Before the era of seasons and evolving battle passes, Apex Legends launched with a revolutionary approach to the battle royale genre. Released in February 2019, this foundational period established the core mechanics and Legends that would define the game's identity.
The Original Legends
The preseason featured the original eight Legends, each bringing unique abilities and tactical depth to the battlefield. Wraith, Pathfinder, Bloodhound, Gibraltar, Caustic, Lifeline, Bangalore, and Mirage created the foundation for what would become one of the most strategic shooters in gaming history.
Core Gameplay
During this period, the ping system revolutionized team communication, allowing squad members to mark locations, enemies, and loot without voice chat. The battle royale formula was refined with fast-paced gameplay, unique character abilities, and the trademark respawn mechanics that set Apex apart from competitors.