{{Short description|2019 video game}} {{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}} {{Use American English|date=March 2021}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox video game | title = Apex Legends | image = Apex_legends_cover.jpg | developer = [[Respawn Entertainment]]{{efn|[[Iron Galaxy]] co-developed the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 versions. [[Tencent|LightSpeed Studios]] co-developed the mobile version with Respawn Entertainment.|lead=yes}}<!-- Per Infobox video game documentation, don't add Bluepoint or Panic Button here --> | publisher = [[Electronic Arts]] | director = Steven Ferreira | producer = Ben Brinkman | designer = Jason McCord | artist = {{ubl|Robert Taube|Kaelan De Niese|Ryan Lastimosa|Benjamin Bisson|Jung Park}} | writer = [[Mohammad Alavi (game developer)|Mohammad Alavi]] | composer = [[Stephen Barton]] | series = ''[[Titanfall]]'' | engine = {{ubl|[[Source (game engine)|Source]] |[[Unreal Engine 4]] (''mobile'')}} <!-- Consensus is to not add "modified" here—it is sufficiently noted in the prose --> | platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]{{efn|Until August 4, 2026}} |[[Nintendo Switch 2]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]}} | released = {{ubl|'''PS4, Windows, Xbox One'''|February 4, 2019|'''Nintendo Switch'''|March 9, 2021|'''PS5''', '''Xbox Series X/S'''|March 29, 2022|'''Android, iOS'''|May 17, 2022|'''Nintendo Switch 2'''|August 5, 2025}} | genre = [[Battle royale game|Battle royale]], [[hero shooter|first-person hero shooter]] | modes = [[Multiplayer]] }} '''''Apex Legends''''' is a 2019 [[Battle royale game|battle royale]]-[[hero shooter]] [[video game]] developed by [[Respawn Entertainment]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]], set in the same science fiction universe as Respawn's ''[[Titanfall]]'' series. It is offered [[free-to-play]] and is continuously updated under the [[games as a service]] model; the game was originally released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox One]] in February 2019 and was followed by versions for [[Nintendo Switch]] in 2021 and both [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] in 2022, and [[Nintendo Switch 2]] in 2025. All versions support [[cross-platform play|cross-platform multiplayer]]. A [[Mobile game|mobile]] version designed for [[touchscreens]] was briefly available until its discontinuation in 2023.
Before the match, players form into 1 to 4-player [[squad]]s and select from [[Player character|pre-designed characters]] with distinct abilities, known as "Legends". The game has multiple gameplay modes - with a range of team sizes. The [[Battle royale game|battle royale]] mode hosts up to 20 three-person squads or 15 two-person duos. In "Arenas"'','' players form into three-player squads and fight against another squad in a 3v3 [[team deathmatch]] over a series of rounds to determine the winner of the match. Teams win when their team has at least 3 points and is 2 points ahead.
Work on ''Apex Legends'' began around late 2016, though the project remained a secret right up until its launch. The game's release in 2019 came as a surprise, as the game released suddenly without any prior marketing or official announcement. Until that point, it had been assumed that Respawn Entertainment was working on a third installment to the ''Titanfall'' franchise, the studio's previous major game, although a number of ''Titanfall'' characters do appear as minor characters or playable Legends.
''Apex Legends'' received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay, progression system, and fusion of elements from various genres. Some considered it a worthy competitor to other battle royale games. ''Apex Legends'' surpassed 25 million players by the end of its first week, and 50 million within its first month. By April 2021, it had approximately 100 million players, making it one of the most played video games of all time by player count.
== Gameplay == ''Apex Legends'' is an [[Online game|online]] [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]] [[battle royale game]] featuring squads of three players using [[Player character|pre-made characters]] with distinctive abilities, called "Legends", similar to those of [[hero shooter]]s.<ref name="Polygon review2">{{Cite web |last=Hoon Chan |first=Khee |date=February 20, 2019 |title=Apex Legends review: a more welcoming take on battle royale |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/2/20/18233184/apex-legends-review-pc-ps4-xbox-one |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221125154/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2019/2/20/18233184/apex-legends-review-pc-ps4-xbox-one |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> Alternate modes have been introduced allowing for up to four-player squads since the game's release.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Apex Legends gets a new limited-time solo mode |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/6/20757193/apex-legends-solo-mode |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209194731/https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/6/20757193/apex-legends-solo-mode |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=October 30, 2019 |title=Apex Legends is launching a duos game mode for the first time |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/30/20940371/apex-legends-duos-game-mode-launch-date-limited-time-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531022407/https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/30/20940371/apex-legends-duos-game-mode-launch-date-limited-time-release-date |archive-date=May 31, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2020 |work=[[The Verge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=Electronic |date=2024-06-20 |title=Double down in the Double Take Collection Event |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/apex-legends/news/double-take-collection-event |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=www.ea.com |language=en}}</ref> The game is [[free-to-play]] and monetized through [[microtransaction]]s and [[loot box]]es, which allow the player to spend both real money and in-game currency on cosmetic items, such as outfits for the Legends and new colors for weapons.<ref name="Guardian parents2">{{Cite web |last=Keith |first=Stuart |date=March 28, 2019 |title=Apex Legends: a parents' guide to the 'new Fortnite' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/mar/28/apex-legends-a-parents-guide-to-the-new-fortnite |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318011047/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/mar/28/apex-legends-a-parents-guide-to-the-new-fortnite |archive-date=March 18, 2020 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |website=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref><ref name="Polygon mtx2">{{Cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=February 8, 2019 |title=Apex Legends microtransactions guide: explaining Crafting Metals, Legend Tokens, and Apex Coins |url=https://www.polygon.com/apex-legends-guide/2019/2/8/18217168/apex-legends-microtransactions-guide-coins-packs-tokens-crafting-materials |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124242/https://www.polygon.com/apex-legends-guide/2019/2/8/18217168/apex-legends-microtransactions-guide-coins-packs-tokens-crafting-materials |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
=== Characters === {{Main|Characters of Apex Legends}} Each character in the squad has a unique design, personality, and abilities that provide different playstyles to the team. Starting with Season 16, each legend is assigned to one of the five unique class styles: Assault, Skirmisher, Recon, Controller and Support.
{| class="wikitable" |+ Unique legend abilities !Ultimate !Tactical !Passive |- | * strongest ability * highest cooldown | * lower cooldown than an ultimate ability | * doesn't have a cooldown |} ''Apex Legends'' has a cast of 25 characters, divided into 5 classes. Many of the character designs are based on ''Titanfall''. {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" |+ !Class !Legend !Former Class !Seasons !Apex Legends Mobile |- | rowspan="7" |Assault |Bangalore | | |Yes |- | rowspan="2" |Revenant{{efn|name="Forge"}} |Assault |4-17 | rowspan="2" |Yes |- |Skirmisher |18-24 |- |Fuse | | |No |- |Ash | | |Yes |- |Mad Maggie | | |No |- |Ballistic | | |No |- | rowspan="8" |Skirmisher | rowspan="2" |Pathfinder |Support |1-4 | rowspan="2" |Yes |- |Recon |4-16 |- |Wraith | | |Yes |- |Octane | | |Yes |- |Horizon | | |Yes |- |Ash | | |No |- |Alter | | |No |- |Axle | | |No |- | rowspan="6" |Recon |Bloodhound | | |Yes |- |Crypto | | |Yes |- |Valkyrie |Skirmisher |9-21 |No |- |Seer | | |No |- |Vantage | | |No |- |Sparrow | | |No |- | rowspan="7" |Support |Gibraltar | | |Yes |- |Lifeline | | |Yes |- | rowspan="2" |Mirage |Assault |1-15 | rowspan="2" |Yes |- |Skirmisher |16 |- |Loba | | |Yes |- |Newcastle | | |No |- |Conduit | | |No |- | rowspan="4" |Controller |Caustic | | |Yes |- |Wattson | | |No |- |Rampart | | |No |- |Catalyst | | |No |}
====''Mobile'' exclusive characters==== Aside from the cast of characters in the main game, there are two exclusive characters that were only playable in ''Apex Legends Mobile''.
{{columns-list|* Fade (Assault) * Rhapsody (Support)|colwidth=30em}}
=== Modes === Apex Legends is primarily divided into 2 categories, core and freestyle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Every Apex Legends™ game mode and how they work |url=https://help.ea.com/en/articles/apex-legends/game-modes/ |access-date=4 February 2026 |website=EA Help}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+ ! colspan="2" |Core ! colspan="2" |Freestyle ! colspan="4" |Other |- |Ranked |Unranked |Mixtape |Limited-time modes |Private match |Training |Bot Royale |Firing range |}
==== Core ==== ===== Battle Royale ===== * Up to 60 players per match * Shrinking ring * Looting * Win by being in the last surviving squad<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apex Legends - Battle Royale - An Official EA Site |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/apex-legends/apex-legends-modes-hub/battle-royale |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=www.ea.com |language=en}}</ref>
Each match generally features twenty teams of three-player [[squad]]s. Players can join friends in a squad or can be matched randomly with other players. Before the match, each player on the squad selects one of the 25 [[Player character|playable characters]] (as of season 19), with the exception that no character may be selected more than once by a squad.
All teams are then placed on an aircraft that passes over the game map. One player in each squad is the [[jumpmaster]], selecting when the squad should skydive out of the aircraft and where to land with the concurrence of the other squad members. However, players are free to deviate from the squad's path.
[[File:Apex_Legends_gameplay_screenshot.jpg|thumb|A gameplay screenshot showing the game's ping system]]
Once on the ground, the squad can scavenge for weapons, armor, and other equipment that is scattered around buildings, or in crates randomly distributed around the map, while keeping an eye out for other squads. ''Apex Legends'' includes a [[nonverbal communication]] "ping system" which allows players to use their [[game controller]] to communicate to their squad certain directions, weapon locations, enemies, and suggested [[strategies]].<ref name="Telegraph review2">{{Cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=February 6, 2019 |title=Apex Legends review: Is Titanfall battle royale a Fortnite killer? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/apex-legends-first-look-review-titanfall-battle-royale-fortnite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822230406/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/apex-legends-first-look-review-titanfall-battle-royale-fortnite/ |archive-date=August 22, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]}}</ref> While the game offers movement options similar to other shooters, it includes some of the gameplay features of previous ''Titanfall'' games, such as the ability to climb over short walls, slide down inclined surfaces, and use zip-lines to traverse an area quickly.<ref name="Guardian review2">{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Apex Legends review – Fortnite has some stiff competition |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/feb/15/apex-legends-review-fortnite-has-some-stiff-competition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217183039/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/feb/15/apex-legends-review-fortnite-has-some-stiff-competition |archive-date=February 17, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |website=[[the Guardian]]}}</ref>
Over time, the game's safe zone will reduce in size around a randomly-selected point on the map; players outside the safe zone take damage and may die if they do not reach the safe zone in time. This also confines squads to smaller spaces to force encounters. The last squad with any members left alive is crowned the "Apex Champions" of that match. Players who become [[Knockout|knocked down]] in the course of a game can be revived by their squadmates. Should a player be killed completely, they can still be [[Resurrection|resurrected]] if their team member(s) collect their respawn [[banner]], which appears at the place where they died, and bring it to one of several [[beacons]] on the island. The banner, however, must be collected within a time limit, before expiring and eliminating the player.<ref name="Polygon review2" />
====== Ranked ====== {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" |+Ranks<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Apex Legends™ Ranked works |url=https://help.ea.com/en/articles/apex-legends/ranked/ |access-date=4 February 2026 |website=EA Help}}</ref> ! !Rank !Color !Rewards |- |1 |'''Rookie''' |gray | * Badge |- |2 |'''Bronze''' |bronze | * Badge * Holospray |- |3 |'''Silver''' |silver | * Badge * Holospray |- |4 |'''Gold''' |gold | * Badge * Holospray * Weapon Cosmetic |- |5 |'''Platinum''' |teal | * Badge * Holospray * Weapon Cosmetic |- |6 |'''Diamond''' |blue | * Badge * Holospray * Weapon Cosmetic * Banner Frame |- |7 |'''Master''' |purple | * Badge * Holospray * Weapon Cosmetic * Banner Frame |- |8 |'''Predator''' |red | * Badge * Holospray * Weapon Cosmetic * Banner Frame |}
==== Freestyle ==== ===== Mixtape ===== Mixtape is a rotation of three modes: Team Deathmatch, Control and Gun Run.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apex Legends - Mixtape - An Official EA Site |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/apex-legends/apex-legends-modes-hub/mixtape |access-date=2026-02-05 |website=www.ea.com |language=en}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+ !Mode !Player count !Objective |- |'''Team Deathmatch''' |6 vs. 6 |40 team kills<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=Electronic |date=2024-08-05 |title=Apex Legends™: Shockwave Patch Notes |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/apex-legends/news/shockwave-patch-notes |access-date=2026-02-09 |website=www.ea.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''Control''' |9 vs. 9 |Capture and hold points |- |'''Gun Run''' |1 squad vs. 3 squads |Kills through a 25-weapon track |}
===== Limited-time modes ===== In addition to the season contents, Apex Legends featured limited-time events. These events offered unique, limited-time cosmetics themed to the event (for example, in the case of the Holo-Day Bash, Christmas-themed outfits) that could be earned in-game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramee |first=Jordan |date=December 13, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Holo-Day Bash Winter Event Is Live; Adds 8 New Legendary Skins |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-holo-day-bash-winter-event-is-live-ad/1100-6472186/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217095826/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-holo-day-bash-winter-event-is-live-ad/1100-6472186/ |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=December 17, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Events also provided unique limited-time game modes (such as shotguns and snipers only). Some events also introduced changes to the current season map with a new point of interest (known as a "Town Takeover"), which was themed around one of the legends. {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" ! width="8%" |Title !Season !Period ! width="70%" |Description |- |Legendary Hunt |1 |June 4, 2019 – June 18, 2019 |The first limited-time event introduced the "Elite Queue" mode. To enter this mode, players had to have made it to the top 5 in their previous match. The cosmetics in this event were hunting/skeletal themed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=June 5, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Legendary Hunt: challenges, rewards list, end time and end date |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-04-apex-legends-legendary-hunt-challenges-start-time-end-date-6014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915130954/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-04-apex-legends-legendary-hunt-challenges-start-time-end-date-6014 |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> |- |Iron Crown |2 |August 13, 2019 – August 27, 2019. |The event introduced the first Town Takeover in the form of Octane's Gauntlet. It added the Solo LTM and featured cosmetics themed around royalty.<ref>{{cite web |last=Suddi |first=Aran |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Apex Legends' Iron Crown Collection event will add Solos mode |url=https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2019/08/06/apex-legends-iron-crown-collection-event-solo-mode/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915115041/https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2019/08/06/apex-legends-iron-crown-collection-event-solo-mode/ |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020 |website=TheSixthAxis}}</ref> |- |Voidwalker |3 |September 3, 2019 – September 17, 2019 |The event added the Singh Labs location to Kings Canyon. The "Armed And Dangerous" LTM was also introduced. The event cosmetics were themed around Wraith/"Void."<ref>{{cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=September 4, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Voidwalker event end time, challenges, and reward list |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-04-apex-legends-voidwalker-challenges-end-date-6014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915124901/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-04-apex-legends-voidwalker-challenges-end-date-6014 |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> |- |Fight or Fright (2019) |4 |October 15, 2019 – November 5, 2019 |The event added the "Shadowfall" LTM, which allowed players to return as the "Shadow Squad" after death with enhanced abilities. It featured cosmetics with a Halloween/corrupted theme.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=October 9, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Fight or Fright Halloween event: start date, time, Shadowfall mode and challenge rewards |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-04-apex-legends-fight-or-fright-halloween-event-6014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217064822/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-09-04-apex-legends-fight-or-fright-halloween-event-6014 |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2020 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> |- |Holo-Day Bash (2019) |5 |December 12, 2019 – January 7, 2020 |The event added the "Winter Express" mode, a domination-style game in which squads attempted to capture a train. It also introduced winter/holiday-themed cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wald |first=Heather |date=December 13, 2019 |title=Apex Legends gets new limited-time Holo-Day Bash Collection event hosted by Mirage |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/apex-legends-holo-day-bash/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217065740/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/apex-legends-holo-day-bash/ |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2020 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> A new location, Mirage Voyage, was added alongside the event.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Steve |date=December 13, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Holo-Day Bash holiday event now live |url=https://stevivor.com/news/apex-legends-holo-day-bash-holiday-event-now-live/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026175055/https://stevivor.com/news/apex-legends-holo-day-bash-holiday-event-now-live/ |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |website=Stevivor}}</ref> |- |Grand Soirée |6 |January 14, 2020 – January 28, 2020 |The event featured seven modes, each lasting two days. The modes were (in order of appearance): "Gold Rush Duos" (duos with all weapons legendary), "LIVE.DIE.LIVE" (automatic respawns), "Third-Person Mode," "Always Be Closing" (the ring constantly closed), "Armed and Dangerous on World's Edge," "Kings Canyon After Dark," and "DUMMIE's Big Day" (all Legends replaced by differently colored "DUMMIEs" with unique abilities). The event also introduced high-class, black-and-gold cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mercante |first=Alyssa |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Apex Legends' Grand Soirée Arcade event adds seven modes and fancy skins |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/apex-legends-grand-soiree-arcade-event-adds-seven-modes-and-fancy-skins/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217073119/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/apex-legends-grand-soiree-arcade-event-adds-seven-modes-and-fancy-skins/ |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=February 17, 2020 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lopez |first=Jalen |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Apex's new DUMMIEs Big Day limited-time game mode replaces all legends with test dummies |url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apexs-new-dummies-big-day-limited-time-game-mode-replaces-all-legends-with-test-dummies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915112314/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apexs-new-dummies-big-day-limited-time-game-mode-replaces-all-legends-with-test-dummies |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=September 11, 2020 |website=Dot Esports}}</ref> |- |System Override |7 |March 3, 2020 – March 17, 2020 |The "Deja Loot" mode removed all [[Random number generation|randomly-generated events]] from the game, meaning all loot drops (excluding Care Packages) and ring locations (which changed daily) remained the same every match. The event also introduced Evo Shields, shields that could be upgraded by dealing damage to enemy players and were later added to the main game. The cosmetics were computer/tech-themed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mejia |first=Ozzie |date=February 28, 2020 |title=Apex Legends System Override event introduces new Deja loot mode next week |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/116593/apex-legends-system-override-event-introduces-deja-loot-mode-next-week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228053126/https://www.shacknews.com/article/116593/apex-legends-system-override-event-introduces-deja-loot-mode-next-week |archive-date=February 28, 2020 |access-date=February 28, 2020 |work=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |date=March 23, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Is Keeping Evo Shields |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-is-keeping-evo-shields/1100-6474873/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621055041/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-is-keeping-evo-shields/1100-6474873/ |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |access-date=June 19, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> |- |The Old Ways |8 |April 7, 2020 – April 21, 2020 |The event's cosmetics were themed after Bloodhound. The "Bloodhound's Trials" location was added to World's Edge. There were no limited-time game modes during this event, although the Duos game mode was added permanently, alongside a map rotation between King's Canyon and World's Edge.<ref>{{cite web |last=Denzer |first=TJ |date=April 6, 2020 |title=Apex Legends – The Old Ways Event Trailer shows off-map changes & challenges |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/117381/apex-legends-the-old-ways-event-trailer-shows-off-map-changes-challenges |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803153655/https://www.shacknews.com/article/117381/apex-legends-the-old-ways-event-trailer-shows-off-map-changes-challenges |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |access-date=August 24, 2020 |website=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref><ref name="Kings Canyon exit2" /> |- |Lost Treasures |9 |June 23, 2020 – July 7, 2020 |The "Armed and Dangerous Evolved" mode, based on the previous "Armed and Dangerous" event, forced players to use an Evo Shield provided at the start of the match. The event introduced the Mobile Respawn Beacon, an item that deploys a Respawn Beacon when used, which was added to all modes after the event concluded. The cosmetics were pirate- and gold-themed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Denzer |first=TJ |date=June 19, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Lost Treasures collection event announced on EA Play Live 2020 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/118753/apex-legends-lost-treasures-collection-event-announced-on-ea-play-live-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624213229/https://www.shacknews.com/article/118753/apex-legends-lost-treasures-collection-event-announced-on-ea-play-live-2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2020 |access-date=June 19, 2020 |website=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ramée |first=Jordan |date=July 7, 2020 |title=New Apex Legends Update Fixes Loba Bug, Permanently Adds Mobile Respawn Beacons |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-apex-legends-update-fixes-loba-bug-permanently/1100-6479434/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708000852/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-apex-legends-update-fixes-loba-bug-permanently/1100-6479434/ |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |access-date=July 8, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> |- |Aftermarket |10 |October 6, 2020 – October 20, 2020 |The limited-time game mode "Flashpoint" removed all healing item spawns from the map. Players could craft a "Phoenix Kit" or use "Flashpoints," which healed them over time. The event cosmetics featured racing decals and streetwear.<ref name="Cross-Play2">{{cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=October 2020 |title=Cross-play Arrives Along With the Aftermarket Collection Event |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-6-aftermarket-event |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105033411/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-6-aftermarket-event |archive-date=November 5, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020 |work=Electronic Arts Inc.}}</ref> |- |Fight or Fright (2020) |11 |October 22, 2020 – November 3, 2020 |The "Shadow Royale" mode combined normal Trios gameplay with the previous "Shadowfall" mode. Dead players became "Shadows," losing their abilities and having reduced health but gaining increased speed, strength, and the ability to wall run. The cosmetics were Halloween- and evil-themed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen |date=October 20, 2020 |title=Titanfall wall-running comes to ''Apex Legends'' with Halloween event |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/20/21525114/apex-legends-fight-or-fright-halloween-ltm-shadow-royale-loot-wall-running-skins-ps4-xbox-one-pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022225902/https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/20/21525114/apex-legends-fight-or-fright-halloween-ltm-shadow-royale-loot-wall-running-skins-ps4-xbox-one-pc |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=October 22, 2020 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> |- |Holo-Day Bash (2020) |12 |December 1, 2020 – January 4, 2021 |The event reintroduced the "Winter Express" game mode with minor changes. It also featured winter- and holiday-themed cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Steve |date=December 2, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Holo-Day Bash 2020 event on now |url=https://stevivor.com/news/apex-legends-holo-day-bash-2020-event-now/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201221412/https://stevivor.com/news/apex-legends-holo-day-bash-2020-event-now/ |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |access-date=December 6, 2020 |website=Stevivor}}</ref> |- |Fight Night |13 |January 5, 2021 – January 19, 2021<ref>{{cite web |last1=Erskine |first1=Donovan |date=January 5, 2021 |title=The Apex Legends Fight Night Collection event starts today |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/122075/the-apex-legends-fight-night-collection-event-starts-today |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105204349/https://www.shacknews.com/article/122075/the-apex-legends-fight-night-collection-event-starts-today |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2021 |website=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref> |The event added the "Airdrop Escalation" mode, which increased the frequency of care package drops. The cosmetics were themed around boxing and fighting.<ref>{{cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=January 2, 2021 |title=Get Ready to Step in the Ring with the Fight Night Collection Event |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/news/season-7-fightnight-collection-event |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104154159/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/news/season-7-fightnight-collection-event |archive-date=January 4, 2021 |access-date=January 2, 2021 |work=Electronic Arts Inc.}}</ref> |- |Anniversary (2021) |14 |February 9, 2021 – March 2, 2021<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1364017209887109122 |user=PlayApex |title=We heard some of you need more time to collect all your Anniversary rewards? 👀 In the spirit of celebration, we're going to keep the party going for one additional week. The Anniversary Collection Event will now remain open until March 2 at 10 am PT.}}</ref> |The event added the "Locked and Loaded" mode which gave players low-tier weapons and armor at the beginning of a match. It also added cosmetics which were red and black recolors of popular skins.<ref>{{cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=February 5, 2020 |title=Celebrate Two Years of Apex Legends with the Anniversary Collection Event |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-8-anniversary-collection-event |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204175211/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-8-anniversary-collection-event |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |access-date=February 5, 2020}}</ref> |- |Chaos Theory |15 |March 9, 2021 – March 23, 2021 |The event added the "Ring Fury" mode, which spawned "ring flares" across the map during matches. It also introduced "Heat Shields" that generated small domes protecting players from the ring temporarily. Additionally, the "Survival Slot" was added to accommodate Mobile Respawn Beacons and Heat Shields. The cosmetics featured an apocalypse theme.<ref>{{cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=March 5, 2021 |title=Switch it Up With The Chaos Theory Collection Event |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/news/season-8-chaos-theory-collection-event |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304234814/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/news/season-8-chaos-theory-collection-event |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |access-date=March 5, 2021 |work=Electronic Arts Inc.}}</ref> |- |War Games |16 |April 13, 2021 – April 27, 2021 |The War Games event featured multiple rotating modes similar to the Grand Soirée event. The modes appeared in this order: "Second Chance" (each player had one automatic respawn per match), "Ultra Zones" (matches contained multiple "Hot Zones" with high-quality loot that healed players over time<ref>{{cite web |last=Tapsell |first=Chris |date=January 6, 2021 |title=Apex Legends map changes and updates - what's new in Kings Canyon |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-03-apex-legends-map-kings-canyon-features-explained-6014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913113752/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-07-03-apex-legends-map-kings-canyon-features-explained-6014 |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>), "Auto Banners" (banner cards were automatically retrieved), "Killing Time" (the ring timer shortened every time a player was killed), and "Armor Regen".<ref>{{cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=April 8, 2021 |title=Apex Legends is getting 5 new limited-time game modes |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/4/8/22373765/apex-legends-war-games-takeover-event-limited-time-game-modes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408233439/https://www.polygon.com/2021/4/8/22373765/apex-legends-war-games-takeover-event-limited-time-game-modes |archive-date=April 8, 2021 |access-date=April 9, 2021 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> The event featured war and royalty themed cosmetics. |- |Genesis |17 |June 29, 2021 – July 13, 2021 |The "Legacy Maps" takeover reverted Kings Canyon and World's Edge to their original layouts.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilliam |first=Ryan |date=June 24, 2021 |title=Apex Legends Genesis Collection event restores Kings Canyon, World's Edge, and Skull Town |url=https://www.polygon.com/22548782/apex-legends-genesis-collection-event-map-original-kings-canyon-worlds-edge-patch-notes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625001249/https://www.polygon.com/22548782/apex-legends-genesis-collection-event-map-original-kings-canyon-worlds-edge-patch-notes |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |access-date=June 25, 2021 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> The event featured cosmetics themed around anime and space. |- |Thrillseekers |18 |July 13, 2021 – August 3, 2021 |"Thrillseekers" was the first Arenas-focused event, introducing the "Overflow" map and featuring anime-themed cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gilliam |first=Ryan |date=July 8, 2021 |title=Apex Legends gets new Thrillseeker event, complete with Arena map |url=https://www.polygon.com/22568423/apex-legends-overflow-arena-map-lava-cosmetics-event-dates |access-date=July 22, 2021 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> |- |Evolution |19 |September 14, 2021 – September 28, 2021<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1437876838714392577 |user=PlayApex |title=Big Maude is open for business Update your game and prepare to make a mess-the Evolution Collection Event is now live on all platforms through Sept 28!}}</ref> |The "Arenas Extravaganza" takeover – the first takeover for Arenas – lowered prices in Arenas. In addition, the cosmetics added include alien/space themes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clayton |first=Natalie |date=September 10, 2021 |title=Rampart crushes a giant tank into Apex Legends next week |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/rampart-crashes-a-giant-tank-into-apex-legends-next-week/ |access-date=September 10, 2021 |website=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref> |- |Monsters Within (Fight or Fright 2021) |20 |October 12, 2021 – November 2, 2021 |The 2021 Halloween event reintroduced the "Shadow Royale" mode for its final week and added a new Arenas map, "Encore." The event featured Halloween and dark-themed cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clayton |first=Natalie |date=October 8, 2021 |title=Apex Legends unleashes the Monsters Within for this year's Halloween event |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/au/apex-legends-unleashes-the-monsters-within-for-this-years-halloween-event/ |access-date=October 9, 2021 |website=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref> |- |Holo-Day Bash (2021) |21 |December 7, 2021 – December 27, 2021 |The "Winter Express" mode returned, introducing selectable loadouts at the start of each match. The event also featured holiday and winter-themed cosmetics. |- |Raiders |22 |December 7, 2021 – December 21, 2021 |The event introduced new cosmetic items, a new town takeover, and an heirloom for Wattson. |- |Dark Depths |23 |January 11, 2022 – February 1, 2022 |The event added a new Arenas map, new cosmetics, and challenges. |- |Anniversary (2022) |24 |February 15, 2022 – March 1, 2022 |The event introduced new cosmetic items and the 9v9 limited-time mode "Control," where Legends compete to control designated areas on the map. |- |Warriors |25 |March 29, 2022 – April 12, 2022 |The event brought back the "Control" mode with a new map centered on Caustic Treatment, added a new Arenas map, and introduced new cosmetics. |- |Unshackled |26 |April 19, 2022 – May 3, 2022 |The "Flashpoint" limited-time mode returned on Olympus, accompanied by new cosmetics that remained in the loot pool after the event concluded. |- |Awakening |27 |June 21, 2022 – July 5, 2022 |Control returned with Lava Siphon from World's Edge added to the map rotation. The event introduced a new collection event featuring Valkyrie's heirloom and added Lifeline's Clinic as a new POI on Olympus. |- |Gaiden |28 |July 19, 2022 – August 2, 2022 |Armed and Dangerous returned as an LTM. The event added new anime-themed cosmetics, which remained in the loot pool after the event concluded. |- |Beast of Prey |29 |September 20, 2022 - October 4, 2022 |The event introduced the limited-time mode Gun Run. Loba received an heirloom, and 24 Alien/Predator-themed cosmetics were made available for purchase. |- |Fight or Fright (2022) |30 |October 4, 2022 –November 1, 2022 |The fourth annual Halloween event added new Halloween-themed cosmetics to the Store without a collection reward. The map Olympus featured a Halloween takeover called Olympus After Dark during the first and fourth weeks. Shadow Royale returned in those weeks, while Control and Gun Run modes were available in the second and third weeks, played on Olympus After Dark POIs: Estates (After Dark) for Gun Run and Hammond Labs (Labs After Dark) for Control. The lobby was also revamped with a Halloween theme. |- |Wintertide (Christmas 2022) |31 |December 6, 2022 – December 27, 2022 |The fourth annual Christmas event in Apex Legends featured the return of Winter Express, introduced a Prestige Skin for Wraith, and added 24 winter-themed cosmetics. |- |Spellbound |32 |January 10, 2023 – January 24, 2023 |Control returns with general improvements and private matches are introduced. Seer receives his heirloom. |- |Celestial Sunrise |33 |January 24, 2023 – February 7, 2023 |The event features the limited-time mode Hardcore Royale. The collection reward is a recolor of an existing reactive Peacekeeper skin. It also includes 24 Chinese New Year-themed cosmetics.<ref>{{cite web |last=Electronic Arts |date=January 2023 |title=Apex Legends – Lunar New Year Event Announcement |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/lunar-new-year-event |access-date=}}</ref> |- |Anniversary (2023) |34 |February 14, 2023 – February 28, 2023 |The fourth anniversary event of Apex Legends features new trio-themed cosmetics available for purchase, with 150 Heirloom Shards as the collection reward. It includes two free Anniversary Packs in the free Prize Tracker, several standard Apex Packs, and community-created skins and Banner Frames. |- |Imperial Guard |35 |March 7, 2023 - March 21, 2023 |Wraith's third heirloom—a recolor of her original Kunai—is introduced. The event includes 24 Imperial-themed cosmetics and adds the Mixtape rotation mode, featuring Team Deathmatch, Control, and Gun Run. |- |Sun Squad |36 |March 28, 2023 - April 11, 2023 |Ash's heirloom is the collection reward. The event offers 24 beach and summer-themed cosmetics and introduces the limited-time mode Heatwave. |- |Veiled |37 |April 25, 2023 - May 9, 2023 |The event features 24 masquerade-themed cosmetics and grants Caustic a Prestige skin as the collection reward. The revamped Team Deathmatch mode, TDM – Deadeye, is available throughout the event. |- |Threat Level |38 |May 23, 2023 - June 6, 2023 |This event is a major store sale, featuring 23 alien-themed recolored cosmetics for purchase. Control received its own dedicated playlist due to being the most-voted mode, resulting in two weeks of continuous Control gameplay. TDM – Deadeye (Unshielded Deadeye) also returned for the event's duration. |- |Dressed to Kill |39 |June 20, 2023 – July 4, 2023 |The first collection event of the season introduced Horizon's heirloom. The event featured 24 hitman-themed cosmetics available for purchase. Horizon's heirloom unlocks automatically after purchasing all other event items. |- |Neon Network |40 |July 21, 2023 –August 8, 2023 |Valkyrie receives her Prestige Skin as the collection reward. The Battle Royale Takeover introduces the Node Tracker, directing players to Loot Tick spawns that grant loot and 800–900 Nodes, usable for special Item Shop rewards. The event features the "A Thief's Bane" quest with Loba as the sole playable Legend, alongside 24 cyberpunk/neon-themed cosmetics for purchase. |- |Death Dynasty |41 |August 8, 2023 – August 22, 2023 |The event introduced the permanent "Mixtape" mode, rotating through modes like TDM and Gun Run. It also added a recolor of Revenant's Heirloom and featured death/gothic-themed cosmetics. |- |Harbingers |42 |September 19, 2023 - October 3, 2023 |The event introduced the "Living Shell Trios" limited-time mode and added the Fuse Heirloom Set. Cosmetics were themed around undead and royalty. |} Minor events occasionally introduced only purchasable cosmetics (e.g., "Summer of Plunder" and "Arena Flash Events" across Seasons 9–10) or limited-time modes without exclusive collectibles, such as the Battle Armor mode (April 28 to May 12, 2020), where players started matches with armor and a gun.<ref>{{cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=April 27, 2020 |title=Apex Legends' Battle Armor Event will let players start games with armor and a gun |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/27/21238684/apex-legends-battle-armor-event-evo-armor-schedule-season-5-start-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915105053/https://www.polygon.com/2020/4/27/21238684/apex-legends-battle-armor-event-evo-armor-schedule-season-5-start-date |archive-date=September 15, 2020 |access-date=September 4, 2020 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>
====== Arenas ====== Season 9 introduced a new mode named "Arenas". In this mode, players form into three-player squads and fight against another squad in a 3v3 [[team deathmatch]] over a series of rounds to determine the winner of the match. Teams win when their team has at least 3 points and is 2 points ahead. Additionally, if a game should drag on to round 9 (where both teams have 4 points) a final [[Tiebreaker|sudden death]] round begins. Respawn stated this scoring system "prevents total blowout games from dragging on for too long" and also "lets more competitive games keep the heat going for longer".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Arts |first1=Electronic |date=2021-04-26 |title=Introducing Arenas |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/introducing-arenas |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427185732/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/introducing-arenas |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=EA}}</ref>
Rather than skydiving onto the map and gathering equipment like in the battle royale mode, players spawn in a "shop" where they can purchase equipment and charges of their Legend's abilities using materials earned in the previous rounds to prepare for the next fight. This variation of the game borrows mechanics from other shooters such as ''[[Counter-Strike]]'' and ''[[Valorant]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Kris |date=2021-04-26 |title='Apex Legends' is getting a permanent team deathmatch mode |url=https://www.engadget.com/apex-legends-arenas-deathmatch-mode-valorant-161359465.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427162927/https://www.engadget.com/apex-legends-arenas-deathmatch-mode-valorant-161359465.html |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-27 |website=Engadget}}</ref> The mode is the first permanent deviation away from the battle royale format. It would later be removed in Season 16. Now Season 20 update, Breakout, introduces significant changes with upgradeable skill trees for playable Legends, offering MOBA-like progression and promising intense battles.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Archer |first=James |date=February 5, 2024 |title=5 years of Apex Legends: how "surreal" success became a fight to stay fresh |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/5-years-of-apex-legends-how-surreal-success-became-a-fight-to-stay-fresh |access-date=February 9, 2024 |work=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |language=en}}</ref>
== Seasons == Every new season is accompanied by the release of a new [[Player character|playable character]], new weapons, or purchasable cosmetic items.<ref name="Polygon season2">{{Cite web |last=Gilliam |first=Ryan |date=February 6, 2019 |title=Apex Legends roadmap shows four seasons of events |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/6/18214072/apex-legends-season-1-battle-pass |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819141011/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/6/18214072/apex-legends-season-1-battle-pass |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>
The game's first season began on March 19, 2019. Associated with seasons are time‑limited [[battle pass]]es that reward players with new cosmetic items, provided that they complete in‑game challenges during the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 12, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Season 1 Battle Pass Release Date & What To Expect |url=https://culturedvultures.com/apex-legends-battle-pass/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721113537/https://culturedvultures.com/apex-legends-battle-pass/ |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |website=Cultured Vultures}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ramée |first=Jordan |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Has A Battle Pass That's Just Like Fortnite's |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-has-a-battle-pass-thats-just-like-for/1100-6464803/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215130408/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-battle-pass-year-1-detailed-works-jus/1100-6464803/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=March 18, 2019 |title=Apex Legends battle pass comes out tomorrow alongside new character Octane |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/18/18261811/apex-legends-battle-pass-season-1-rewards-price-date-octane-wild-frontier |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319012253/https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/18/18261811/apex-legends-battle-pass-season-1-rewards-price-date-octane-wild-frontier |archive-date=March 19, 2019 |access-date=March 18, 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In addition to new cosmetic items, the release of a season adds changes to the map and additional gameplay elements.<ref name="Polygon season 22">{{Cite web |last=Goslin |first=Austen |date=July 4, 2019 |title=Season 2 destroyed some of Apex Legends' map, but the new locations are the best part |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/4/20681339/season-2-apex-legends-map-changes-the-cage-containment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704170048/https://www.polygon.com/2019/7/4/20681339/season-2-apex-legends-map-changes-the-cage-containment |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |access-date=July 4, 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> {| class="wikitable mw-collapsible" ! width="5%" |Season ! width="8%" |Title !Period ! width="70%" |Description |- |1 |Wild Frontier |March 19, 2019 – June 18, 2019 |The first season of Apex Legends introduced the playable character Octane and implemented several bug fixes and quality‑of‑life improvements, including adjustments to so‑called [[hitbox]]es—each Legend's predefined damageable zone based on their size and shape—and enhancements to the characters' unique abilities. It also launched the game's inaugural battle pass and added numerous new cosmetic items.<ref name="RPS season 12">{{Cite news |last=Toms |first=Ollie |date=May 28, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Season 1 guide – Battle Pass details, roadmap, new characters |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/05/28/apex-legends-season-1-guide-battle-pass-details-roadmap-new-characters/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814012951/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/05/28/apex-legends-season-1-guide-battle-pass-details-roadmap-new-characters/ |archive-date=August 14, 2019}}</ref> |- |2 |Battle Charge |July 2, 2019 – October 1, 2019<ref>{{cite web |last=Hood |first=Vic |date=June 8, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Season 2: Battle Charge update, start date and new characters |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/apex-legends-release-date-trailers-and-news |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608180906/https://www.techradar.com/news/apex-legends-release-date-trailers-and-news |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |access-date=June 8, 2019 |work=[[TechRadar]]}}</ref> |With season 2, the developers introduced another playable character called Wattson and also re-designed the layout of the game's island. Following an explosion (shown in the season's [[Trailer (promotion)|trailer]]), roaming [[Extraterrestrial life|alien]] wildlife, known as leviathans and flyers, have been attracted to the island and destroyed large areas, rendering parts of the map unrecognizable from the previous season.<ref name="Polygon season 22" /> Season 2 also released a new weapon and introduced a new ranked mode of play, allowing players of a similar skill to play against each other, and adjusting a player's ranking based on their game performance.<ref name="Eurogamer season 22">{{Cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=May 31, 2019 |title=Respawn shares first details of Apex Legends' Season 2 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-05-30-respawn-shares-first-details-of-apex-legends-season-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610105201/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-05-30-respawn-shares-first-details-of-apex-legends-season-2 |archive-date=June 10, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> |- |3 |Meltdown |October 1, 2019 – February 4, 2020<ref>{{cite web |date=September 9, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Season 3: Meltdown update, start date and new characters |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/season-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920070732/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/season-3 |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |access-date=September 9, 2019 |work=[[Respawn Entertainment]]}}</ref> |A new Legend named Crypto was introduced, who had tried to rig the Apex Games. A new weapon known as the Charge Rifle was added and changes to Ranked were made. The season also came with a brand new battle pass. A brand new map, named "World's Edge," was also introduced, which had players fighting through volcanic and frozen landscapes. The map also included a train that traveled throughout World's Edge. The season also changed up the [[Metagaming|meta]] by removing certain attachments and introducing new ones whilst altering what existing items could do. |- |4 |Assimilation |February 4, 2020 – May 12, 2020<ref>{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=February 4, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Season 4 Is Now Live |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/apex-legends-season-4-is-now-live |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204184408/https://www.ign.com/articles/apex-legends-season-4-is-now-live |archive-date=February 4, 2020 |access-date=February 4, 2020 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref> |A new Legend named Revenant was introduced,{{efn|name="Forge"|Forge, a former MMA champion and world-renowned celebrity under the sponsorship from Hammond Robotics, was supposed to be introduced in Season 4, but was later killed by Revenant during his interview before entering into the Apex Games.}} a Simulacrum with the memories of his human self. A new sniper weapon known as the Sentinel was added. World's Edge was devastated by a Harvester that appeared in the middle of the map, creating lava faults and changing the environment. Major changes to ranked were made, as a new tier known as "Master" tier was introduced, while the Apex Predator tier was designated for the top 500 players on each platform, meaning players could be pushed out of it.<ref>{{cite web |last=Abent |first=Eric |date=January 30, 2020 |title=Apex Legends season 4 revealed with Revenant in the spotlight |url=https://www.slashgear.com/apex-legends-season-4-revealed-with-revenant-in-the-spotlight-30608125/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131121312/https://www.slashgear.com/apex-legends-season-4-revealed-with-revenant-in-the-spotlight-30608125/ |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |access-date=January 31, 2020 |work=slashgear}}</ref> |- |5 |Fortune's Favor |May 12, 2020 – August 18, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Emma |date=April 25, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Season 5 is starting later than we thought |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/apex-legends-season-5-is-starting-later-than-we-thought |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429233533/https://www.techradar.com/news/apex-legends-season-5-is-starting-later-than-we-thought |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref> |A new Legend known as Loba was introduced, a thief with the ability to steal loot from nearby areas and teleport. Loba was out for revenge against Revenant, a simulacrum hitman who had killed her parents. Ranked Series 4 was largely identical to Series 3 and reconnect was added, allowing players to rejoin a session if they disconnected. A new "quest" system was also introduced, which allowed players to fight in PvE missions either solo or with a squad to earn unique rewards. A new battle pass was also introduced.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=April 30, 2020 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 5 – Fortune's Favor |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508185558/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-5 |archive-date=May 8, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> Respawn Entertainment announced they would be expanding their Apex servers to the [[Middle East]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=Electronic |date=May 12, 2020 |title=Season 5 Patch Notes |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-5-patch-notes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202213409/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-5-patch-notes |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> Skull Town and Thunderdome were also destroyed. |- |6 |Boosted |August 18, 2020 – November 4, 2020 |A new Legend named Rampart was introduced, a gun modder who can could emplace a minigun which she called "Sheila", and provided amped cover for her team. World's Edge was updated with new points of interest built by Hammond Industries: Launch Site, Countdown, and Staging.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Season 6 Map Updates |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-6-map-updates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817161819/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-6-map-updates |archive-date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=August 21, 2020 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> A new battle pass was added, which included a new cosmetic reward of "Holo-Sprays", a new crafting mechanic allowed players to upgrade their gear with materials found around the map, and the fan-favorite weapon from ''[[Titanfall 2]]'', the Volt SMG, also made its debut. Additionally, all normal armor (except gold armor) was removed from the game.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=August 6, 2020 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 6 – Boosted |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806170855/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-6 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> |- |7 |Ascension |November 4, 2020 – February 2, 2021 |A new Legend named Horizon was introduced, an astrophysicist who was trapped on the edge of a black hole for 87 real-time years. A brand new map, Olympus, was also introduced, known as a "city in the clouds". The new map also allowed players to traverse it using "Tridents", a form of vehicle for the whole squad. A new battle pass was added, community "clubs" were also added to allow players to meet other like-minded players, and the launch of Season 7 also brought ''Apex Legends'' to Steam. The season also introduced a map rotation to the game's normal mode, with Kings Canyon becoming unplayable for the season as a result.<ref name="Kings Canyon exit2">{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=James |date=November 4, 2020 |title=Apex Legends: Kings Canyon Leaves Map Rotation For Season 7, So Get Your Last Matches In Now |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-kings-canyon-leaves-rotation-for-season-7-so-get-your-last-matches-in-now/1100-6484092/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104231050/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-kings-canyon-leaves-rotation-for-season-7-so-get-your-last-matches-in-now/1100-6484092/ |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |access-date=November 5, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=October 26, 2020 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 7 – Ascension |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-7?isLocalized=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026160000/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-7?isLocalized=true |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |access-date=August 26, 2020 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> |- |8 |Mayhem |February 2, 2021 – May 4, 2021 |A new Legend named Fuse was introduced, a psychopath who joined the Apex Games after his planet, Salvo, joined forces with the Syndicate. A new gun called the 30-30 Repeater was introduced, a lever-action rifle. The ranked system received multiple changes, including increasing the number of people in the Apex Predator rank per platform from 500 to 750 players.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dedmon |first=Tanner |date=January 28, 2021 |title=Apex Legends Season 8 Ranked Matchmaking Changes Revealed |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/apex-legends-season-8-ranked-matchmaking-changes/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128181546/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/apex-legends-season-8-ranked-matchmaking-changes/ |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |website=Comicbook}}</ref> A new battle pass was introduced, and Kings Canyon was also re-introduced into the map rotation, albeit changed from its previous appearance in the rotation.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2021-01-18 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 8 – Mayhem |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-8?isLocalized=true |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118160825/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/season-8?isLocalized=true |archive-date=January 18, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-18 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> These changes included adding a previously unplayable area in the north.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2021-01-26 |title=Season 8 Map Updates Bring Mayhem to Kings Canyon |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-8-map-updates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129061229/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/season-8-map-updates |archive-date=January 29, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-26 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> A golden rarity of an extended magazine was also introduced, which automatically reloaded the holstered weapon after a few seconds.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dedmon |first=Tanner |date=January 26, 2021 |title=Apex Legends Season 8 Will Add Gold Weapon Magazines |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/apex-legends-season-8-gold-weapon-magazines/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126193747/https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/apex-legends-season-8-gold-weapon-magazines/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |access-date=January 27, 2021 |work=Comicbook}}</ref> |- |9 |Legacy |May 4, 2021 – August 3, 2021 |A new Legend named Valkyrie was introduced, the daughter of known Pilot Viper from ''[[Titanfall 2]].'' A new gun called the Bocek Bow was introduced, which shot arrows instead of the usual bullet types. A new battle pass was introduced, and Olympus became infested with natural plant growths and roots. The new season also introduced a new mode called "Arenas".<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2021-04-19 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 9 – Legacy |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/legacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419153005/https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/legacy |archive-date=April 19, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-19 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Peres |first=Pedro |date=2021-04-22 |title=Apex Legends will get an Arena mode next season, gameplay reveal scheduled for April 26 |url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apex-legends-will-get-an-arena-mode-next-season-gameplay-reveal-scheduled-for-april-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422171125/https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apex-legends-will-get-an-arena-mode-next-season-gameplay-reveal-scheduled-for-april-26 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-22 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |10 |Emergence |August 3, 2021 – November 2, 2021 |A new Legend named Seer was introduced, who was shunned by his community as a result of a conceived bad omen. A new gun called the Rampage LMG was introduced. A new battle pass was introduced, and World's Edge was updated, with multiple locations destroyed as a result of the Harvester. The new season also introduced a Ranked version of Arenas.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2021-07-19 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 10 – Emergence |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/emergence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719150612/https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/emergence |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=2021-07-19 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> |- |11 |Escape |November 2, 2021 – February 8, 2022 |A new simulacrum Legend named Ash was introduced, a returning character who was previously one of the main antagonists from ''Titanfall 2.'' A new weapon, the CAR SMG was introduced, which was a gun originally from ''Titanfall 2''. A new tropical Battle Royale map called Storm Point was introduced. A new battle pass was introduced, along with a new Ranked season with tweaks to how the Ranked system worked.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Groux |first=Christopher |title='Apex Legends' Season 11 release date, trailer, Ash abilities, and leaks |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/apex-legends-season-11-release-date-trailer-ash-abilities-leaks-new-map |access-date=2021-10-18 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ash is joining the Apex Games... |url=https://realsport101.com/apex/apex-legends-season-11-ash-playable-legend-release-date-stories-from-the-outlands-trailer-abilities-tactical-passive-ultimate/ |access-date=2021-10-18 |website=realsport101.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |12 |Defiance |February 8, 2022 – May 10, 2022 |A new legend named Mad Maggie was introduced, an old friend of Fuse, responsible for Season 8's map destruction and who briefly took over the Apex games. The season began with a three-week period of a limited time mode named "Control", a 9v9 mode where players held control points. Olympus was the map that also got an update. The season also arrived during the third anniversary, where players could obtain special packs based on various legends.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2022-01-24 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 12 – Defiance |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/defiance |access-date=2022-01-24 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> |- |13 |Saviors |May 10, 2022 – August 9, 2022 |A new legend named Newcastle was introduced, known to be Bangalore's missing brother Jackson. Storm Point was the map that received a map update, where a sea creature, killed by all the legends, was incorporated into the map alongside new IMC bunkers, which could provide high tier loot. Ranked also received a rework, where it focused more on team play; points were granted to team players even if they didn't get the assist. Players could also fall out of ranks (Masters could rank down to Diamond I as an example).<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2022-04-25 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 13 - Saviours |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/saviors |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> |- |14 |Hunted |August 9, 2022 – November 1, 2022 |A new legend named Vantage was introduced, who used abilities best suited for sniper players. King's Canyon was the map that received a "reforged" update, with Skull Town, now renamed to "Relic", making a return; various other locations around King's Canyon were aptly updated for better rotations. There was also a level cap increase, from level 500 to level 2000, where once a player reached 500, they could revert to level 1 and progress again.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Electronic Arts |date=2022-07-29 |title=Apex Legends™ Season 14 - Hunted |url=https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/apex-legends/hunted |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en}}</ref> |- |15 |Eclipse |November 1, 2022 – February 14, 2023 |A new legend named Catalyst was introduced, who used ferrofluid to create structures at will. A new lunar map, Broken Moon, was released, which had a distinct feature of using zip rails to traverse across the map. Gifting was also added to allow players to purchase cosmetic items for their friends. |- |16 |Revelry |February 14, 2023 – May 9, 2023 |For the first time since the game launched, a new Legend was not introduced to the game this season, instead using this season to implement various changes with remastered classes and the introduction of an orientation match system. Whilst removing the Arena mode from the game, Team Deathmatch was made available as a new mode, which rotated out in a new permanent "Mixtape" playlist with Control and Gun Run. A brand new weapon called the Nemesis was added, and a rework was implemented of various legends and their classes. |- |17 |Arsenal |May 9, 2023 – August 8, 2023 |The seventeenth season of ''Apex Legends'' brought significant updates and changes to the game. World's Edge received a major map update, and Ballistic became a new legend that focused on weapon-based fighting. Players could also expect improvements to Ranked mode, as well as an overhaul of the Firing Range. A highly anticipated Weapon Progression system was added to the game that rewarded players with desirable items such as Legendary-rarity Banner Frames, weapon-based Stat Trackers and Badges, Loading Screens, and a Legendary weapon Apex Pack for completing special challenges. The weapon level remained the same even after seasons, as the progress did not reset. Another addition was the Evac Tower, which players could use to quickly escape danger. |- |18 |Resurrection |August 8, 2023 – October 31, 2023 |there was no introduction of a new Legend. Instead, Revenant, an existing Legend, underwent a complete rework of his abilities and appearance. Mixtape then offered Control, Team Deathmatch, and Gun Run maps on the Battle Royale map Broken Moon. The Control map was on Production Yard, while the TDM/Gun Run map was on Perpetual Core (or simply The Core). The season commenced with the Death Dynasty Collection Event, where the collection reward was a recolored heirloom for Revenant. Additionally, the Charge Rifle underwent major adjustments, with the removal of its pre-fire laser and hitscan features, transforming it into a projectile weapon with significantly enhanced damage. |- |19 |Ignite |October 31, 2023 – February 13, 2024 |Season 19 ushered in a new legend, named Conduit. In the new season, the Storm Point map got a partial rework to bring players a new combat experience. In Season 19, promotion trials were added to the ranking matches. When players reached the top of a certain rank, they entered the promotion trial state. During the trial, LP did not decrease or increase, allowing players to focus on completing the trial, and the pre-set rank gap limit was removed. Players could also play with friends regardless of their rank. |- |20 |Breakout |February 13, 2024 – May 6, 2024 |In this season, no new legends were added. However, major gameplay changes related to "Evo Shields" were made. Evo Shields were removed from the ground loot entirely, and the option to upgrade your shield via "replicators" was removed. Now, the "Shield Core" is automatically attached to your character at the beginning of a match, and will level up as the player deals damage or completes other tasks. Every new level adds a unique "upgrade" to each legend, expanding how their abilities work. |- |21 |Upheaval |May 6, 2024 – August 6, 2024 |A new legend, Alter, was added as a "Skirmisher." Also, the Broken Moon map was updated and changed. "Apex Artifacts," also referred to as "heirlooms," were changed, and a universal heirloom, one that could be used by each legend, was added. (Apex Legends Mobile previously had a universal heirloom, though these were not the same.) |- |22 |Shockwave |August 6, 2024 – October 22, 2024 |This season was the first to be divided into 2 splits, with the second starting on September 17, 2024. There were no new legends added, although the "E-District" map was added. Also, the ability to dual wield both the "Mozambique" and the "P2020," which is called "akimbo" in-game. Also, changes to the Battle Pass were made, which added a "Premium" and "Premium+" tier, which cannot be bought with Apex Coins, and cost $9.99 and $19.99 respectively. |- |23 |Into The Rift |October 22, 2024 – February 11, 2025 |This season added no new legends, but "revived" Lifeline similarly to the Revenant "revival" in Season 18. This gave her new abilities and expanded her base abilities. It also added the "Rift Relics" to the normal modes, which brought back versions of weapons from the first season of Apex Legends, as well as adding "Boost Kits" and the "EPG-1" from Titanfall and Titanfall 2. This season also added the Launch Royale LTM, which brought back the Season One version of the King's Canyon map. |- |24 |Takeover |February 11, 2025 – May 6, 2025 |This season significantly reduced the time to kill on all guns with a flat damage increase to most weapons, a reduction in the maximum shield attainable through EVO points, and removed headshot damage reduction entirely. Arsenal Stations were added to POIs which contained every gun for a specific weapon class. This season reworked the legend Ash to have a dash ability and buffed Ballistic to be more powerful. The Assault class received a buff initially, with the Skirmisher class receiving a buff in Split 2. |- |25 |Prodigy |May 6, 2025 – present | |}
== Development == Developer [[Respawn Entertainment]] had previously developed ''[[Titanfall (video game)|Titanfall]]'' (2014) and its sequel ''[[Titanfall 2]]'' (2016), both of which were published by [[Electronic Arts]] (EA) who eventually [[Mergers and acquisitions|acquired]] Respawn Entertainment in 2017.<ref name="verge announce2">{{cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Respawn says it's 'putting a lot on the line' with Apex Legends' surprise launch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/4/18210935/apex-legends-respawn-ea-surprise-launch-battle-royale-big-gamble |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015622/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/4/18210935/apex-legends-respawn-ea-surprise-launch-battle-royale-big-gamble |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |work=[[The Verge]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
According to design director Mackey McCandlish, initial design on ''Apex Legends'' started before ''Titanfall 2'' had shipped in 2016 and as of 2018 the entire ''Titanfall'' team at Respawn Entertainment was working on the project;<ref name="Venture Beat interview2">{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Mackey McCandlish interview — Why Respawn made battle royale shooter Apex Legends |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/02/04/mackey-mccandlish-interview-why-respawn-made-battle-royale-shooter-apex-legends/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819150951/https://venturebeat.com/2019/02/04/mackey-mccandlish-interview-why-respawn-made-battle-royale-shooter-apex-legends/ |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |website=[[Venturebeat]]}}</ref> however, executive producer Drew McCoy stated that work on the game did not begin until the spring of 2017. He also confirmed that the game had approximately 115 developers working on it, making it the studio's most labor-intensive project. ''Titanfall 2'', by way of comparison, had around 85 developers.<ref name="Gameinformer interview2">{{Cite web |last=Gwaltney |first=Javy |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Respawn Discusses Entering The World Of Battle Royale |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2019/02/04/respawn-discusses-entering-the-world-of-battle-royale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818204242/https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2019/02/04/respawn-discusses-entering-the-world-of-battle-royale |archive-date=August 18, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |website=[[Gameinformer]]}}</ref>
According to McCoy, the studio was not sure what their next game would be after completing the post-release support for ''Titanfall 2'', though they knew they wanted to keep making ''Titanfall'' games. As with the development of ''Titanfall 2'', the studio broke into several small teams to create "action blocks", small game prototypes that showcase a gameplay element, a weapon, or similar feature of a game that would fit into a ''Titanfall'' sequel. One such "action block" was inspired by the success of the [[battle royale game]] genre led by ''[[PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds]]''; this prototype, which applied gameplay mechanics of previous ''Titanfall'' games in a battle royale format, was considered very successful and the studio decided to expand this model.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192">{{cite web |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |date=November 20, 2019 |title=What went into Apex Legends' surprise launch? |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-20-what-went-into-apex-legends-surprise-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122131720/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-20-what-went-into-apex-legends-surprise-launch |archive-date=November 22, 2019 |access-date=December 1, 2019 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref>
The designers decided that having the pilotable Titans (large [[mecha]]) from their previous games would not work well in a battle-royale setting and instead focused on creating strong [[Player character|character classes]] which felt appropriate for the ''Titanfall'' franchise.<ref>{{cite web |last=Campbell |first=Colin |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Why Respawn made a Titanfall game without Titans — and not Titanfall 3 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/4/18211246/apex-legends-titanfall-3-respawn-entertainment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205025934/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/4/18211246/apex-legends-titanfall-3-respawn-entertainment |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|8 = Polygon]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> They also found that some maneuverability features of prior ''Titanfall'' titles, such as wall-running, would make gameplay too challenging in a battle royale format, as identifying the direction of threats would be too difficult.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" />
Respawn Entertainment CEO Vince Zampella told ''[[VentureBeat]]'' that ''Apex Legends'', as a live-service and free-to-play battle-royale game, was a new challenge for the studio and represented a new way for them of developing games. Their design philosophy was focused on "chasing the fun" and designing all the mechanics around team-based play, rather than solo play. The final decision on major design factors, such as the size of the teams, the number of teams and the size of the map, were all based on what felt "most fun" to the developers and were strongly guided by "[[gut feeling]]".<ref name="Venture Beat interview Z2">{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Dean |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Respawn's Vince Zampella interview — Why you won't see Titans in Apex Legends |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/02/04/respawns-vince-zampella-interview-why-there-are-no-titans-in-this-titanfall-universe-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212011954/https://venturebeat.com/2019/02/04/respawns-vince-zampella-interview-why-there-are-no-titans-in-this-titanfall-universe-game/ |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |website=[[Venturebeat]]}}</ref>
Design director Mackey McCandlish also stated that with ''Apex Legends'', they were looking to challenge the conventions of the still relatively young battle-royale genre and to add their studio's unique touch to that class of games. They felt that the choice of three-man squads and a limit of 20 teams gave players on average a greater chance to win and also felt more in line with the type of intimate gameplay they were hoping to achieve. McCandlish claimed that the studio felt the need to create a "defensible space" in the battle-royale mode which could not be easily imitated and that the communication system, the three-man squads, and the smaller playing area were all aligned with this goal.<ref name="Venture Beat interview2" />
As part of the development process, the game underwent extensive play-testing to ensure that all elements felt fun and balanced. Collectively the developers spent 100 to 200 hours a day trying out the game, a process which executive producer Drew McCoy called "probably the most important part of development".<ref name="Gameinformer interview2" /> To refine the game's non-verbal communication system, the studio play-tested the game for a month without the use of voice chat and applied fake names to the play-testers to predict how most players would experience the game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Arif |first=Shabana |date=February 7, 2019 |title=Apex Legends: A month playtesting with no voice chat helped to develop the Smart Comms system |url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/07/apex-legends-smart-comms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207192931/https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/07/apex-legends-smart-comms/ |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 7, 2019 |work=[[VG247]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
With the game mostly completed, Respawn's director of brand marketing, Arturo Castro, began working on how the studio would name and market it. Castro recognized that the game featured many elements which players would expect from a ''Titanfall'' franchise game, but lacked core elements such as Titans, Pilots and a single-player experience.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" /> Additionally, it had already been reported that Respawn was working on ''Titanfall 3'' from a source at the studio.<ref name="Eurogamer interview2">{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Emma |date=February 4, 2019 |title=The world thinks we're making Titanfall 3 and we're not – this is what we're making. |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-02-04-respawn-explains-apex-legends-surprise-release-and-why-there-are-no-titans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418210446/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-02-04-respawn-explains-apex-legends-surprise-release-and-why-there-are-no-titans |archive-date=April 18, 2019 |access-date=August 19, 2019 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Respawn therefore decided that attempting to market the game as part of the ''Titanfall'' series would have been difficult and would risk alienating ''Titanfall'' fans. They, therefore, opted to treat the game as a new [[intellectual property]] (IP).<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" /><ref name="Eurogamer interview2" />
Respawn were also concerned that as they at that time had recently been acquired by EA, players would think that EA had forced them to make a battle royale game.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" /> McCoy affirmed that they had to convince Electronic Arts to allow them to make this game: "''we'' decided to make this game. Not to be throwing EA under the bus, but this wasn't the game they were expecting. I had to go to executives, show it to them, and explain it and...not convince but more, 'Hey, trust us! This is the thing you want out of us.' [...] This is a game where we had to say, 'This is what we want to do. Help us get there.'"<ref name="Gameinformer interview2" />
Concerned that a standard six-month marketing campaign for the game would have generated negative publicity from disgruntled ''Titanfall'' fans, Castro claims they eventually took inspiration from musical artist [[Beyoncé]] whose release of her [[Beyoncé (album)|self-titled album]] came as a surprise to fans—a strategy which proved financially successful.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" /><ref name="Eurogamer interview2" /> Wanting to generate some [[Marketing buzz|buzz]] about this new product before its release, the studio secretly arranged for about 100 social media influencers to travel to their studio to try the game and then instructed them to "tease" news of it on their social media accounts during halftime of the [[Super Bowl LIII]], the day before ''Apex Legends''{{'}} formal release.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" />
Respawn CEO Vince Zampella felt the approach was "gross", according to Castro, as he found it reminiscent of the infamous [[Fyre Festival]] "hype" which later turned out to be a fraudulent event. However, as ''Apex Legends'' was already ready for release at this point, Castro felt the approach was an appropriate marketing strategy.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" /> Because of the game's performance in terms of player-count and viewership on streaming services, Castro felt vindicated in this decision.<ref name="gi.biz nov 20192" /> This approach was uncharacteristic of any prior EA title.<ref name="verge announce2" />
The game is built using a modified version of [[Source (game engine)|Source engine]]; Source had previously been used for ''Titanfall 2'', however for ''Apex Legends'' several necessary adjustments to allow for the increased draw distances and the large game map were made. ''Apex Legends'' is believed to be pushing at the technological limits of its game engine and as a result, the game compromises on dynamic [[display resolution]], with the quality of the image and [[frame rate]] suffering particularly on console versions and on lower-end PC devices.<ref name="Eurogamer specs2">{{Cite web |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=February 10, 2019 |title=Apex Legends: the Titanfall 2 engine evolved? |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2019-apex-legends-tech-analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713071259/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2019-apex-legends-tech-analysis |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |access-date=August 21, 2019 |website=[[Gameinformer]]}}</ref>
Prior to launch, McCoy confirmed there were plans to implement [[cross-platform play]] to the game in the future, though claimed that game progression and in-game purchases cannot be transferred across systems due to hardware limitations. McCoy has also expressed the desire to eventually bring ''Apex Legends'' to [[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Lin |first=Andrew |date=June 26, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Nintendo Switch Release Date Scheduled for Fall 2020 |url=https://www.dbltap.com/posts/apex-legends-nintendo-switch-release-date-scheduled-for-fall-2020-01ebs0f2xn50 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706163336/https://www.dbltap.com/posts/apex-legends-nintendo-switch-release-date-scheduled-for-fall-2020-01ebs0f2xn50 |archive-date=July 6, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kent |first=Emma |date=February 4, 2019 |title=The world thinks we're making Titanfall 3 and we're not – this is what we're making |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/respawn-explains-apex-legends-surprise-release-and-why-there-are-no-titans |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205031002/https://www.eurogamer.net/amp/2019-02-04-respawn-explains-apex-legends-surprise-release-and-why-there-are-no-titans |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
According to anonymous reports, [[Tencent Games]] is working with Electronic Arts to bring ''Apex Legends'' to [[China]], as [[Video gaming in China|partnering with a local Chinese firm]] is a requirement for Western media companies wishing to make their products legally available in the country.<ref>{{cite web |last=Saed |first=Sherif |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Tencent in talks to bring Apex Legends to China – report |url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/15/tencent-ea-apex-legends-china-talks/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215181745/https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/15/tencent-ea-apex-legends-china-talks/ |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |access-date=February 15, 2019 |work=[[VG247]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In January 2020, EA confirmed to investors that it was working with a local partner in order to bring the game to PC in China, though it did not mention the partner by name.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Takashi |first=Dean |date=January 30, 2020 |title=EA is working with a partner to take Apex Legends to China |work=[[Venture Beat]] |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/01/30/ea-is-working-with-a-partner-to-take-apex-legends-to-china/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205112356/https://venturebeat.com/2020/01/30/ea-is-working-with-a-partner-to-take-apex-legends-to-china/ |archive-date=February 5, 2020}}</ref>
Respawn established a new Vancouver, British Columbia, studio, within the [[EA Vancouver]] campus, dedicated to supporting ''Apex Legends'' in May 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=May 18, 2020 |title=Respawn marks its ten-year anniversary with a new Vancouver studio |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-05-18-respawn-marks-its-ten-year-anniversary-with-a-new-vancouver-studio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519043452/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-05-18-respawn-marks-its-ten-year-anniversary-with-a-new-vancouver-studio |archive-date=May 19, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2020 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref>
As part of the June 2020 EA Play presentation, Respawn announced that ''Apex Legends'' would be brought to the [[Steam (service)|Steam]] storefront for Windows players, as well as to the [[Nintendo Switch]] by late 2020. Further, the game would support [[cross-platform play]] across all supported platforms on these releases.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kent |first=Emma |date=June 18, 2020 |title=Apex Legends finally gets Switch release and cross-play this autumn |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-06-18-apex-legends-finally-gets-cross-play |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619080256/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-06-18-apex-legends-finally-gets-cross-play |archive-date=June 19, 2020 |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref> Cross-platform play was introduced into the game with the Aftermarket Collection Event.<ref name="Cross-Play2" /> In a blog post by Respawn in late October 2020, it was revealed that the Steam version will launch on November 4, the same day as the launch of season 7. However, the Nintendo Switch version was delayed to March 9, 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=October 24, 2020 |title=Apex Legends Switch version delayed to 2021 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/au/apex-legends-switch-version-delayed-to-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026134609/https://www.gamesradar.com/au/apex-legends-switch-version-delayed-to-2021/ |archive-date=October 26, 2020 |access-date=October 24, 2020 |website=[[GamesRadar]]}}</ref><ref name="Switch2">{{Cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Apex Legends on Nintendo Switch launches March 9 |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/02/apex-legends-on-nintendo-switch-launches-march-9/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202225613/https://venturebeat.com/2021/02/02/apex-legends-on-nintendo-switch-launches-march-9/ |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |website=VentureBeat}}</ref> The Nintendo Switch version of ''Apex Legends'' was developed by [[Panic Button (company)|Panic Button]], known for their Switch ports of the ''[[Doom (franchise)|DOOM]]'' series and ''[[Rocket League]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-03 |title=Panic Button Worked on Apex Legends Switch Port |url=https://gamerant.com/panic-button-worked-apex-legends-switch-port/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210080343/https://gamerant.com/panic-button-worked-apex-legends-switch-port/ |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |access-date=2021-02-10 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref>
Electronic Arts also confirmed that mobile launches on iOS and Android were in development in collaboration with a Chinese mobile company. The mobile ports are set to release by the end of 2022.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2020-08-19 |title=When is Apex Legends mobile coming out? Release date, iOS, Android |url=https://www.dexerto.com/apex-legends/when-is-apex-legends-mobile-coming-out-release-date-ios-android-624941/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130020832/https://www.dexerto.com/apex-legends/when-is-apex-legends-mobile-coming-out-release-date-ios-android-624941/ |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=2021-01-02 |website=Dexerto |language=en}}</ref> In April 2021, [[Electronic Arts]] announced that the mobile version of the game would be titled ''Apex Legends Mobile'', and would begin beta testing in the coming months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Šimić |first=Ivan |date=2021-04-20 |title=EA announces Apex Legends Mobile |language=en-GB |newspaper=Esportsinsider |url=https://esportsinsider.com/2021/04/apex-legends-mobile/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-04-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421113702/https://esportsinsider.com/2021/04/apex-legends-mobile/ |archive-date=April 21, 2021}}</ref> In July 2021, ''Apex Legends'' was [[Hacking of consumer electronics|hacked]] by individuals wishing to draw attention to persistent problems with cheating in the ''Titanfall'' series that had been unaddressed by Electronic Arts and Respawn. Large banners pointed players of ''Apex Legends'' to a website outlining their concerns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bolding |first=Jonathan |date=2021-07-04 |title=Apex Legends hacked to protest Titanfall server hacks |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/apex-legends-hacked-to-protest-titanfalls-server-situation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704220528/https://www.pcgamer.com/apex-legends-hacked-to-protest-titanfalls-server-situation/ |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |access-date=2021-07-04 |website=PC Gamer |language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2022, Respawn announced that a native version of ''Apex Legends'' for [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X/S]] was "coming very soon..." and that it would introduce new features specifically for the next generation consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2022 |title=Apex Legends PS5 and Xbox Series X{{!}}S update news coming "very, very soon" |url=https://www.theloadout.com/apex-legends/ps5-xbox-series-x-version-news |access-date=2022-02-04 |website=The Loadout |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=Apex Legends Likely To Get PS5 and Xbox Series Iterations Soon |url=https://www.thegamer.com/apex-legends-ps5-xbox-series-x-upgrade/ |access-date=2022-02-04 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref> These versions were released on March 29, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Arts |first1=Electronic |date=23 March 2022 |title=Control returns and more in the Warriors Collection Event |url=https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/news/warriors-collection-event |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en |quote=This patch is also bringing some sweet updates for Playstation 5 and Xbox Series X/S owners. On March 29, we will be launching the native next-gen versions of Apex Legends.}}</ref>
''Apex Legends Mobile'' released on May 17, 2022, for iOS and Android devices. The game was published by Electronic Arts and developed by Chinese company Lightspeed and Quantum Studios, a subsidiary of [[Tencent]] and the developer of ''[[PUBG Mobile]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=The innovative tactical shooter game experience, Apex Legends Mobile is coming soon | Lightspeed Studios |url=https://www.lqstudios.com/news/innovative-tactical.html |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517184817/https://www.lqstudios.com/news/innovative-tactical.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The game was shut down on May 1, 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yang |first1=George |date=31 January 2023 |title=Apex Legends Mobile and Battlefield Mobile Are Shutting Down |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/apex-legends-mobile-and-battlefield-mobile-are-shutting-down |access-date=1 February 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref>
On January 30, 2026, Respawn announced that the Nintendo Switch version would be discontinued following the end of Season 29.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=PlayApex |author=Apex Legends |date=2026-01-30 |number=2017296851247018038 |title=Hey legends, we want to share an important update about Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch. |url=https://x.com/PlayApex/status/2017296851247018038?s=20 |access-date=2026-01-30 }}</ref>
===Esports=== Shortly after ''Apex Legends''{{'}} launch, it was seen as a potential [[esport]] competition, and Respawn had anticipated establishing events once the game had been established. As early as March 2019, various esport team sponsors began to assemble ''Apex Legends'' teams for these competitions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=March 10, 2019 |title=E-sports teams are flocking to Apex Legends |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/10/18254498/apex-legends-esports-battle-royale-team-liquid-tsm-100-thieves |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815214517/https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/10/18254498/apex-legends-esports-battle-royale-team-liquid-tsm-100-thieves |archive-date=August 15, 2019 |access-date=August 9, 2019 |work=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> [[ESPN]] launched its EXP program to showcase esports events running alongside other ESPN-managed sporting events. The first such event was the EXP Pro-Am ''Apex Legends'' Exhibition, run on July 11, 2019, alongside the [[2019 ESPY Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Hayward |first=Andrew |date=July 13, 2019 |title=ASUS Republic of Gamers Named Hardware Sponsor of ESPN's EXP Series |url=https://esportsobserver.com/asus-espys-espn-exp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809162555/https://esportsobserver.com/asus-espys-espn-exp/ |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=August 9, 2019 |work=The Esports Observer}}</ref> An EXP Invitational event with a $150,000 prize pool took place alongside the X Games Minneapolis 2019 from August 1 to 4, 2019. However, as a result of the [[2019 El Paso shooting|El Paso]] and [[2019 Dayton shooting|Dayton]] mass shootings that occurred over that weekend, both ESPN and ABC opted to delay broadcast of the event out of respect for the victims of the shootings.<ref>{{cite web |last=Shanley |first=Patrick |date=August 9, 2019 |title=ESPN, ABC Pull 'Apex Legends' Esports Tournament Following Mass Shootings |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/espn-abc-pull-apex-legends-esports-tournament-mass-shootings-1230344 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809004158/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/espn-abc-pull-apex-legends-esports-tournament-mass-shootings-1230344 |archive-date=August 9, 2019 |access-date=August 9, 2019 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>
Respawn and EA announced the [[Apex Legends Global Series|''Apex Legends'' Global Series]] in December 2019, consisting of several online events and twelve live events during 2020 with a total {{USD|3 million}} prize pool. The Global Series follows a similar approach as ''Fortnite Battle Royale'' by using multiple tiers of events to qualify players. Players will qualify for the Global Series through Online Tournaments. Top players and teams from these events will be invited to either regional Challenger events or to global Premier events, where the winners have a chance for a cash payout and invitations to one of the three major events. Three Major events will be held for one hundred teams to accumulate points in the Global Series to vie for placement in the final Major event as well as part of a {{USD|500,000}} prize pool. The fourth Major event had up to sixty teams competing for a portion of a {{USD|1 million}} pool.<ref>{{cite web |last=Statt |first=Nick |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Respawn is launching an Apex Legends e-sports tournament with $3 million in prizes |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/17/21026140/apex-legends-global-series-respawn-ea-esports-tournament-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217220252/https://www.theverge.com/2019/12/17/21026140/apex-legends-global-series-respawn-ea-esports-tournament-launch |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |access-date=December 17, 2019 |work=[[The Verge]]}}</ref>
Year 2 of the ALGS began in September 2021.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
Year 3 of the ALGS began on July 7, 2022, consisting of 40 teams around the world with a total US$2 million prize pool. The first place belongs to Darkzero Esports, with the prize of US$500,000.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = PC: 88/100<ref name="MCPC">{{Cite Metacritic|id=apex-legends|type=game|vgtype=pc|title=Apex Legends for PC Reviews|access-date=June 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227080652/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/apex-legends|archive-date=February 27, 2019|url-status=live }}</ref><br/>PS4: 89/100<ref name="MCPS4">{{Cite Metacritic|id=apex-legends|type=game|vgtype=playstation-4|title=Apex Legends for PlayStation 4 Reviews|access-date=June 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209105331/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/apex-legends|archive-date=February 9, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>XONE: 88/100<ref name="MCXONE">{{Cite Metacritic|id=apex-legends|type=game|vgtype=xbox-one|title=Apex Legends for Xbox One Reviews|access-date=June 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217053154/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/apex-legends|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>NS: 54/100<ref name="MCNS">{{Cite Metacritic|id=apex-legends|type=game|vgtype=switch|title=Apex Legends for Switch Reviews|access-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref><br/>IOS: 79/100<ref name="MCIOS">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/apex-legends-mobile/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad|title=Apex Legends Mobile for iPhone/iPad Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=June 11, 2022}}</ref> | Destruct = 8.5/10<ref name="destruct">{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-apex-legends-543129.phtml|title=Review: Apex Legends|last=Roemer|first=Dan|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=February 17, 2019|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227193452/https://www.destructoid.com/review-apex-legends-543129.phtml|archive-date=February 27, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | GI = 9.25/10<ref name="gi">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/apex-legends/embracing-the-new-frontier|title=Apex Legends Review – Embracing The New Frontier|last=Gwaltney|first=Javy|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124200/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/apex-legends/embracing-the-new-frontier|archive-date=February 9, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | GSpot = PC: 9/10<ref name="gspot">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/apex-legends-review-battle-royale-the-way-it-shoul/1900-6417083/|title=Apex Legends Review – Battle Royale The Way It Should Be|last=Hornshaw|first=Phil|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2019|work=[[GameSpot]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208224725/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/apex-legends-review-battle-royale-the-way-it-shoul/1900-6417083/|archive-date=February 8, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>IOS: 7/10<ref name="GSpotIOS">{{Cite web|last=Ramée|first=Jordan|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/apex-legends-mobile-review-pocket-sized-royale/1900-6417885/|title=Apex Legends Mobile Review - Pocket-Sized Royale|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=May 26, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2022}}</ref> | GRadar = PC/PS4: 5/5<ref name="gradar"> {{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/apex-legends-review/|title=APEX LEGENDS REVIEW: "An immaculate battle royale that should only get better"|first=Ford|last=James|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|date=February 8, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209104553/https://www.gamesradar.com/apex-legends-review/|archive-date=February 9, 2019|url-status=live}} </ref> | IGN = PC: 9/10<ref name="ign">{{Cite web|url=https://uk.ign.com/articles/2019/02/12/apex-legends-review|title=Apex Legends Review|last=Petite|first=Steven|website=[[IGN]]|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 11, 2019|archive-date=February 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227193452/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/12/apex-legends-review|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>IOS: 8/10<ref name="IGNIOS">{{Cite web|last=Chung|first=Stella|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/apex-legends-mobile-review|title=Apex Legend Mobile Review|website=[[IGN]]|date=May 26, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2022}}</ref> | JXV = 17/20<ref name="jxv"> {{cite web|language=fr|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/997194/apex-legends-le-battle-royale-free-to-play-et-tactique-qui-veut-faire-de-l-ombre-a-fortnite.htm|title=Test : Apex Legends : Le Battle Royale free to play et tactique qui veut faire de l'ombre à Fortnite|author=Panthaa|work=Jeuxvideo|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206054926/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/test/997194/apex-legends-le-battle-royale-free-to-play-et-tactique-qui-veut-faire-de-l-ombre-a-fortnite.htm|archive-date=February 6, 2019|url-status=live}} </ref> | PCGUS = 93/100<ref name="pcgus"> {{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/apex-legends-review/ | title = Apex Legends Review | first = James | last = Davenport | date = February 11, 2019 | access-date = February 11, 2019 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190212044039/https://www.pcgamer.com/apex-legends-review/ | archive-date = February 12, 2019 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }} </ref> | TG = 4/5<ref name="guardian"> {{cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/feb/15/apex-legends-review-fortnite-has-some-stiff-competition|title=Apex Legends review – Fortnite has some stiff competition|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=February 15, 2019|access-date=February 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217183039/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/feb/15/apex-legends-review-fortnite-has-some-stiff-competition|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url-status=live}} </ref> }} ''Apex Legends'' received "generally favorable" reviews for most platforms according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]]; the Nintendo Switch version received "mixed or average" reviews. Some publications, including ''[[Destructoid]]'', ''[[Game Informer]]'', ''[[GamesRadar+]]'', and ''[[PC Gamer]]'', called it one of the best takes on the battle royale genre thus far, and a worthy challenger to ''[[Fortnite Battle Royale]]''{{'s}} dominance of the genre.
Critics lauded the combat in ''Apex Legends''. ''Destructoid'' referred to the gunplay as the best they had experienced in a battle royale thus far; however, they felt let down that some of the mechanics from the previous ''Titanfall'' games were not present. Javy Gwaltney of ''Game Informer'', on the other hand, claimed that the omission of the Titans and other elements from previous Respawn games was not a problem and found the combat to be satisfying and the gunplay powerful. He added that the addition of heroes can make for more exciting combat than in other battle royale games.
Reviewers praised the [[non-verbal communication]] system in the game (known as the "ping system") with most considering it to be highly innovative. [[Polygon (website)|''Polygon'']]'s Khee Hoon Chan opined that it "rendered voice chat with strangers largely unnecessary", and was emblematic of ''Apex Legends''{{'}} accessibility and astuteness.<ref name="Polygon review2" /> ''Destructoid'' likewise enjoyed the mechanic, predicting that it would become the new norm for the video games industry in battle royale games. ''[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]'' called it the "gold standard for non-verbal communication in games" and noted that, while not an entirely new concept, Respawn Entertainment had refined the idea.<ref name="RPS ping2">{{cite web |last=Toms |first=Ollie |date=March 18, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Ping guide – Ping system, Apex Legends Ping Menu, advanced tips |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/18/apex-legends-ping-guide-ping-system-apex-legends-ping-menu-advanced-tips-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727162935/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/18/apex-legends-ping-guide-ping-system-apex-legends-ping-menu-advanced-tips-2/ |archive-date=July 27, 2019 |access-date=August 22, 2019 |work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]}}</ref>
While Electronic Arts had received a U.S. patent for the ping system in 2021,<ref>{{cite patent|country=US|number=11097189|title=Contextually Aware Communications Systems in Video Games|status=patent|pubdate=February 4, 2021|gdate=August 24, 2021|assign1=[[Electronic Arts]]}}</ref> the company announced that the ping system patent and four others related to [[game accessibility]] would be made available for free to game developers to use without fear of litigation starting in August 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Kait |date=August 24, 2021 |title=EA is opening the patents for some of its accessibility tech |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/24/22638535/ea-accessibility-patent-pledge-apex-legends-ping-system |accessdate=August 24, 2021 |work=[[The Verge]]}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' awarded the game score of 9 out of 10, summing up the review by saying "Apex Legends is squad-based battle royale done right, complete with cool heroes, a superb communication system, and polished mechanics"<ref>{{Citation |last=Petite |first=Steven |title=Apex Legends Review |publisher=IGN |date=March 10, 2022 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/12/apex-legends-review |access-date=2021-11-10 |language=en}}</ref>
''Apex Legends'' received critical praise for the perceived [[Multiculturalism|diversity]] of its playable characters. Several characters are [[LGBTQ]], including one [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] character,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Newell |first=Adam |date=February 9, 2019 |title=Who are Apex Legends' LGBTQ characters? |url=https://dotesports.com/news/who-are-apex-legends-lgbtq-characters |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630050911/https://dotesports.com/news/who-are-apex-legends-lgbtq-characters |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |access-date=May 5, 2020 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}}</ref> though some reviewers felt that the nature of the game did not allow for a narrative which properly highlights this diversity.<ref name="Polygon review2" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Calypso |first=Mellor |date=June 28, 2019 |title=Apex Legends' diverse cast is great for the present, but E3 left me excited for the future |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-28-apex-legends-diverse-cast-is-great-for-the-present-but-e3-left-me-excited-for-the-future |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629000538/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-28-apex-legends-diverse-cast-is-great-for-the-present-but-e3-left-me-excited-for-the-future |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |access-date=February 21, 2019 |work=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Jackson |first=Gita |date=June 2, 2019 |title=Sadly, It's Surprising That There Are Two Black Women In Apex Legends |url=https://kotaku.com/sadly-its-surprising-that-there-are-two-black-women-in-1832397106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209214441/https://kotaku.com/sadly-its-surprising-that-there-are-two-black-women-in-1832397106 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=February 21, 2019 |work=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref>
=== Awards === {| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" !Year !Award !Category !Result !{{Refh}} |- | rowspan="7" |2019 |[[Japan Game Awards]] |Award for Excellence | {{Won}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |date=September 13, 2019 |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Dominates The Japan Game Awards 2019 |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/super_smash_bros_ultimate_dominates_the_japan_game_awards_2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913211302/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/super_smash_bros_ultimate_dominates_the_japan_game_awards_2019 |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |access-date=November 21, 2019 |work=[[Nintendo Life]]}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |[[2019 Golden Joystick Awards]] |Best Multiplayer | {{Won}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web |author=GamesRadar staff |date=October 25, 2019 |title=Vote now for your Ultimate Game of the Year in the Golden Joystick Awards 2019 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/vote-now-for-your-ultimate-game-of-the-year-in-the-golden-joystick-awards-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211222643/https://www.gamesradar.com/vote-now-for-your-ultimate-game-of-the-year-in-the-golden-joystick-awards-2019/ |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2019 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=GamesRadar staff |date=November 15, 2019 |title=Here's every winner from this year's Golden Joystick Awards, including the Ultimate Game of the Year |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/Golden-Joystick-awards-2019-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115184820/https://www.gamesradar.com/Golden-Joystick-awards-2019-winners/ |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |access-date=November 16, 2019 |work=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> |- |Ultimate Game of the Year | {{Nom}} |- | rowspan="4" |[[The Game Awards 2019]] |Best Ongoing Game | {{Nom}} | rowspan="4" |<ref>{{cite web |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |date=November 19, 2019 |title=The Game Awards 2019 Nominees Full List |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123042344/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |access-date=November 19, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=December 13, 2019 |title=The Game Awards 2019 Winners: Sekiro Takes Game Of The Year |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-winners-sekiro-takes-game-of-/1100-6472169/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213184227/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-winners-sekiro-takes-game-of-/1100-6472169/ |archive-date=December 13, 2019 |access-date=December 13, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> |- |Best Community Support | {{Nom}} |- |Best Action Game | {{Nom}} |- |Best Multiplayer Game | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="19" |2020 |[[18th Visual Effects Society Awards|Visual Effects Society Awards]] |Outstanding Animated Character in a Commercial <small>(Meltdown and Mirage)</small> | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=January 7, 2020 |title=VES Awards Nominations: 'The Lion King', 'Alita: Battle Angel', 'The Mandalorian' & 'GoT' Top List |url=https://deadline.com/2020/01/ves-awards-nominations-2020-list-the-lion-king-the-mandalorian-game-of-thrones-1202823016/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216161837/https://deadline.com/2020/01/ves-awards-nominations-2020-list-the-lion-king-the-mandalorian-game-of-thrones-1202823016/ |archive-date=February 16, 2020 |access-date=January 8, 2020 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref> |- |[[23rd Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]] |[[D.I.C.E. Award for Online Game of the Year|Online Game of the Year]] | {{Won}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=January 13, 2020 |title=Control and Death Stranding get 8 nominations each for the 2020 DICE Awards |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/control-and-death-stranding-get-eight-nominations-each-for-the-2020-dice-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303212529/https://www.pcgamer.com/control-and-death-stranding-get-eight-nominations-each-for-the-2020-dice-awards/ |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |access-date=January 20, 2020 |work=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Chandler |first=Sam |date=February 13, 2020 |title=The D.I.C.E. Awards 2020 winners and finalists |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/116335/the-dice-awards-2020-winners-finalists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215045130/https://www.shacknews.com/article/116335/the-dice-awards-2020-winners-finalists |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |access-date=February 15, 2020 |work=[[Shacknews]]}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |NAVGTR Awards |Costume Design | {{Nom}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{cite web |date=January 13, 2020 |title=2019 Nominees |url=https://navgtr.org/2019-nominees/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303100221/https://navgtr.org/2019-nominees/ |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |access-date=January 20, 2020 |work=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers}}</ref> |- |Gameplay Design, New IP | {{Nom}} |- |Game, Original Action | {{Nom}} |- |Pégases Awards 2020 |Best International Game | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |date=February 7, 2020 |title=All the categories (2020) |url=https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303182224/https://soumission-pegases.academiejeuvideo.org/en/public |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |access-date=March 5, 2020 |work=Pégases Awards}}</ref> |- |[[Game Developers Choice Awards]] |Best Technology | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Shanley |first=Patrick |date=January 8, 2020 |title='Death Stranding' Leads Game Developers Choice Awards Nominees |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/game-developers-choice-awards-full-list-nominees-1268040 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217163342/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/game-developers-choice-awards-full-list-nominees-1268040 |archive-date=February 17, 2020 |access-date=January 8, 2020 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |[[SXSW Gaming Awards]] |Trending Game of the Year | {{Nom}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{cite web |author=Grayshadow |date=February 17, 2020 |title=2020 SXSW Gaming Awards Nominees Revealed |url=https://www.noobfeed.com/news/9773/2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-nominees-revealed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218041229/https://www.noobfeed.com/news/9773/2020-sxsw-gaming-awards-nominees-revealed |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |access-date=February 18, 2020 |work=NoobFeed}}</ref> |- |Excellence in Animation | {{Nom}} |- |Excellence in Multiplayer | {{Nom}} |- | rowspan="2" |[[16th British Academy Games Awards]] |Evolving Game | {{Nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite news |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=March 3, 2020 |title=Death Stranding and Control dominate Bafta games awards nominations |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/mar/03/death-stranding-and-control-dominate-bafta-games-awards-nominations |url-status=live |access-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507064321/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/mar/03/death-stranding-and-control-dominate-bafta-games-awards-nominations |archive-date=May 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chilton |first=Louis |date=April 2, 2020 |title=Bafta Games Awards 2020: The results in full |newspaper=[[The Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/games/news/bafta-games-awards-2020-results-list-winners-outer-wilds-death-stranding-control-disco-elysium-a9444411.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404010654/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/games/news/bafta-games-awards-2020-results-list-winners-outer-wilds-death-stranding-control-disco-elysium-a9444411.html |archive-date=April 4, 2020}}</ref> |- |[[British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer|Multiplayer]] | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="2" |''[[Famitsu]]'' ''[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki]]'' Game Awards 2019 |Best Online Game | {{Nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web |author=Sato |date=April 18, 2020 |title=Here Are the Winners of the Famitsu Dengeki Game Awards 2019 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/here-are-the-winners-of-the-famitsu-dengeki-game-awards-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120230840/https://www.siliconera.com/here-are-the-winners-of-the-famitsu-dengeki-game-awards-2019/ |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=May 4, 2020 |work=[[Siliconera]]}}</ref> |- |Best Shooter | {{Won}} |- |18th Annual G.A.N.G. Awards |Best Audio Mix | {{Nom}} |<ref name="Game Audio Network Guild 2023">{{cite web | title=Awards Archive | website=Game Audio Network Guild | date=2023-08-02 | url=https://www.audiogang.org/awards/archive/ | access-date=2023-12-10}}</ref> |- |[[31st GLAAD Media Awards|GLAAD Media Awards]] |[[GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game|Outstanding Video Game]] | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |last=Valentin |first=Rebekah |date=January 8, 2020 |title=GLAAD reveals nominees for Outstanding Video Game at 31st annual Media Awards |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-08-glaad-reveals-nominees-for-outstanding-video-game-at-31st-annual-media-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129021503/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-08-glaad-reveals-nominees-for-outstanding-video-game-at-31st-annual-media-awards |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |access-date=January 9, 2020 |work=GamesIndustry.biz}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |[[The Game Awards 2020]] |Best Ongoing Game | {{Nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stedman |first=Alex |date=2020-12-10 |title=The Game Awards 2020: Complete Winners List |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-game-awards-winners-list-2020-1234850547/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211075416/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-game-awards-winners-list-2020-1234850547/ |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |access-date=2020-12-15 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Best Community Support | {{Nom}} |- |[[Steam Awards|Steam Awards 2020]] |Best Game You Suck At | {{Won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Steam Awards: Winners |url=https://store.steampowered.com/steamawards#BestGameYouSuckAt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124061809/https://store.steampowered.com/steamawards/#BestGameYouSuckAt |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |access-date=2021-01-04 |website=[[Steam (service)|Steam]] |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |2021 | rowspan="2" |[[The Game Awards 2021]] |Best Ongoing Game | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Game Awards |url=https://thegameawards.com/nominees/best-ongoing |access-date=2021-11-25 |website=The Game Awards}}</ref> |- |Best Community Support | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Game Awards |url=https://thegameawards.com/nominees/best-community-support |access-date=2021-11-25 |website=The Game Awards}}</ref> |- |[[The Streamer Awards]] |Stream Game of the Year | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Awards |first=The Streamer |date=February 22, 2022 |title=The Streamer Awards |url=https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/all-nominees-for-qtcinderellas-streamer-awards |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Dotesports}}</ref> |- |2023 |[[19th British Academy Games Awards|British Academy Games Awards]] |[[British Academy Games Award for Evolving Game|Evolving Game]] | {{Nom}} |<ref>{{cite web |date=2 March 2023 |title=2023 BAFTA Games Awards: The Nominations |url=https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2023-nominations |access-date=2 March 2023 |publisher=[[BAFTA]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=30 March 2023 |title=2023 BAFTA Games Awards: The Winners |url=https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2023-nominations-winners |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331014639/https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2023-nominations-winners |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=30 March 2023 |publisher=[[British Academy Games Awards|BAFTA Games Awards]]}}</ref> |- |2025 |[[Golden Joystick Awards]] |Still Playing Award - PC and Console |{{Nominated}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=2025-11-20 |title=All Of The Winners At The Golden Joystick Awards 2025 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/golden-joystick-awards-2025-all-winners/ |access-date=2025-11-22 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> |}
=== Player-count and revenue === Eight hours after its launch, ''Apex Legends'' surpassed one million unique players,<ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=February 4, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Hits 1 Million Players In 8 Hours |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-hits-1-million-players-in-8-hours/1100-6464809/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205084447/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-hits-1-million-players-in-8-hours/1100-6464809/ |archive-date=February 5, 2019 |access-date=February 5, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> and reached 2.5 million unique players within 24 hours.<ref>{{cite web |last=Arif |first=Shabana |date=February 6, 2019 |title=Apex Legends' first 24 hours saw the game draw in 2.5 million players |url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/06/apex-legends-two-and-a-half-million-players/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206154910/https://www.vg247.com/2019/02/06/apex-legends-two-and-a-half-million-players/ |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |work=[[VG247]]}}</ref> In one week it achieved a total of 25 million players, with over 2 million peak concurrent,<ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=February 11, 2019 |title=Apex Legends Hits 25 Million Players In A Week |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-hits-25-million-players-in-a-week/1100-6464938/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190211230058/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-hits-25-million-players-in-a-week/1100-6464938/ |archive-date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> and by the end of its first month it reached 50 million players in total.<ref>{{cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=March 4, 2019 |title=Apex Legends tops 50M players in first month |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/4/18249837/apex-legends-50-million-players |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304153814/https://www.polygon.com/2019/3/4/18249837/apex-legends-50-million-players |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |access-date=March 4, 2019 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>
Within the first month of its release, ''Apex Legends'' made $92 million in revenue across all platforms, the highest amount earned by any free-to-play game during its month of launch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=March 22, 2019 |title='Apex Legends' Made More Money In Its First Month Than Any Other Free-To-Play Game, Ever |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2019/03/22/apex-legends-made-more-money-in-its-first-month-than-any-other-free-to-play-game-ever/#6f5911077e18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323134101/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2019/03/22/apex-legends-made-more-money-in-its-first-month-than-any-other-free-to-play-game-ever/#6f5911077e18 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |access-date=April 17, 2019 |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
As news and popularity of ''Apex Legends'' spread, analysts saw the game as something to challenge the dominance of ''[[Fortnite Battle Royale]]'', and by February 8, 2019—four days after the game's release—EA had seen its largest growth in stock value since 2014 on the basis of ''Apex Legends''{{'}} sudden success.<ref>{{cite web |last=Leach |first=Kameron |date=February 8, 2019 |title=EA Stock Jumps as Apex Legends Looks Like a Formidable Fortnite Competitor |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-08/ea-holders-cheer-apex-legends-as-formidable-fortnite-competitor |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213011051/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-02-08/ea-holders-cheer-apex-legends-as-formidable-fortnite-competitor |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=February 12, 2019 |work=[[Bloomberg L.P.]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Huang |first=Eustance |date=February 18, 2019 |title='Fortnite' is not the only problem that major video game firms are facing, analysts say |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/18/fortnite-impact-on-video-game-firms-ea-activision-blizzard-take-two.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219031137/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/18/fortnite-impact-on-video-game-firms-ea-activision-blizzard-take-two.html |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |access-date=February 18, 2019 |work=[[CNBC]] |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Throughout April, the game was estimated to have earned $24 million in revenue, representing 74 percent less than the amount it earned during its first month, as the game failed to sustain the same level of interest generated by its launch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kent |first=Emma |date=May 24, 2019 |title=Apex Legends revenue tumbles by 74% in two months |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-05-24-apex-legends-revenue-down-74-per-cent-since-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603203929/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-05-24-apex-legends-revenue-down-74-per-cent-since-launch |archive-date=June 3, 2019 |access-date=June 16, 2019 |publisher=Eurogamer}}</ref>
In July 2019, [[EA]] told investors that the game had 8 to 10 million players a week<ref>{{cite web |last=Grubb |first=Jeff |date=July 30, 2019 |title=EA: Apex Legends has 8-to-10 million players a week |url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/07/30/ea-apex-legends-has-8-to-10-million-players-a-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731012135/https://venturebeat.com/2019/07/30/ea-apex-legends-has-8-to-10-million-players-a-week/ |archive-date=July 31, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |work=[[Venturebeat]]}}</ref> and also credited ''Apex Legends'' with the company's recent upturn in live services earnings as their Q1 2020 financial results exceeded expectations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lanier |first=Liz |date=July 30, 2019 |title='Apex Legends,' 'Sims 4' Help Electronic Arts Beat Q1 Forecast |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizlanier/2019/07/30/apex-legends-sims-4-help-electronic-arts-beat-q1-forecast/#6dbf16a050f2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731005256/https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizlanier/2019/07/30/apex-legends-sims-4-help-electronic-arts-beat-q1-forecast/#6dbf16a050f2 |archive-date=July 31, 2019 |access-date=February 20, 2019 |work=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> With the release of season 3 in October, ''Apex Legends'' reached a playerbase of 70 million people internationally and is believed to have earned $45 million in that month alone.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=Matt |date=February 4, 2020 |title='Apex Legends' Begins Its Season 4 On The Anniversary Of Its Record-Breaking Launch |work=[[Forbes]] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattperez/2020/02/04/apex-legends-begins-its-season-4-on-the-anniversary-of-its-record-breaking-launch/#265256c45fb7 |url-status=live |access-date=February 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620144004/https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattperez/2020/02/04/apex-legends-begins-its-season-4-on-the-anniversary-of-its-record-breaking-launch/#265256c45fb7 |archive-date=June 20, 2020}}</ref>
In February 2021, EA's CFO, Blake Jorgensen, confirmed that ''Apex Legends'' has surpassed $1 billion in revenue.<ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Apex Legends Has Made $1 Billion In Less Than Two Years And The Switch, Mobile Editions Are Coming |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-has-made-1-billion-in-less-than-two-years-and-the-switch-mobile-editions-are-coming/1100-6487168/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422195551/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-has-made-1-billion-in-less-than-two-years-and-the-switch-mobile-editions-are-coming/1100-6487168/ |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |accessdate=April 22, 2021 |publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> In April, right before the release of the game's 9th season, Respawn announced that ''Apex Legends'' had reached a playerbase of over 100 million people and was expected to pull in $500 million that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Apex Legends' has 100 million players after two years |url=https://www.engadget.com/apex-legends-100-million-players-193445914.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418190944/https://www.engadget.com/apex-legends-100-million-players-193445914.html |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=2021-04-18 |website=Engadget |date=April 14, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In May 2022, it was stated in EA's earnings call that ''Apex Legends'' had surpassed $2 billion in revenue.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lewis|first=Claire|date=May 11, 2022|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/apex-legends-has-now-made-over-2-billion/1100-6503359/|title=Apex Legends Has Now Made Over $2 Billion|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=April 4, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Davison|first=Ethan|date=May 11, 2022|url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apex-legends-hits-2-billion-in-earnings-with-continued-growth|title=Apex Legends hits $2 billion in earnings with continued growth|publisher=[[Dot Esports]]|accessdate=April 4, 2024}}</ref> On August 11, the game broke its all-time record for number of concurrent players on Steam with 510,286, according to stat-tracking database Steamcharts.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 11, 2022 |title=Apex Legends Shatters Records as Players Urge Fans to Stop Playing Apex Legends |url=https://kotaku.com/no-apex-august-apex-legends-ea-respawn-season-14-1849400447}}</ref>
From February to December 2024, the game lost 70% of its Steam playerbase, potentially indicating waning interest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2025/01/23/apex-legends-lost-70-of-its-steam-players-in-2024/ |title='Apex Legends' Lost 70% of its Steam Players in 2024 |website=[[Forbes]] }}</ref> On an earnings call, EA noted that revenue had declined during 2024, and expectations needed to be adjusted downwards as a result.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/apex-legends-undergo-large-systematic-221043144.html |title='Apex Legends' to Undergo 'Large Systematic Change' at EA After Missing Monetization Targets for Latest Release |work=Yahoo Finance }}</ref>
=== Controversies === With the introduction of the 'Iron Crown' limited-time event in August 2019, the developers released several purchasable in-game cosmetic items. The vast majority of these items could only be acquired through purchasing [[loot box]]es, and the most sought-after item (a cosmetic axe for one of the player characters) could only be purchased at an additional cost after first having obtained 24 other purchasable items. Players and media outlets decried that as a result of this transaction model, the cost of the most sought-after item was approximately $170<ref name="PC gamer mtx2">{{Cite web |last=Lahti |first=Evan |date=August 13, 2019 |title=Apex's new super-legendary item basically costs $170 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/apex-legends-heirloom-items/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814005943/https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/apex-legends-heirloom-items/ |archive-date=August 14, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[PC Gamer]]}}</ref> (or £130<ref name="Eurogamer mtx2">{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Emma |date=August 14, 2019 |title=This Apex Legends axe costs £112 in loot boxes |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-08-14-this-apex-legends-axe-costs-about-gbp112-in-loot-boxes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815064403/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-08-14-this-apex-legends-axe-costs-about-gbp112-in-loot-boxes |archive-date=August 15, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[Eurogamer]]}}</ref>)—a price point which ''Forbes'' called "hilariously out of touch" and compared negatively to most other major microtransaction models in the industry.<ref name="Forbes mtx2">{{Cite web |last=Tassi |first=Paul |date=August 14, 2019 |title='Apex Legends' Iron Crown Loot Box Pricing Is Hilariously Out Of Touch |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/08/14/apex-legends-iron-crown-loot-box-pricing-is-hilariously-out-of-touch/#16b505c39194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820115556/https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2019/08/14/apex-legends-iron-crown-loot-box-pricing-is-hilariously-out-of-touch/#16b505c39194 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
This resulted in a negative backlash from the player community and industry journalists, particularly on [[Reddit]], where members of the ''Apex Legends'' community forum traded insults with developers of the game with the increasingly strong language being used by both parties.<ref name="Forbes Reddit2">{{Cite web |last=Thier |first=Dave |date=August 19, 2019 |title=This 'Apex Legends' Iron Crown Reddit War Is A Litmus Test For Gamers And The Industry |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2019/08/19/this-apex-legends-iron-crown-reddit-war-is-a-litmus-test-for-gamers-and-the-industry/#30b95405492d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819190850/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidthier/2019/08/19/this-apex-legends-iron-crown-reddit-war-is-a-litmus-test-for-gamers-and-the-industry/#30b95405492d |archive-date=August 19, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref>
As a result, Respawn Entertainment apologized for what they agreed was unfair monetization and promised to allow players the chance to purchase cosmetic items directly (rather than rely on loot boxes), albeit at an increased price.<ref name="CNN mtx2">{{Cite web |last=Liao |first=Shannon |date=August 17, 2019 |title=Apex Legends developer apologizes for controversial loot boxes |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/17/business/apex-legends-electronic-arts-loot-boxes/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820110614/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/17/business/apex-legends-electronic-arts-loot-boxes/index.html |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref> Respawn Entertainment [[CEO]] Vince Zampella later apologized for members of the development team "crossing a line with their comments", while also defending that they stood up for themselves against alleged death threats and insults aimed at their family members.<ref name="Polygon reddit2">{{Cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=August 19, 2019 |title=Respawn CEO apologizes for devs who insulted Apex Legends fans |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/19/20812983/apex-legends-respawn-forum-apology-vince-zampella-controversy-reddit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820003124/https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/19/20812983/apex-legends-respawn-forum-apology-vince-zampella-controversy-reddit |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |access-date=August 20, 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> {{See also|Titanfall (video game)#Cheating and current status}} Around July 4, 2021, unknown agents appeared to have broken EA and Respawn's server security as to change in-game messages to point to a website that purportedly was trying to "Save Titanfall". The site and messages spoke of the weak security that both ''Titanfall'' and ''Titanfall 2'' servers had, leading to the games becoming unplayable due to the number of other hackers using [[denial of service]] attacks to bring down the servers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=July 4, 2021 |title=Apex Legends Hackers Fill Game With Messages Complaining About Titanfall Hackers |url=https://kotaku.com/apex-legends-hackers-fill-game-with-messages-complainin-1847228032 |accessdate=August 6, 2021 |work=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref> A community-led investigation determined that the owners of the website were directly involved in hacking the ''Apex'' servers and were also behind some of the denial attacks on the ''Titanfall'' servers as a type of [[false flag]], to get Respawn to bring back the cancelled ''Titanfall Online'' game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Zweizan |first=Zack |date=August 6, 2021 |title=Apex Legends Hackers Exposed For Plotting Wild Scheme |url=https://kotaku.com/apex-legends-hackers-exposed-for-plotting-wild-scheme-1847439178 |accessdate=August 6, 2021 |work=[[Kotaku]]}}</ref>
The 'Monsters Within' event released on October 12, 2021, as the 2021 Halloween Event. People were upset when it was announced because the event was not launching with the Shadow Royale gamemode, and it was instead only going to be available for the final week of the event. There was also controversy over the way that Respawn sold the event skins, as players could not buy them by themselves. People were also upset because the game was in a state of constant crashes and many game breaking bugs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-16 |title=Apex Legends Players Not Happy with Monsters Within Event |url=https://gamerant.com/apex-legends-players-not-happy-with-monsters-within-event/ |access-date=2021-10-20 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Snavely |first=Adam |date=2021-10-13 |title=Apex players criticize Monsters Within event for lack of content, persistent bugs |url=https://dotesports.com/apex-legends/news/apex-players-criticize-monsters-within-event-for-lack-of-content-persistent-bugs |access-date=2021-10-20 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Spinoff media == In February 2023, it was announced that ''Apex Legends: The Board Game'' would begin a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter on May 17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2023-02-21 |title=Apex Legends board game coming soon to a tabletop near you |url=https://www.polygon.com/23608592/apex-legends-board-game-kickstarter-glass-cannon-unplugged |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> The crowdfunding campaign launched as planned,<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Newcome-Beill |first=Alice |date=2023-05-17 |title=The Apex Legends board game has launched on Kickstarter |url=https://www.polygon.com/deals/23725655/apex-legends-board-game-kickstarter-tiers-pre-order |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> reaching its goal in just seven hours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=rawmeatcowboy |date=2023-05-25 |title=Apex Legends Board Game Successfully Funded, New Options Added |url=https://gonintendo.com/contents/20798-apex-legends-board-game-successfully-funded-new-options-added |access-date=2023-05-26 |website=GoNintendo |language=en}}</ref> The game is being developed by Glass Cannon Unplugged, and features team-based skirmish battles for up to four players.<ref name=":12" />
== Notes == <references group="lower-alpha" responsive="1"></references>
== References == {{Reflist}} <references responsive="1"></references>
== External links == * {{Official website}}
{{Apex Legends}} {{GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game}} {{Titanfall}} {{Respawn}} {{Portal bar|Video games}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Apex Legends| ]] [[Category:2019 video games]] [[Category:Battle royale games]] [[Category:British Academy Games Award for Multiplayer winners]] [[Category:Electronic Arts games]] [[Category:Esports games]] [[Category:Fiction about corporate warfare]] [[Category:First-person shooter multiplayer online games]] [[Category:First-person shooters]] [[Category:Free-to-play video games]] [[Category:GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Video Game winners]] [[Category:Golden Joystick Award winners]] [[Category:Hero shooters]] [[Category:Japan Game Award winners]] [[Category:LightSpeed Studios games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch 2 games]] [[Category:Nintendo Switch games]] [[Category:Panic Button (company) games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 4 Pro enhanced games]] [[Category:PlayStation 5 games]] [[Category:PlayStation 5 Pro enhanced games]] [[Category:Respawn Entertainment games]] [[Category:Source (game engine) games]] [[Category:Titanfall]] [[Category:Video games adapted into comics]] [[Category:Video games developed in the United States]] [[Category:Video games scored by Stephen Barton]] [[Category:Video games set on fictional planets]] [[Category:Windows games]] [[Category:Xbox One games]] [[Category:Xbox One X enhanced games]] [[Category:Xbox Series X and Series S games]]