It’s a whole new showdown this season, Legends. Try your hand at the new Wildcard mode: it’s faster gameplay, streamlined upgrades, and a whole lot of explosive loot. Caustic and Bangalore lead the buffs, with some updates to the Controller class as well. Mix things up with Amps, new game-changing passives available each match. Try your hand at Ballistic’s personal weapon collection with the Elite variant of the RE-45. And say goodbye to loot chasing Hop-Ups as they’re now locked to the weapons in your hand. Add in a fresh take on E-District, Ranked updates, and more, yeah, it's going to be a wild season.
NEW PERMANENT MODE: WILDCARD
Wildcard is just like it sounds—a wild time. Want a three stack of Mirages? Sure, stack Legends as much as you’d like. Gotta go fast? This remixed variant Kings Canyon has been super loaded with extra gravity cannons, ziplines, and even more toys. Dropped a little too hot to handle? Second chances are at play here with opportunities for revival even in the last ring.
We’ve also simplified the loot and inventory, added in auto-looting, made some adjustments to EVO, and even more to make this a fast paced and fun addition to the Apex Games. It’s the experimental playground of every Legend’s dreams.
Check out our dedicated blog here for everything you need to know before jumping in.
LEGEND UPDATES
We’ve got buffs a plenty for two Legends that have been hiding in some fog for a while: Dr. Alexander Nox and Ms Anita Williams. Lets see what you can do with these updates for Caustic, Bangalore, and more in this Showdown of a season.
Get all of the details on these Legend changes and more meta updates in Patch Notes on August 4, 2025.
ELITE WEAPONS: RE-45 BURST PISTOL
Also being introduced this season are Elite Weapons: the firepower you know and love from Ballistic’s personal armory, so expect the unexpected with these variants. In the case of the RE-45, this little number becomes a pocket-sized mini-gun with its spin-up, three round bursts and the type of damage that only energy ammo can satisfy. Good things do come in small packages.
LEGEND AMPS
Amps are an all new way to switch-up your playstyle—amp it up, if you will. Available in Unranked and Ranked BR matches, you’ll be able to loot game-changing passives like bonus movement, better heals, more shields, and more. Amps will be tough to find until the first Bin reset, but they may just be the thing that helps you survive the next time you get third-partied. There are five different Amps and each comes with its own powerful ability; however, you can only hold one at a time so choose wisely.
LOCKED HOP-UPS
Hop-Ups are a tried and true way to add a little je ne sais quoi. This season we’re taking the RNG out of this boost and locking them to the weapons themselves. Deliver damage to fuel up your weapon’s Hop-Up ability and unlock it for the remainder of the match. If you pick-up a new weapon, then the fun begins again. All Hop-Ups currently available in-game will be a part of this change and we’ve added a new one to the mix too: Graffiti Mod. More on that one in Patch Notes on Monday, August 4, 2025.
DAYTIME IN E-DISTRICT
Good morrow, E-District! Reimagined under bright, overcast skies, this switch to daytime brings a fresh feel and dramatically improved gameplay clarity. Sunbeams slice through clouds and a light atmospheric fog helps separate foreground from background for cleaner visual reads. We’ve also run a full declutter pass across the map, removing everything from stray debris to entire buildings to sharpen awareness and open up key sightlines. Shops that once led to dead ends now connect through newly opened doorways, making rotations smoother and fights more dynamic. And for players dropping hot at Lotus, a brand new rotation has been carved straight through a wall of buildings, offering a much needed third option for repositioning under pressure. It’s clarity by design - and every fight feels better because of it.
SEE YOU ON THE DROPSHIP
The cards have been dealt and are in your hands. What will you drop in on first? The new, fast paced Wildcard mode? Maybe check out the Elite RE-45 or Locked Hop-Ups? Maybe you’ll check out the sights of E-District in the light. But don’t sleep on those Legend Amps.
New Updates Coming with Apex Legends™: Showdown
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