# Apex Legends Ranked and gameplay updates

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/apex-legends-ranked-and-gameplay-updates
> Updated: 2026-10-29T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Respawn Entertainment and Electronic Arts announced a series of updates for Apex Legends, beginning with a roadmap for a major overhaul of the Ranked mode. The restructuring aims to address player feedback regarding character dominance and lobby imbalances.

Season 31, titled ‘Cipher’, is scheduled to launch on November 3, 2026. This update will introduce a ‘Legend Ban’ system for Diamond-tier lobbies and above, utilizing a weighted random selection based on player votes to increase tactical variety. Gameplay changes for Season 31 include a rework of the Legend Crypto, buffs for Revenant and Lifeline, the introduction of ‘Akimbo Wingman’ dual-wielding, and new ‘Strongholds’ locations.

Looking ahead to Season 32 in early 2027, the developers plan to expand the ranking hierarchy with the addition of Iron, Emerald, and Grandmaster ranks. The competitive structure will also be divided into Open and Pro-Am Leagues, alongside a scoring overhaul and revised rewards.

## Claims

- Apex Legends Season 31, titled “Cipher,” launches on November 3. (reported by 3 sources)
- Crypto’s Surveillance Drone will now use a battery system instead of a traditional cooldown. (reported by 3 sources)
- The new Sentry Mode for Crypto automatically tags enemies in his field of vision. (reported by 3 sources)
- Players can use dual-wielded Wingman revolvers via the Akimbo Wingman feature. (reported by 3 sources)
- Revenant will receive a shorter Ultimate cooldown and a faster Tactical ability. (reported by 3 sources)
- Lifeline will have a reduced D.O.C. cooldown and the ability to self-heal while gliding. (reported by 3 sources)
- Strongholds are new map locations that provide high-tier loot but trigger an alarm when opened. (reported by 2 sources)
- A Legend Ban system will be introduced for Diamond-tier and higher Ranked lobbies. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Apex Legends: Cipher Season launches November 3

Apex Legends Season 31, “Cipher,” launches November 3, featuring a Crypto overhaul, Akimbo Wingman revolvers, Strongholds, and a Legend Ban system for high-tier Ranked play.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apex-legends-cipher-season-launches-november-3

### 2026-10-21: Apex Legends announces major Ranked mode overhaul

Respawn Entertainment is overhauling Apex Legends Ranked mode, introducing Legend bans in Season 31 and new ranks and leagues in Season 32.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apex-legends-announces-major-ranked-mode-overhaul

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Cite as: Apex Legends Ranked and gameplay updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/apex-legends-ranked-and-gameplay-updates