How to Play Apex Legends: A Beginner’s Guide
Jumping into Apex Legends for the first time? Don’t worry, it might seem like a lot, but this guide will help you master the game step-by-step. Apex Legends is one of the most fast-paced and exciting battle royale games out there, known for its unique characters (called Legends) and team-based gameplay. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, learning the ropes can make the experience much more fun.
Apex Legends burst onto the scene as a free-to-play game with a mix of tactical shooting and high-octane gameplay. Unlike other battle royale games like Fortnite or PUBG, Apex focuses heavily on team dynamics and unique characters. Each Legend comes with abilities that can turn the tide of a match, making strategy just as important as aim. But don’t worry—whether you’re a gaming veteran or a complete newbie, this guide will cover all the basics to help you get started.
Set Up Your Account
To dive into Apex Legends, you’ll need an EA account. You can either create a new one or link your existing account. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, and even has a mobile version.
Once downloaded, it’s time to tweak your settings. Start by adjusting the video, audio, and control settings to suit your preferences. For instance:
- Field of View (FOV): Increasing this can help you spot enemies faster.
- Sensitivity: Adjusting your aim sensitivity ensures you’re comfortable during intense fights.
Choose Your Legend
What Are Legends?
Legends are the playable characters in Apex, and each one comes with three abilities: a passive, a tactical, and an ultimate. These abilities define their role in the team, from scouting enemy positions to setting traps.
Overview of All Legends
Legends are grouped into roles:
- Offensive (e.g., Wraith, Mirage): Focused on dealing damage.
- Defensive (e.g., Gibraltar, Caustic): Protect the team with shields or traps.
- Support (e.g., Lifeline, Loba): Keep teammates alive or provide loot.
- Recon (e.g., Bloodhound, Seer): Provide information about enemy positions.
How to Pick the Best Legend for You
Are you aggressive? Try Wraith or Octane. Prefer staying back? Gibraltar or Lifeline might be your pick. Play a few games with different Legends to find one that matches your play style.
Game Modes
Apex Legends offers several ways to play:
- Battle Royale:
The classic mode where 20 squads of three fight until one team is left standing. - Arenas:
A 3v3 mode focusing on short, intense rounds. Perfect for players who love quick matches. - Limited-Time Modes (LTMs):
Seasonal modes that add fun twists like special weapons or events.
Each mode offers something unique, so try them all to see what you enjoy most.
The Basics of Gameplay
Map Awareness
Apex currently has several maps, and each one is full of unique landmarks, choke points, and loot zones. Memorizing these areas can help you navigate effectively.
Looting and Inventory Management
Prioritize finding armor and weapons early. Aim for:
- Blue or Purple Shields for better protection.
- Weapons like R-301 (rifle) or Peacekeeper (shotgun) for their versatility.
Ring Management
Keep an eye on the shrinking ring to avoid unnecessary damage. Always plan your movements around the map with the ring in mind.
Advanced Tips for Success
Mastering the basics is one thing, but getting good at Apex Legends requires going a step further. Here’s where the pros separate themselves from the casual players.
Team Communication
Apex is all about teamwork, and the ping system is your best friend. You can ping weapons, enemies, and locations without even speaking. Of course, voice chat can make communication even smoother, especially during heated battles.
Key tips:
- Use the ping wheel for quick communication, like pointing out enemy positions or loot.
- Stick close to your teammates; Apex isn’t a solo game, even if you feel like a lone wolf.
Master Movement
Apex Legends has some of the most fluid movement mechanics in gaming. Sliding down hills, climbing walls, and using zip lines can give you the upper hand.
- Sliding: Gain momentum by sliding downhill to move faster.
- Climbing: Holding the jump button lets you scale taller obstacles.
- Zip Lines: Perfect for fast travel, but watch out—they make you an easy target.
In combat, unpredictable movement, like strafing or bunny-hopping, makes it harder for enemies to hit you.
Gunplay and Weapon Choice
Choosing the right weapon can make or break your game. Weapons in Apex fall into several categories:
- Assault Rifles (e.g., R-301): Good for mid-range fights.
- SMGs (e.g., R-99): Perfect for close combat.
- Shotguns (e.g., Peacekeeper): Great for up-close damage.
- Snipers (e.g., Longbow): Ideal for long-range battles.
If you’re new, stick to versatile guns like the R-301 or EVA-8 shotgun. They’re reliable and easy to handle.
Utilize Legend Abilities
Each Legend’s abilities can dramatically change how you approach battles. For example:
- Wraith’s Tactical Ability: Helps you phase out of danger.
- Bloodhound’s Ultimate Ability: Temporarily enhances tracking capabilities.
- Gibraltar’s Dome Shield: Provides temporary cover for reviving teammates or blocking incoming damage.
Combine abilities with your team’s Legends for maximum effectiveness. For example, Bangalore’s smoke grenades paired with Bloodhound’s scan make a deadly combo.
Prepare for Combat
The initial moments of a match often determine your chances of survival. Preparation is everything.
Landing Strategies
The right landing spot can make all the difference. For beginners, avoid hot zones like Fragment (on World’s Edge) that attract a ton of players. Instead, aim for areas with decent loot but less competition.
Here’s a quick guide:
- High-risk, high-reward: Areas with top-tier loot but heavy competition.
- Low-risk, low-reward: Quieter areas where you can gear up safely.
Pro tip: Break off from your jumpmaster just before landing to spread out slightly and grab loot faster.
Combat Tactics
When engaging enemies, positioning is key. Always aim for high ground—it gives you a visibility advantage. During fights, use cover wisely and don’t overexpose yourself.
- Close-range combat: Use SMGs and shotguns for quick bursts of damage.
- Long-range combat: Snipers and rifles are your best friends for distant engagements.
Knowing when to push an enemy squad or retreat can save your team from getting wiped.
Learning from Defeats
Every loss is an opportunity to improve. Watch replays or analyze how you got eliminated:
- Did you overextend?
- Did you forget to check your surroundings?
- Did you use your Legend’s abilities effectively?
Identifying these mistakes can help you become a better player over time.
Key Features and Updates
Apex Legends is constantly evolving, and staying updated can give you an edge.
Seasonal Updates
Each season introduces new Legends, map changes, weapons, and balancing tweaks. For example, one season might add zip lines to certain areas, while another could nerf popular weapons like the R-99. Be sure to check patch notes regularly.
Events and Rewards
Seasonal events often feature unique challenges and exclusive rewards, like Legend skins and weapon charms. Participating in these events is a fun way to earn cosmetics and boost your Battle Pass level.
| Event | Rewards | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Anniversary Event | Free Apex Packs | 2 Weeks |
| Winter Express | Limited Skins | December-January |
| Fight or Fright | Halloween Themed | October-November |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What platforms can I play Apex Legends on?
Apex Legends is available on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. Cross-play is also supported.
2. How can I improve my aim?
Spend time in the firing range to practice aiming and recoil control. Using a consistent sensitivity setting also helps.
3. Do I need to spend money to enjoy the game?
No! Apex Legends is free-to-play, and you can earn plenty of in-game rewards without spending a dime. Cosmetic purchases are optional.
4. What’s the best Legend for beginners?
Bloodhound and Lifeline are great for newcomers. Bloodhound’s tracking abilities help locate enemies, and Lifeline provides healing support.
5. How long does an average match last?
A battle royale match typically lasts 20-25 minutes, depending on how long you survive.