Best Seasons Of Apex Legends

Key Takeaways

• Season 2 introduced Ranked Play, shaping the game’s competitive environment for years to come.
• Season 8, Mayhem, brought explosive new legend Fuse and the Nintendo Switch release, expanding the player base.
• Season 11, Escape, introduced Storm Point, versatile legend Ash, and the adaptable C.A.R. SMG.

Apex Legends has been a top contender in the battle royale genre since its release in 2019. Respawn Entertainment has continuously introduced new seasons, each bringing fresh content, gameplay tweaks, and exciting new elements. From the introduction of the first unlockable character, Octane, to game-changing legend perks, some seasons have stood out as true milestones in Apex Legends history.

It’s worth taking a look at how each season has contributed to the evolution of the game and which ones left the most lasting impact on the community. Whether players are long-time fans or new to the game, these are the seasons that defined the legacy of Apex Legends.

8 Season 1: Wild Frontier

The Marker Of The Battlepass System

• Start Date: March 19th, 2019
• Notable Introductions: Battle Pass System and First Unlockable Legend Octane

After kicking off one month earlier, Apex Legends released its first season, Wild Frontier. Wild Frontier introduced the Battle Pass System and its first unlockable legend, Octane. Season 1 was the staple of what Apex Legends stood for, the pillar of the game that still stands today.

Arguably, some players can say that Wild Frontier was the most underwhelming season released. Wild Frontier didn’t offer a new map, any upgrades, or any significant improvements to the game aside from the launch of the original Battle Pass system. Players can agree that while Wild Frontier didn’t offer the most content, it still deserves a spot on this ranking. Never forget the simple fact that Octane has one of the highest pick rates in the game and is loved by fans all over the world.

7 Season 8: Mayhem

Fireballs, Repeaters, And Beers

• Start Date: February 2nd, 2021
• Notable Introductions: Unlockable Legend Fuse, 30-30 Repeater and Nintendo Switch Release

“Takin’ orders for after the games fellas, we talkin’ what, sixty steaks?” Fuse came in with a bang, or should we say he dropped his motherlode? Season 8, Mayhem, not only introduced this explosive new legend but even a new weapon, the 30-30 Repeater. Fuse, the witty, cocky, explosive expert straight from Salvo quickly became a fan favorite with his personality, flair, and his devastating abilities.

Mayhem delivered much more than just a new legend, it delivered a promise to keep expanding its player base, bringing Apex Legends to the Nintendo Switch. This marked a major milestone for Apex Legends and allowed the game to offer portable, on-the-go action, helping solidify Apex‘s spot as one of the top (and most accessible) battle royale games on the market. This season was more of what fans loved, and it was a bold step forward in the evolution of Apex Legends.

6 Season 12: Defiance

Say Hello To Fuse’s Sister

• Start Date: February 8th, 2022
• Notable Introductions: Olympus Updated (or sabotaged), Control Mode and Unlockable Legend Mad Maggie

Season 12, Defiance, may not have been the flashiest, but it brought a few key updates that kept Apex Legends fresh and exciting. Defiance shook things up a bit with new POIs and more destructive elements that shifted the map. Players can argue that it wasn’t a massive overhaul of Olympus, but paired with the introduction of Fuse’s fiery, explosives-happy sister, Mad Maggie, the map and game went through a transformation.

Mad Maggie’s disruptive playstyle was the perfect fit for a map that now had a bit more chaos. While this season may not have been a complete reinvention of the games, the subtle changes to Olympus, a new legend, and LTM mode, Control, gave Defiance an edge that kept players loving the unpredictability of Apex Legends.

5 Season 22: Shockwave

Neon Cities And Large Rotations

• Start Date: August 6th, 2024
• Notable Introductions: New Map E-District, Revival Mode, and Akimbo Dual Wielding P2020 or Mozambique

With Season 22, Shockwave, coming to a close, ranking it where it stands is only fair. While not a top contender in the rankings of the best Apex Legends seasons, Shockwave brought some neon-drenched changes with the introduction of the E-District map.

In addition, the Revival LTM allowed players to bring fallen teammates back into the game. Imagine jumping into the fun and finding an Akimbo hop-up, the newest dual-wielding weapon ability that players have wanted since day one. Unfortunately, there was no new legend release and while the map and Akimbo brought excitement, the season lacked the major new content shakeups that some of its predecessors had.

4 Season 11: Escape

Ash, Storm Point, And C.A.R. SMG Introduced

• Start Date: November 2nd, 2021
• Notable Introductions: New Map Storm Point, Unlockable Legend Ash, and C.A.R. SMG Introduced

Season 11, Escape, brought major shifts to the game with the introduction of the new map, Storm Point. Its large POIs and dynamic design made it a fan favorite, fast. Towering cliffs, dense jungles, and expansive beaches offered a refreshing change from maps of the past. Large scale encouraged longer rotations, new strategies, and new team pairings.

Alongside the map came Ash, a former Titanfall antagonist turned Legend, whose ruthless efficiency would soon bring tactical layers to gameplay. Her Arc Snare allowed for aggressive plays, making her a favorite for players who love fast-paced games. To round out the season, the C.A.R. SMG introduced flexibility in combat. The ability to switch this high rate of fire weapon between light and heavy ammo complemented the dramatic changes that came with Escape.

3 Season 7: Ascension

Glimmering Skies And Gravity-Defying Legends

• Start Date: November 4th, 2020
• Notable Introductions: New Map Olympus, Unlockable Legend Horizon and Steam Release

Time to break the laws of physics, darling.” Season 7: Ascension welcomed the astrophysicist with a tragic backstory, Horizon, whose gravity-defying abilities broke the game in the best way possible. Horizon’s abilities completely changed the flow of combat in Apex Legends, introducing a new level of versatility and mobility that was previously unseen.

Paired with the release of the game’s third map, Olympus, Ascension set the stage for the future of Apex Legends. Alongside a highly anticipated Steam Release, Apex became readily available to even more players on PC. Ascension ensured Apex Legends would continue to evolve, attracting new players and keeping day-one players on the edge of their seats.

2 Season 3: Meltdown

Welcome To The Meltdown

• Date Started: October 1st, 2019
• Notable Introductions: New Map World’s Edge, Unlockable Legends Crypto and Charge Rifle

Meltdown is arguably one of the best seasons Apex Legends players have ever experienced. The release of the OG World’s Edge was exciting, bold, and brand new. The city filled with skyscrapers, the ice sculpture domes, was a cinematic tactical masterpiece. Players will always remember the nostalgia of riding on the bullet train.

The introduction of Crypto as an unlockable Legend was a welcome addition, especially for those players who love tactical play and the ability to control the battlefield with a surveillance drone. This was a season that marked a change in Apex Legends.

1 Season 2: Battle Charge

Players Were In For An Electrical Shock

• Start Date: July 2nd, 2019
• Notable Introductions: Ranked Play, L-STAR Weapon, and Unlockable Legend Wattson

Season 2: Battle Charge marked a pivotal moment in Apex Legends as it introduced one key feature that would shape the game for years to come, Ranked Play. This competitive mode, which allows players to test skills in a structured, skill-based environment and climb the ranks to earn rewards introduced a new level of intensity. With ranks ranging from Bronze to Apex Predator (now fans have got Rookie), Ranked Play has made each match much more meaningful.

Alongside this, Season 2 debuted the L-STAR weapon and a new unlockable Legend, Wattson. This brilliant scientist quickly became a powerhouse with her neutralizing pylon and electrified fences, bringing new levels of defense to the games. Battle Charge solidified Apex Legends as a game that offers competitive depth and a variety of playstyles, ensuring its place as a top-tier battle royale.