Apex Legends, a free-to-play battle royale-hero shooter, was developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Initially released in February 2019 for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, it later became available on Nintendo Switch in March 2021, followed by releases on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in March 2022. A mobile version named Apex Legends Mobile, optimized for touchscreens, debuted on Android and iOS in May 2022. The game facilitates cross-platform play across most platforms, excluding mobile devices. Players form squads of two or three individuals before each match, choosing from a roster of pre-designed characters called “Legends,” each with unique abilities. Apex Legends offers two main gameplay modes: “Battle Royale,” where squads compete to be the last team standing on a shrinking island while scavenging for weapons and supplies, and “Arenas,” featuring 3v3 team deathmatches where squads vie for victory over several rounds.
Set in the science fiction universe of Respawn Entertainment’s Titanfall series, Apex Legends features characters and elements from its predecessor. Development began in late 2016, shrouded in secrecy until its sudden release in 2019, surprising many who expected a new installment in the Titanfall franchise. The game received positive reviews for its gameplay, progression system, and innovative fusion of genre elements, positioning it as a strong contender in the battle royale genre. Apex Legends swiftly gained popularity, amassing over 25 million players in its first week and 50 million within its first month. By April 2021, it boasted approximately 100 million players, solidifying its status as one of the most played video games in history.
Apex Legends is an online multiplayer battle royale game where teams of three players select from a variety of pre-made characters known as “Legends,” each possessing unique abilities akin to hero shooters. Since its inception, the game has introduced alternative modes allowing for single or two-player squads. It operates on a free-to-play model supported by microtransactions and loot boxes, enabling players to acquire cosmetic items using real money or in-game currency.
Matches typically involve twenty squads of three players each, either composed of friends or matched randomly. Prior to each match, players choose one character from the roster of 25 available (as of season 19), ensuring no duplicates within a squad. Each character offers distinct traits, altering gameplay styles. Starting from Season 16, each legend is categorized into one of five class styles: Assault, Skirmisher, Recon, Controller, and Support.
Upon boarding an aircraft that traverses the game map, one player from each squad acts as the jumpmaster, dictating when and where the squad should land, although players have the freedom to deviate from the chosen path. Upon landing, squads scavenge for equipment while avoiding other teams. The game features a nonverbal communication “ping system” facilitating squad coordination. Movement options mirror traditional shooters with additional features borrowed from Titanfall games, such as wall climbing, sliding, and zip-line usage.
As matches progress, the safe zone shrinks around a random point on the map, compelling encounters and confining squads to tighter spaces. The last surviving squad is declared the “Apex Champions.” Knocked down players can be revived by teammates, while fully eliminated players can be resurrected if their team retrieves their respawn banner within a time limit and brings it to designated beacons.
