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‘Apex Legends’ Is Out Now - Here’s Everything You Need To Know

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‘Apex Legends’ Is Out Now - Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Featured Image Credit: Respawn Entertainment/EA

Following yesterday's exhilarating stream of breeze-rippled grass and gun encampments, Apex Legends was finally fully revealed by EA and Respawn Entertainment - and then released immediately for all to play on PC, Xbox One and PS4. Reports this morning have stated that an incredible one million players have jumped on the battle royale game, inside 24 hours.

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As leaked before the formal confirmation of the game, Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game for up to 60 players, who participate in teams of three. Set in the Titanfall universe - but sadly without the enormous titans themselves - it sees players dropped from the air into an expansive and varied map not unlike PUBG or Fortnite.

The shooting in Apex Legends will be familiar to those who have played Titanfall 2 (which is to say: not nearly enough of you), but there is no wall running. When playing in trios - currently the only way to play, whether you bring friends or not - one player is designated as the jump master, who decides where your team drops. You'll then have to cooperate with each other to win.

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Of course, before that you'll have to pick a hero from the choice of eight - six are unlocked at the start, with two more available later. One is made available after 15 hours of play, the other after another 15 - or you simply pay to unlock them.

All heroes passive, active and ultimate abilities - so there's plenty to learn. And who are these heroes? Let's take a wee look...

We have Mirage, a cocky and self-assured handsome idiot, who as his name suggests can create a hologram of himself to trick enemies. Caustic, who presumably takes his name from his time on Reddit, is a miserable edgelord who loves to create clouds of toxic gas. Bangalore is the game's default badass, a stoic soldier who can deploy smoke and call in artillery. Pathfinder is an adorably silly robot pal who has a grappling hook to zip around the map and can use a zipline gun to create new paths for his teammates.

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Lifeline is a philanthropist turned combat medic who can heal herself and friends with a neat drone. Gibraltar is the game's "absolute unit, who carries a shield to block incoming fire, making him unstoppable in the right hands. Bloodhound is a mysterious character whose identity is unknown, but they have a cute pet raven for spotting foes and traps, so they must be pretty nice despite the whole murdering business. And finally there's Wraith, my favourite, a haunted amnesiac who hears "voices" warning her about danger and can use the void to escape.

Apex Legends
Apex Legends

Microtransactions are a feature, primarily limited to cosmetic items outside of unlocking those two characters - which, again, can be accessed just by playing the game. Skins and victory poses are amongst the goods on offer, if you want to drop real money on Apex Legends.

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The in-game store does not feature all items at all times, but instead stocks its goods on rotation, so you'll need to keep an eye out for that special skin you want. Beyond these looks and moves, Respawn is keen to stress that Apex Legends is not a "pay to win" game - you can't pour money into this thing to get the better of your opponents, only to look cool when you do through practise.

Apex Legends
Apex Legends

The game does include loot boxes, called Apex Packs. They are unlocked through play with the odds of higher-tier items listed, but the game also has "bad luck" insurance meaning that if after 29 boxes you still haven't got something of value, you'll be guaranteed a great gift on the 30th pack.

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Looking at how the game's actually gone down with some of those million players, the reception's generally very positive. It's been well received for its tight gunplay, smart in-game communication options and overall polish.

Some players are already in love with the characters, the game's inclusive cast garnering it special attention from LGBTQIA and black players who have felt neglected by similarly character-focused games of the past.

But some are (naturally) disappointed that it doesn't have more of the hallmarks of Titanfall, like those Titans or wall running.

Respawn Entertainment did confirm, during interviews for Apex Legends, that there is no Titanfall 3 in development right now. This is a big disappointment, as those who played Titanfall 2 were rewarded with one of the most unique FPS titles of recent years, with a genuinely enthralling solo campaign and very likeable characters.

And fans won't be getting a third fix of that sweet mainline Titanfall action any time soon, especially with the studio also busy on Jedi: Fallen Order and an unnamed VR project for Oculus, on top of whatever the future holds for Apex Legends. Devs have said it's their intention to make it a "ten-year game", so strap in for the long, long ride on this one.

But what about you? Had a chance to play Apex Legends? What are your thoughts? Why not tell us on Twitter or Facebook.

Words: Sam Greer

Topics: Xbox, Respawn, Titanfall, Apex Legends, EA, PlayStation, PC, Battle Royale

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