The latest update for Apex Legends brings a sweeping array of changes that significantly impact gameplay dynamics, loot systems, and ranked competition. Among the headline additions are Amps, a new category of purple-tier loot with five unique gameplay-enhancing effects, and Elite Weapons, which introduce exclusive mechanics for select armaments like the RE-45: Burst. Locked Hop-Ups also debut in this patch, requiring activation through damage, boosting long-term weapon investment strategies. EVO Harvesters have been reworked with increased rewards and reduced spawn rates to encourage competitive zone control, while Care Packages see the Peacekeeper return to regular floor loot and introduce the Akimbo P2020.
Ranked play sees one of its most ambitious redesigns, including randomized Drop Zones for all squads, a major scoring overhaul, and the removal of Heat Shields. Balance adjustments were made across multiple weapons and Legends, including significant buffs to Bangalore and Caustic, further diversifying combat strategies. The update also includes new loot mechanics in bins, changes to controller class perks, quality of life improvements, new map variations, and bug fixes across audio, graphics, and game physics.
Full Patch Notes:
Balance Updates:
- Peacekeeper removed from Care Package and added to floor loot
- Akimbo P2020 added to Care Package
- Gold Weapon Rotation: EVA-8, Hemlok, RE-45: Burst, Sentinel, Wingman
- EVO Harvesters
- Reward increased to 425 EVO (was 350)
- Centralized spawn points, removed edge and POI core locations
- Reduced total spawns to 8–9 based on map size (was 17–20)
Gameplay Updates:
- Amps (New Purple-Tier Loot):
- Found in high-tier loot zones and guaranteed in supply bins after reset
- Types: Infinite Ammo, Bottomless Batteries, Over Armor, Heal Overflow, Power Booster
- Elite Weapons (Limited-Time):
- Feature unique mechanics; RE-45: Burst replaces light ammo with energy ammo and fires 3-round bursts
- Locked Hop-Ups:
- Pre-equipped and inactive on select weapons
- Activated via damage, Arsenal upgrades, or boosters
- Not transferable or removable
Loot Bin Changes:
- Extended, Weapon, and Legendary Supply Bins updated with Amps, Ult Accelerants, Hop-Up Boosters
- Minimap icons removed for all bin types
Legend Updates:
- Controller Class:
- Zone Overcharge regenerates shields
- Ring Consoles enable custom EVAC tower
- Bangalore:
- Passive and tactical buffs; new upgrades like ECM Payload and Medal of Honor
- Ultimate cooldown reduced
- Caustic:
- Nox Gas damage, visuals, and crowd control significantly buffed
- New passive “Field Research” with upgrade unlocks
- Increased trap health and duration, reactive gas mechanics added
Ammo & Attachments:
- New Hop-Up Booster: grants 100 Locked Hop-Up Points
- Locked Hop-Up types: Accelerator, Graffiti Mod, Gun Shield Generator, Selectfire Receiver, Skull Piercer
- Accelerator balance changes: reduced assist window, increased Ult gain
Weapons:
- LMGs: Devotion, Spitfire, Rampage received hipfire and mag size adjustments
- Pistols: Akimbo P2020 buffed, RE-45 Burst added, RE-45 Auto removed
- Shotguns: EVA-8, Mozambique, and Peacekeeper received stat updates
Maps:
- New Map Variant: E-District (Daytime lighting)
- Map Pool: Broken Moon, E-District, Storm Point
- Mixtape Modes: Rotations updated through September 15, 2025
Modes:
- Wildcard Mode (August 5–18, and September 9–15) returns with Second Chance Revivals, Self Revive, and simplified loot mechanics
Ranked:
- Drop Zones assign random POIs to squads with map previews pre-match
- Heat Shields removed
- Scoring updates: Challenger bonuses for killing higher-ranked players, adjusted RP for placement and kills
- Entry cost increased slightly for all ranks
System and QoL Updates:
- Wallhack report option added
- Multiple bug fixes across Legends, weapons, maps, and VFX
- Audio tuning for footsteps and skydiving
- New tonemapping for improved visuals
Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale shooter developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. The game launched in February 2019 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows, later expanding to Nintendo Switch in 2021 and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022 with full cross-platform support.
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