The Apex Legends Cipher season turns the battlefield into an information war. Crypto’s role has changed, new Strongholds evolve Care Packages into riskier loot, the Akimbo Wingman brings dual-wielded revolvers into play, and Legend Bans shake up Ranked lobbies. Here is what you need to know before you drop in.
Crypto’s Firmware Upgrade: Aggressive Intel-Gathering
Thanks to a firmware upgrade from his sister Mila, Crypto has switched from a passive role to aggressive intel-gathering. His Surveillance Drone now runs on batteries instead of a cooldown, and the new Sentry Mode tags enemies in sight for you and your squad. His EMP Ultimate can also be deployed with the press of a button.
The Akimbo Wingman and the New Cryptic Core
The Akimbo Wingman uses dual-wielded revolvers that combine precision and firepower. It suits players who like to pick their shots carefully.
Crypto’s influence also shows up in the season’s new Mythic Volt SMG, the Cryptic Core. It has a built-in PALS assistant rendered in low-res pixel art. Exotic Shards let you retheme the weapon: each one slots in a new retro game cartridge and changes the nanites’ vibe and color. The Cryptic Core is a possible drop in Cipher Seasonal Packs, which are not available in all regions.
New Strongholds: High-Tier, High-Risk Loot
Strongholds build on Care Packages with high-tier loot, including crate weapons, Corrupted Attachments and EVO, which can be hauled out for your whole squad. The catch is that opening one takes time and trips an alarm that reveals your position to everyone nearby. Plan your heist carefully, or let another squad ring the dinner bell for you.
Revenant and Lifeline Get Reworked
Revenant is built for a more aggressive style this season, with a shorter Ultimate cooldown, a quicker Tactical, and new Upgrades that extend his Ultimate with every knock.
Lifeline keeps your squad in the fight with a reduced cooldown on D.O.C., the ability to self-heal while gliding, and new Upgrades that add a shield while reviving a teammate and improve flight mobility.
Ranked Legend Bans in Diamond and Above
Ranked matches change with the new Legend Bans, which apply in Diamond lobbies and above. Every player casts one vote to ban a Legend. The more votes a Legend receives, the greater the chance they will be banned for that match. Make sure you have a backup plan, and maybe a Plan C. For more on the competitive side, see our Apex Legends Ranked Roadmap.
Cipher Premium Battle Pass and Cosmetics
The Cipher Premium Battle Pass Split 1 offers Legendary skins for Ash and Axle, a Legendary Weapon Skin for the Triple Take, 10 Exotic Shards and the Reactive Wingman skin at Tier 60.
Source: Steam – Apex Legends, official Steam news page.