Are you new to Apex Legends and don’t know where to start? This beginner’s guide will help you confidently step into an exciting world of fast-paced battles, heroic legends, and smart tactics. Find out who the legends are, how to choose the right character, and which modes are right for you. Check out our Apex Legends beginner’s guide for essential information, tips, and tricks on the game.
Table of Contents
How Apex Legends Became a Top Free-to-Play Shooter
Apex Legends is an interesting battle royale shooter that is similar in many ways to Fortnite, but offers a more realistic gameplay aimed at an adult audience. Unlike many other games in the genre, Apex Legends places an emphasis on teamwork and tactics, encouraging players to work closely together to achieve victory.
The game was officially released in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts and is set in the popular Titanfall universe. Since its release, Apex Legends has attracted an impressive community of over 100 million players across all major consoles, which is a fact about its great popularity and active player base.
While Apex Legends is a free-to-play game, like Fortnite, it includes various in-game purchases. These allow players to access unique character skins and visual enhancements, adding a personal touch to the gameplay. The combination of fast-paced gameplay and a rich roster of characters gives players the opportunity to return to the game again and again for even more fun.
How to Play Apex Legends
Who are the Legends in Apex Legends?
Legends are more than just characters in Apex Legends; they are heroes with a personality, a story, and a unique fighting style. They are the ones you control in the arena, and each one opens up new possibilities for your tactics. At the start of the game, you will have access to three fighters: Bangalore, a master of tactical smokes, Lifeline, a tireless combat medic, and Wraith, a mysterious traveler through dimensions.
With the completion of the starting battle pass, you will unlock four more heroes: Bloodhound, Gibraltar, Pathfinder, and one legend of your choice. This expands your arsenal of strategies and allows you to find exactly the fighter who will be “on the same wavelength” with your style of play.
Which legends stand out the most?
All characters in Apex Legends are balanced – but not the same. Each hero has their own strengths and weaknesses, and they are divided into classes: assault, reconnaissance, control and support.
If you like to go head-on and dictate the pace of the battle, choose aggressive legends like Octavio (Octane). Prefer to control the space and help the team? Then your choice is Kastic or Wattson.
A well-chosen legend is half the victory. Want to figure out which of them is at the peak of the meta, and which is ideal for a beginner? Our detailed guide to classes and legends will reveal all the secrets of each hero.
How to open new legends?
Unlocking new fighters is a whole mini-game. This can be done in two ways:
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For 12,000 legend tokens, which you get by leveling up your account;
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Or for 750 Apex coins, if you want to open a character right away.
Thus, even without investments, you can eventually open all the legends, just playing and enjoying the process.
What currencies are there in Apex Legends?
The game offers five types of currencies:
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Apex Coins — bought for real money, allow you to buy battle passes, skins and heroes.
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Legend Tokens — earned per level, needed to unlock legends.
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Crafting Metals — use them to create unique cosmetics.
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Relic Shards — the rarest currency, with their help you can get legendary melee weapons.
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Exotic Shards — added in recent seasons, used for the rarest items.
All these resources allow you to customize the appearance, weapons and style of play for yourself.
All Apex Legends Game Modes: From Beginner to Pro Player
Apex Legends is not just a shooter, but a whole ecosystem of game modes where everyone will find a place for themselves. Do you want to learn, train, fight or just have fun with friends? This game has it all. Let’s take a look at each mode with human warmth, liveliness and a drop of excitement that you can feel in every match.
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Training is the first step into the world of Apex. Here you dive into the mechanics of the game without pressure: shooting, legend abilities, movement – everything is explained on your fingers. A place where you can safely make mistakes and try again until you feel confident.
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Battle Royale with bots is the perfect mode for beginners. No desire to immediately dive into hell with live opponents? This mode is created for this. Bots will help you get used to the pace, master the map and test your strategy. You can play alone or with friends in team mode – a great start for those who are just getting to know Apex.
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Classic battle royale is the heart of the game. Fight for survival among dozens of other players. Playing in trios, duets or even alone – each match is unpredictable and tense. The hunt for victory here is not just a goal, it is an art. And if you want to play solo in a team match – just turn off the “Fill with allies” option. Hardcore players will appreciate it.
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Duos and trios – coherence or chaos? Gather two or one friend and go to the arena. In duets, 30 squads fight, in trios – 20. Here, everything depends on coordination, a well-timed grenade and understanding how each other’s abilities work. Ideal for those who play not for the sake of victory, but for the sake of coordinated team action.
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Ranked mode — for those who want more. Battles become serious. In the ranked mode, you fight for titles, ranks, and respect. You play with those who are approximately at your level. Access opens from level 50 — this is a kind of filter so that only those who already understand how Apex works enter the arena.
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Shooting range — your personal training ground. Here you can test any weapon, sights, legend abilities — without bullets in the back and chaos. Training, debugging mechanics, preparing for the next fight. A great place to understand which weapon you are most comfortable with.
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Collection — endless drive. This mode is regularly updated, throwing fan-favorite modes and events into the rotation. Every hour — a new challenge, a new game format. Even the most seasoned Apex veterans will not get bored.
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Private match — your own rules, your own players. Want a tournament with friends or a cyber team training session? Gather up to 60 players and 5 spectators in a private room. It even works across platforms: consoles, PCs — it doesn’t matter. Just keep in mind: progress in such matches is not saved, but the pleasure is 100%.
Apex Legends is more than just a shooter. It is a platform where everyone can play in their own way. Whether you want to learn, win, train, or just relax — there is a mode just for your style.
How to Start Playing Apex Legends
Starter Pass: Your ticket to the world of Apex Legends
From the very first steps in Apex Legends, you are greeted by the Starter Pass – not just a formality, but your real pass to a world of dynamic battles and exciting opportunities. This is your personal route through the first challenges, for completing which you will be generously rewarded. Play as you like: in the classic competitive mode or choose the “Battle Royale with bots” format – the perfect place to practice and learn the basics.
As you progress, you will gradually unlock access to bright and charismatic legends such as Bloodhound, Gibraltar and Pathfinder. Each hero is not just a skin, but a whole story and a unique set of abilities that really affect the course of the battle. And most importantly, having completed the Starter Pass, you will receive 12,000 Legend Tokens. This amount is enough to unlock any character of your choice and adjust the team to your style of play.
Bot Royale: A Calm Entry into the Game
If you’re just getting started with the world of Apex Legends, Bot Royale is the way to go. It’s not just a training ground, but a comfortable environment where you can adapt to the game’s mechanics without pressure. The map is smaller and more convenient, and the opponents are AI-controlled, which lowers the entry barrier. Play solo if you want complete freedom of action, or gather in a squad – with friends or with friendly bots.
As you progress, you’ll accumulate experience and gradually level up to level 10 – an important milestone for any newcomer. Keep in mind that you can’t earn badges in this mode, and this is done on purpose: so that you get a taste of the game and then smoothly transition into real matches with real opponents.
Get ready for real challenges
The combination of the Starter Pass and Bot Royale creates the perfect foundation for entering the world of Apex Legends. You are not just learning – you are participating in an exciting process, enjoying every fight and gradually becoming part of a large game universe. Don’t be afraid to try, experiment and develop – Apex is waiting for you!
Apex Legends Tips for Beginners
Top landing tips for beginners in Apex Legends
If you’re playing on PC and want to get the best performance, check out our dedicated game setup guide first.
Why landing is half the battle
The start of a match in Apex Legends is more than just a pretty flight. It’s a strategic decision that affects your survivability and the pace of the game. Where and how you land determines whether you’ll be scrambling for weapons under fire or meeting the enemy fully armed.
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Follow the jump leader. At the start, especially if you’re a beginner, don’t break away from the jump leader. This will help you understand the map’s geography and prevent the enemies from getting easy prey. Landing with the whole team is a chance for synchronized loot and an effective fight back.
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Don’t be afraid to pass the lead. If you were in charge of the jump in the previous round and are now unsure of your choice, pass the helm. Let the one who knows the map like the back of his hand lead the landing. This is not weakness, but tactical thinking.
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Watch your enemies. Watch the smoke trails of other teams – they are visible during the jump. This will tell you where the enemies are heading. Don’t jump to the same point if you are not ready for a hot reception.
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Adjust the route on the fly. Saw enemies falling nearby? Reorient yourself: either change direction or coordinate with your team – it is better to lose a little time than to get shot without loot.
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Aim for known points. Large locations with bright landmarks on the map are a treasure trove of useful loot. There are more chances to find weapons, ammo, armor, and first aid kits. But keep in mind: such places often become battlegrounds.
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Know where the weapons are. Before landing, look at what “points of interest” (POI) can give you a starting arsenal. A well-chosen spot will allow you to arm yourself for the desired playstyle – from a sniper to a rusher.
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Go deep into the map. Want to collect loot in peace? Jump into remote areas of the map. This will not always give you top armor, but it will increase your chances of preparing without skirmishes in the first minutes.
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Avoid “hot drops”. Places with a bunch of players are real chaos. If you do not feel confident in your skills, avoid areas where dozens of other teams are rushing. It is dangerous, but if you are a master of close combat – your chance.
Communicate with your squad
The game Apex Legends features a highly effective ping system that enables players to share crucial information swiftly, all without the need for a microphone or in-game chat. This streamlined communication method enhances teamwork and strategy. To access this useful feature, simply hold down the mouse wheel while playing on a PC, or press the right bumper if you’re on a console.
With the ping menu, you can do a variety of things to support your team:
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Clearly indicate where enemies are located, allowing your squad to plan their next move.
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Share details about the locations of valuable loot, helping your teammates gear up more effectively.
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Provide assistance by making it easier for your teammates to find you when you need support.
Fill your backpack and change its contents often
After a heated shootout, don’t waste time: quickly pick up valuable loot scattered on the ground or hidden in loot boxes. Each item can be decisive in the next fight. Here’s what you should pay special attention to:
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Weapons and ammunition. Make sure that the ammo matches the color and type of your weapon. Inappropriate charges are a wasted slot. The right “barrel + bullets” combo means stable damage and victories in battles.
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Weapon modifications. Don’t pass by attachments: stabilizers, butts, sights. They make weapons more accurate, faster and deadlier. With a good upgrade, even a basic barrel can turn into a machine of destruction.
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Shield elements and batteries. The shield is your first line of defense. Don’t let it drop to zero: always keep a couple of batteries or cells on hand. A timely restored shield can save you from a shot in the back.
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First Aid Kits and Syringes. Wounded? Recover — heal — return to battle. Medicine is not just a heal, it’s a second life. Never go into battle with an empty healing inventory.
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Backpacks. A good backpack is half the strategy. The more pockets — the more you can carry. This means more loot, more resources and more freedom in choosing tactics.
Check out our glossary on Apex Legends — there you will find an analysis of all the key items, statuses and mechanics. The better you know the game, the higher your chance of winning.
Make sure you have enough health and your shield is charged
Keep an eye on your health and always keep your shield fully charged – this is your first line of defense on the battlefield. To survive the toughest skirmishes, it is worth preparing in advance and taking with you:
First Aid Kits – a life-saving resource that can bring you back into action at the most tense moment.
Shield Cells – allow you to quickly restore protection and gain an advantage right in the heat of battle.
Knockdown Shields – a personal shield of last resort: it blocks damage when you fall, giving you time to save yourself.
It is important to remember: the knockdown shield is activated only after you are knocked out. Use it wisely – it can save your life while your teammates rush to help. If they do not revive you in time, not all is lost. You can still revive before the end of the fourth round – provided that at least one teammate is alive. A timer will appear on the screen, showing how much time is left before you automatically respawn next to an out-of-danger ally.
Master the Movement – Become a Shadow on the Battlefield
Apex Legends is all about speed and mobility. He who moves, lives. To become truly dangerous, use every opportunity to move faster and smarter:
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Hide your weapon while running – this will help you move faster, especially when you need to rush to the ring.
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Slide down hills and slopes to maintain momentum and evade bullets.
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Don’t walk – run. In a critical moment, even a second of hesitation can cost you your life.
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Use ziplines and launch pads to quickly change positions and flank enemies.
Grenades – Your Stealthy Ally
If you follow the advice about a smart backpack, there should always be room for at least one grenade. Why?
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They flush out enemies from cover, making it easier to attack.
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They deal damage from a distance, setting the stage for close combat.
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They allow you to buy time if you need to retreat or take a strategically advantageous height.
It is these little things that turn an ordinary player into a legend. Use the space, think tactically and do not forget: every detail – from a first aid kit to a grenade – brings you and your team closer to victory.
Stick to your squad and stay in the ring
We fully understand the allure of wanting to explore every inch of the map, but it’s crucial to stick together with your team. Staying close helps prevent other squads from ambushing you in locations where you couldn’t possibly call for backup. Teamwork is key in Apex Legends!
If you find yourself trailing behind, take a moment to check your map to locate your teammates. Use a balloon to jetpack your way back to them quickly. These balloons can be lifesavers if the ring starts closing and you’re too far away to make a run for safety. Remember, communication is vital; let your squad know where you are and if you need assistance.
Best Legends for New Players in Apex Legends
If you’re just diving into the game, try focusing on mastering a couple of your favorite legends. This will help you get comfortable with their unique abilities and enhance your gameplay skills. By honing your skills on a few legends, you’ll also ensure that if someone else picks your chosen character, you still have a couple of familiar options to rely on.
Not sure who to choose? Here are some legends that are perfect for beginners:
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Bangalore: A versatile choice with smoke abilities.
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Caustic: Great for area control with gas traps.
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Fuse: Offers explosive capabilities and crowd control.
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Lifeline: A supportive character who can heal and revive teammates.
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Pathfinder: Excellent for mobility and scouting.
Ready to explore and experiment with different legends? Take the time to learn more about their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses to find the right fit for your playstyle. Understanding each legend’s role will significantly improve your contributions in matches.
Note: A valid account for the respective platform and a subscription may be necessary (sold separately). A stable internet connection and an EA account are required to play. Age restrictions apply. This game includes optional in-game purchases that can enhance your experience, so keep that in mind as you dive into the action!
Should you finish off a downed enemy? It all depends on the situation
In the heat of a fight, the desire to finish off a downed enemy can be almost instinctive. It gives you confidence, and it’s nice to register a kill. But let’s look at things strategically. If the enemy doesn’t have a gold shield, the chances of him returning soon are minimal. This means you can switch your attention to other targets. It makes much more sense to focus on his living allies. By destroying them, you are guaranteed to send the entire team back to the lobby without the right to a second attempt.
Hesitating in such moments can cost you the match. In conditions of constant threat and limited time, it is better not to waste precious seconds on finishing off if there are still active enemies nearby.
However, there are exceptions. For example, if you urgently need his loot, or Lifeline is spotted nearby – a character capable of raising an ally even without a shield. Then it is worth weighing: will she have time, and is it worth the risk? In any case, the main thing is to keep the focus on the real danger, and not on those who are already out of action. Proactivity, speed of decision-making and the correct prioritization are the keys to dominance on the battlefield.
Be able to play as a large number of different characters
You won’t always have the chance to pick first in a game. There are times when you spend weeks honing your skills with a particular character, only to see their popularity suddenly surge. Before you know it, someone else has snatched up your favorite, Wraith, in ten consecutive matches. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’ve invested so much time in mastering their nuances. Having a diverse pool of heroes to choose from can make a significant difference. It helps you avoid those intense moments when you’re scrambling to understand the unique abilities of a legend while in the heat of a match. Each hero is distinct enough that lacking experience can quickly turn into a serious challenge. Embracing a variety of characters not only enhances your gameplay but also keeps things fresh and exciting.
Top Tips for Playing Aggressively and Proactively in Apex Legends
Ambushes in rooms simply don’t cut it in Apex Legends. Most teams can easily toss a grenade through your window, quickly transforming your supposedly safe spot into a trap. Apex is a fast-paced game that demands agility from every angle—quick looting, speedy movement, and rapid engagements. In many respects, you need to strike just as quickly as you maneuver.
Even characters with bulkier designs can gain a significant advantage through smart movement. By shooting while sliding or utilizing launch pads to drop down unexpectedly on an opponent, you can dictate the flow of the fight. Interestingly, all characters, even the hefty Gibraltar, share the same base movement speed, which means creativity in movement can level the playing field.
Your squad should always capitalize on moments when enemies are weakened. If an opponent’s armor is broken, they’ll need around six seconds to heal it with a large shield, during which they’re both slowed and vulnerable. Pushing such an opponent gives your team a clear edge in the skirmish. While rushing in might leave you open to an ambush, if your teammates stick close and can land shots effectively, it’s an opportunity that’s hard to resist.
Of course, not every encounter will go smoothly. You might find yourself caught off guard, but the key is to remain vigilant and always be on the lookout for openings. Timing and teamwork are essential; communicate with your squad to ensure everyone is on the same page. With practice, you’ll learn to identify those fleeting moments when you can launch a surprise attack, turning the tide in your favor and keeping your opponents guessing.
In the end, staying agile and aware of your surroundings is crucial. Whether you’re sliding into a fight or launching a surprise assault, the dynamic nature of Apex Legends requires you to think and act quickly. Embrace the chaos, adapt to the fast-paced gameplay, and you’ll find success on the battlefield.
