Edge.
5. Fortune's Favor (05/12/2020) - Introduced Loba, an update to Kings Canyon, and Season Quests.
6. Boosted (08/18/2020) - Introduced Rampart, the Volt SMG, an update to World's Edge, and the Crafting system.
7. Ascension (11/04/2020) - Introduced Horizon, the Olympus map, and the Clubs system.
8. Mayhem (02/02/2021) - Introduced Fuse, the 30-30 Repeater, and an update to Kings Canyon.
9. Legacy (05/04/2021) - Introduced Valkyrie, the Bocek Compound Bow, an update to Olympus, Arenas mode, and ground emotes.
10. Emergence (08/03/2021) - Introduced Seer, the Rampage, an update to World's Edge, and Ranked Arenas.
11. Escape (11/2/2021) - Introduced Ash, the C.A.R. SMG, and the Storm Point Map.
12. Defiance (2/8/2022) - Introduced Mad Maggie and an update to Olympus.
13. Saviors (5/10/2022) - Introduced Newcastle, an update to Storm Point, and the Custom Match system.
14. Hunted (8/9/2022) - Introduced Vantage and an update to King's Canyon.
15. Eclipse (11/1/2022) - Introduced Catalyst, the Broken Moon map, and the Gifting system.
16. Revelry (2/14/2023) - Introduced the Nemesis Burst AR, reworked Legend Classes, and the rotating Mixtape playlist. No new Legends or map updates.
17. Arsenal (5/9/2023)- Introduced Ballistic, the Evac Tower, an update to World's Edge, updated Firing Range, an updated Ping Wheel, and a weapon XP system.
18. Resurrection (8/8/2023) - Reworked Revenant and Charge Rifle. No new Legends, weapons, or map updates.
19. Ignite (10/31/2023) - Introduced Conduit, an update to Storm Point, and a cross-progression system.
20. Breakout (2/14/2024) - Introduced the Legend Upgrade system, reworked Crafting and Ranked systems. No new Legends, weapons, or map updates.
21. Upheavel (5/7/2024) - Introduced Alter and an update to Broken Moon.
22. Shockwave (8/6/2024) - Introduced the E-District map, akimbo P2020/Mozambique, and Bot Royale mode.