Ever since it launched in 2019, Respawn Entertainment’s free-to-play battle royale hero shooterApex Legendshas become a popular entry in the relatively overcrowded genre. With the rise of battle royale games and the dominance of titles likeFortnite,Apex Legendshas had to work hard to distinguish itself. As is the nature of live-service games,Apex Legendscontinually adds to its base game with seasonal content, updates, new characters, and significant changes to improve gameplay and keep players interested.Apex Legendshas been well-received by players and critics alike, and its release came as a welcome surprise to fans after its development was kept shrouded in mystery.
Each new season brings a slew of additional content. This includes new Legends for players to use and abilities to enjoy, as well as new weapons and cosmetics that gamers can purchase. Seasons also have time-limited battle passes with rewards for the completion of in-game challenges. WithApex LegendsSeason 12– called Defiance – fast approaching, players are looking at what changes will be coming with it and how their playing experience will be affected by the updates.
RELATED:Everything We Know About Apex Legends: Defiance Before Launch
Apex Legends Season 12
Releasing on February 8,Apex LegendsSeason 12 is set to bring some interesting changesto the way the game looks and operates. Although the full patch notes for the upcoming update haven’t been released just yet, from what has been revealed so far it, seems like there are plenty of updates to shake upApex Legends. Season 12 also coincides with the game’s third anniversary, and developer Respawn has announced that special packs will be available for players to pick up that relate to various playable Legends as part of the Anniversary Collection event.
In addition to these, some Legends will be seeing a change in their power levels.The hacker and encryption expert Cryptohas been confirmed as one of the playable characters that will receive a buff. Murderous scientist Caustic is being nerfed, as his gas traps will be destroyable even after they’ve been triggered. With more buffs and nerfs no doubt on the way, hopefully gameplay will become more balanced and fair after the changes are made. As well as some character updates, care packages and ground loot will be getting a rework, with Volt going into a care package and the Alternator reverting to ground loot once more.
Biggest Content Changes Coming
Amidst the smaller changes and refreshers, there are a few key updates that will have the most impact on gameplay. As with previousApex Legendsseasons, a brand-new Legend will be joining the ranks. Thenewest addition to the roster is anti-hero Mad Maggie– a rebel warlord with an ax to grind. Although the character has flitted throughApex Legendslore previously, this is the first time players will be able to get hands-on with the aggressive assault Legend. Her abilities include Warlord’s Ire, Riot Drill, and Wrecking Ball – an Ultimate Ability that lets players throw a ball that releases speed-boosting pads and detonates near enemies.
Along with the new character, Season 12 will be bringing changes to the Olympus map. With the map previously out of rotation during the last season, it will be welcomed back in Season 12, but there will be some big changes. Thanks to the machinations of Duardo Silva –CEO of Silva Pharmaceuticals and father to Octane– the entire map has been teleported. This means that not only have things moved around a bit in terms of the map’s geography, but there will also be a new Phase Driver that gives out loot to players and additional objects littered all around Olympus.
The final big change coming withApex LegendsSeason 12 is an all-new time-limited mode called Control. This will see players taking each other on in a 9v9 mode where the aim is to hold control points. With players struggling to seize a series of objectives throughout the map as they fight the opposing team, the match can only be won once one side reaches 1500 points. The mode will also allow players to respawn immediately, rather than wait for the usual countdown timer, allowing for more fast and furious gameplay in amode that’s reminiscent ofHalo Infinite’s Stronghold.
Apex Legendsis available now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
