Apex Legends is a free battle royale game released back in 2019. Since then, it’s been a favorite of many players. When it came out, I was obsessed with it. A good portion of my free time was invested in playing Apex. At some point in that time I even started having dreams about the game.
But after some time, my passion for the Apex diminished and I moved on to other games. Still, I’ve been known to come back to it and play it occasionally from time to time.
Apex Legends once redefined the battle royale genre with its fast movement, tight gunplay, and squad-based chaos. But here in 2025, the question is: does it still deliver? From meta shifts and new Legends to player sentiment and competition, let’s break down the current state of Apex.
Gameplay Changes
Back when it was released, Apex Legends featured fast-paced gameplay. Queues were almost instantaneous and if you were landing in hot drops, the gameplay was even faster.
Which I’m happy to report hasn’t changed at all unless you’re playing a high-ranked game where the pool of players is low. In that case, there is a bit of a waiting time in the queue and games tend to go a little bit slower.
Besides the usual addition of new legends (which I’ll talk more about later), they’ve also added a few weapons, buffed some, and nerfed a few that were too op.
I would classify it as a positive change, in a sense that it feels like we have more usable and diverse options now.
Oh, I almost forgot the most important one — the armor changes. Now everybody starts with the same armor and you can’t just find a better one and equip it. You gotta work for it and earn it the hard way, by doing some damage to other players mostly and through some other ways. Which can bring some nice perks as well, that vary from legend to legend. I believe this change made Apex Legends more balanced and enjoyable to play.
Ranked
For the ranked part of the game, I can’t say I’m fully qualified to talk about it but it does feel slightly easier than it was before. I remember having a difficult time reaching the Platinum rank and being hard stuck there forever.
Now Apex just started with season 21 and I do have to admit I’m having an easier time ranking up than I remember. Don’t automatically assume that they made it easier, maybe I just got better.
I guess we’ll never know. However, one thing didn’t change, at least when it comes to solo queue — the number of people who just either jump down to hot drops and die immediately, spend their time looting till they die, or simply wander off miles away from the party, get ganked, and then proceed to ask for help.
If you fall into one of the categories above, please stop. No amount of loot or running around can help you win if you aren’t with your teammates to fight together.
Hero changes
When Apex first came out, it featured 8 legends. Now, 5 years later, we get to choose from 26 different legends.
Back then there were a couple of them that dominated every match — Wraith was definitely the most used one. Now, after receiving a couple of “tweaks”, that legend isn’t used as much.
From the little time that I’ve been back and playing Apex Legends, from what I noticed, the most used ones are Bloodhound and Bangalore (who would’ve seen that coming). You can see them in almost all team compositions. In the end, it doesn’t matter what legends you play as long you know how to play them — you’re not playing competitive.
Final thoughts
Apex Legends isn’t dead—it’s just evolving. Whether you’re a returning player or someone eyeing the competition, there’s still plenty to enjoy in its fast-paced arenas. The movement still feels smooth, the gunplay is as sharp as ever, and the seasonal updates—while not perfect—show Respawn isn’t done yet.
If you’ve stepped away, now might be the time to jump back in and see what’s changed. And if you’re still grinding ranked every season? Well, you already know the thrill Apex can deliver.
FAQs
While its not as it once was, Apex Legends remains one of the most-played free shooters globally.
As you know meta varies, but players consistently favor Legends like Wraith, Pathfinder, and Catalyst.
With tutorials and easy-to-learn Legends, yes—but mastering it takes time. In order to compete with pros, you’ll need to invest a lot of time.
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