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Apex Legends cover art

Apex Legends

Best if you want a fast, team-focused battle royale where movement mechanics and hero abilities matter as much as raw aim, with a ranked grind that rewards coordination and smart positioning over luck.

Released
February 4, 2019
Metacritic
80
View reviews
Genre
ACTION
User Rating
3.6★

On This Page

Why We Recommend This Game

Apex Legends stands out in the crowded battle royale space by combining kinetic, movement-heavy gunplay with hero abilities that genuinely shift how firefights play out. The core loop—drop, loot, rotate, and fight until one squad remains—gets depth from character synergies, vertical map design, and a movement system that rewards sliding, climbing, and repositioning. Matches typically run 20–30 minutes, short enough to squeeze in a few rounds but long enough for tactical decisions to compound. What sets Apex apart is how it makes team coordination feel natural. The ping system is genre-leading: you can mark loot, call out enemies, suggest rotations, and coordinate pushes without ever touching a mic. Random squads become workable, and premade teams gain a powerful tactical vocabulary. Each Legend brings unique abilities—defensive shields, recon scans, mobility boosts, healing drones—that complement different playstyles and create room for creative squad compositions. The learning curve is moderate to high. Movement mechanics like slide-jumping, wall-climbing, and momentum conservation take time to master, and higher-level play demands map knowledge, rotation timing, and ability synergy awareness. The firing range and tutorials introduce basics, but expect dozens of hours before advanced techniques click. Ranked mode offers a clear progression path that favors consistency and teamwork over flashy solo plays, though solo-queue players will find the climb steeper without regular teammates. Seasonal updates keep the meta shifting—new Legends, weapon tweaks, map rotations, and limited-time modes arrive regularly. The free-to-play model is generous with core content, though unlocking the full roster of Legends takes time or money. Monetization sticks to cosmetics, so you're never paying for competitive advantage. Crossplay and healthy player counts mean fast matchmaking across platforms. The main friction points: network performance can hiccup during peak hours or endgame pressure, and unlocking certain Legends can feel slow if you're fully free-to-play. The aggressive pace and reliance on squad play also mean it's less forgiving for lone-wolf players or those who prefer slower, more methodical BRs. But for players who prize mobility, team synergy, and a battle royale that respects coordination and mechanical skill, Apex delivers a polished, high-activity experience with staying power.

Best For

  • Battle royale players who value movement mechanics and verticality
  • Fans of hero shooters seeking ability-driven team synergy
  • Competitive squad players who want a ranked grind that rewards coordination

Not For

  • Solo players who prefer lone-wolf or stealth-focused battle royales
  • Those seeking slower, more methodical tactical shooters
  • Players frustrated by hero unlock gating in free-to-play models

Multiplayer & Game Modes

60 online • Full Crossplay

Apex Legends supports full crossplay across all platforms, supports up to 60 players online.

Features

Crossplay(Full Crossplay)
Online Multiplayer
Drop In/Out

Play Modes

Multiplayer • Co-op • PvP • Online Multiplayer • Battle Royale • Asymmetric Multiplayer

Player Count

0
Online
1-60
0
Team Sizes
Up to 60; squads (2-3 typical)

Additional Details

Online-only. Standard Battle Royale matches support up to 60 players. Squad-based play (typically trios/duos; limited-time modes may vary). No split-screen/couch co-op and no LAN mode. Cross-play supported across PC (Steam/EA app), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch; console cross-progression is supported, but cross-progression between PC and console is not supported. PlayStation requires PS Plus for online play; Xbox requires Game Pass Core/Ultimate (or equivalent online membership).

Edition and Platform Information

Important details about which version to buy and where to play.

Platform Recommendations

Crossplay enabled across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Console versions offer aim assist tuning, and PS5/Xbox Series X versions run at higher framerates. Large console player base ensures quick matchmaking.

Accessibility Features

Offers colorblind filters, full key/button remapping, FOV slider, subtitle and audio caption options, adjustable audio mixes, and the industry-leading ping system for low-voice or no-mic communication. Tutorials cover movement and Legend basics, though mastering advanced techniques requires practice.

Screenshots

Click any screenshot to view in full size

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this game answered by our team.

How hard is Apex Legends for beginners?

Moderate to high difficulty. Movement mechanics and ability synergy take time to learn, but the firing range, tutorials, and ping system ease onboarding. Expect a learning curve before you're competitive in Ranked.

How long is a typical match?

Most matches run 20–30 minutes, though early eliminations can end your session sooner. Quick enough for a few rounds in an evening, long enough for tactical decisions to matter.

Can I play solo, or do I need a team?

You can queue solo and match with randoms, and the ping system helps coordination without voice chat. But Apex rewards team synergy heavily—premade squads have a clear edge, especially in Ranked.

Is it pay-to-win?

No. All monetization is cosmetic. New Legends can be unlocked with in-game currency earned through play, though it takes time. You're never paying for competitive advantage.

How's the replayability and content updates?

Excellent. Seasonal updates bring new Legends, map changes, weapon tweaks, and rotating limited-time modes. Ranked seasons reset regularly, giving long-term players fresh competitive goals.