Apex Legends
Game Updates

New Updates Coming with Apex Legends™: Cipher

October 29, 2026

Table of Contents

Thumbnail image for the S31 Gameplay trailer for Apex Legends.

NEW UPDATES COMING WITH APEX LEGENDS™: CIPHER

The deadliest weapon isn’t a gun, it’s information. 

Gather essential intel for your squad with Crypto’s new firmware upgrade. He’s armed with a new battery-powered Surveillance Drone that tags enemies, plus a rewired EMP Ultimate. Double your firepower with the dual Akimbo Wingman, raid Strongholds for major loot, and seize the advantage with a rebooted Revenant and Lifeline.

Outthink them, then outgun them.

CRYPTO REWORK

Be your squad’s eyes and ears with Crypto’s latest update. Thanks to a new firmware upgrade from his sister Mila, Crypto’s role has switched from passive to aggressive intel-gathering.

In-game screenshot of Crypto looking over his shoulder as his drone activates a EMP blast, shocking 3 legends.

His Surveillance Drone now runs on batteries instead of a cooldown, meaning it can be picked up and redeployed without a long wait. Once you’ve parked it in the perfect position, the drone will activate the new Sentry Mode and tag enemies in sight for you and your squad. Plus, his EMP Ultimate can now be deployed with the press of a button.

You’ll know their next move before they do.

NEW AKIMBO WINGMAN

If the deadliest weapon is information, the second deadliest is dual-wielded revolvers.

In-game screenshot of Crypto holding 2 wingman's in each hand.

The Akimbo Wingman is a dangerous combo of precision and firepower. Take aim, choose your shots carefully, and be the dead-eyed sharpshooter you were born to be.

INTRODUCING STRONGHOLDS

New Strongholds are the evolution of Care Packages, they bring high-tier, high-risk loot in a very loud package.

In-game screenhot of Crypto, Revenant, and Horizon standing in a stronghold, grabbing various high-powered weapons.

Raid a Stronghold to haul out crate weapons, corrupted attachments, and EVO for your whole squad. But be careful, opening it takes time and trips an alarm that tells everyone nearby exactly where you are. Luckily, Strongholds also spawn with cover and Hardlight to help you hold your ground and claim the prize.

Plan your heist and take the loot, or hang back and let another squad ring the dinner bell for you. Your call.

RANKED UPDATES

The Arena shifts every match with new Legend Bans in Diamond lobbies and above. Every player casts one vote to ban a Legend. The more votes a Legend gets, the greater the chance they'll be banned for that match, so make sure you have a Plan B. Maybe a Plan C.

In-game screenshot of Crypto, Horizon and Wraith standing together. An overlay that says "Banned!" is above them, which shows Crypto and Ballistic being banned legends for a ranked match.

REVENANT AND LIFELINE BUFFS

Find the upper hand with new Legend updates.

In-game screenshot of Lifeline reviving a Horizon, while a energy shield protects her. Revenant is next to them, using his ultimate and glowing bright red.

Play Revenant more aggressively with a shorter Ultimate cooldown and a quicker Tactical. New Upgrades mean you can extend your Ultimate with every knock, silence nearby enemies after you land a Shadow Pounce, or refresh your Shadow Pounce automatically while an enemy is marked.

Keep your squad in the fight with Lifeline’s reduced cooldown on D.O.C. and self-heal while gliding. New Upgrades push her healing power with an Ultimate cooldown reduction, a shield while you revive a teammate, and improved flight mobility. 

THE CRYPTIC CORE - NEW MYTHIC VOLT

Crypto’s digital fingerprints are all over this season’s new Mythic Volt SMG, Cryptic Core. This hive-mind of nanites think and move as one, taking shape as a weapon in Crypto’s signature colors. At its core sits a built-in PALS assistant, rendered in glorious low-res pixel art.

Image of the mythic Volt SMG, the Cryptic Core.

Reprogram the swarm with Exotic Shards: each retheme slams in a new retro game cartridge and switches the gun to a new vibe and color.

It’s available as a possible drop in Cipher Seasonal Packs*, available all season long.

*Not available in all regions.

Also included in the Cipher Seasonal Packs, new seasonal skins for Crypto, Wraith, Gibraltar, Revenant, and Horizon

image showing the Cryptic Core store offers. From left to right, here's legend skins for Crypto, Wraith, Gibraltar, Revenant, and Horizon.

THE ROAD AHEAD CHECK-IN

Another season launch is a great opportunity to check in on the updates on the Road Ahead.

Image showing the yearly roadmap for Apex. It shows the new updates coming in S29, and what'll be coming in Season 30, 31 and 32. There will be overhauls to weapons and looting, a legend rework, and a new legend.

Click to enlarge

It’s hard to believe we’re closing in on the end of our Road Ahead for 2026-2027. With exciting features releasing in Season 31, we’re excited to announce that our Major Map Update scheduled for Season 32 will be: Kings Canyon Evolved. You can look forward to a completely reworked map with numerous new, remixed, and touched up POIs in early 2027!

SEE YOU ON THE DROPSHIP

Apex Legends: Cipher is PACKED with a Crypto rework, Akimbo Wingman, a brand new Strongholds mechanic, buffs to Revenant and Lifeline, and so much more. How many more reasons do you need to get the squad together and jump in? There's always a smarter play. Go find it.

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*Applicable platform account and platform subscription (sold separately) may be required. A persistent internet connection and EA account required. Age restrictions apply. Includes in-game purchases.

†Not available in all territories.