Apex Legends is making its biggest change since launch: an upgrade tree for every legend that adds 120 new variables to every match

GamesBattle RoyaleApex LegendsApex Legends is making its biggest change since launch: an upgrade tree for every legend that adds 120 new variables to every matchWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

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(Image credit: EA)

apex legends season 20

What upgrades do can vary wildly from legend to legend. Some are hugely impactful—one of Lifeline’s upgrades gives her the ability to self-revive—but others are more straightforward buffs to their ultimates or tactical abilities. I played a few hours of Season 20 at an Apex media summit in Los Angeles last month and saw some similar upgrades: the choice between an enhanced version of your tactical ability or another “charge” for your tactical ability seemed common at level 2. In a presentation from legend designer John Larson, we saw a Wattson upgrade that grants her a second Interception Pylon and a Gibralltor upgrade that augments his bubble shield to be smaller with a shorter cooldown.

In a group interview, Larson said the goal of legend upgrades is to add variety to how every legend can be played and enable playstyles that weren’t previously possible.

(Image credit: EA)

apex legends season 20

“From the get go, we wanted to make sure that each legend and their suite of upgrades stays true to the theming and playstyle of the legend,” he said, “so that experts who like to main characters as well as people with curiosities about different characters feel empowered to dive in and experiment.”

In a separate group interview, lead game designer Devan McGuire shared his excitement for players to get their hands on legend upgrades.

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McGuire reckons the new upgrade paths will inspire some players to try out legends they don’t like and discover ways to make them viable, or return to old mains with a new light. Upgrades will surely have an impact on Apex’s competitive scene. At four total upgrades per legend, that’s 120 new variables for players to account for. In several cases where an upgrade modifies the expected behavior of an ability, Respawn says it has added a distinct visual or sound to indicate it.

Apex Legends Season 20 begins this month with legend upgrades, Evo Shield changes, ranked updates, and a new limited-time mode called Straight Shot.

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