Season 26 of Apex Legends is officially shaking up the Ranked ladder with a full rework of RP scoring, entry costs, and kill point scaling. If you’re planning to grind ranked this split, here’s everything you need to know before jumping in.
Thanks to @HYPERMYSTx, we’ve got the full breakdown of these changes.
Challenger Bonus – More RP for Taking Down Higher Ranked Players
Respawn is now rewarding you for punching above your weight.
Challenger Bonus Breakdown:
- +15% bonus KP for eliminating enemies 1 tier higher than you
- +25% bonus for 2 tiers higher
- +35% bonus for 3 tiers higher
- +50% bonus for 4 or more tiers higher
This makes fighting stronger opponents actually worth it, especially in mixed-MMR lobbies.
Entry Cost Adjustments
Say goodbye tofree Bronze. Respawn has made small changes across the board.
New Entry Costs:
- Bronze: 10 RP (was 0)
- Gold: 38 RP (was 35)
- Platinum: 48 RP (was 45)
These are subtle tweaks, but they’ll impact your net RP gains over time.
Kill Point Scaling Based on Placement
Kill Points (KP) now scale more heavily with your final placement, reducing early-game KP value and promoting consistent performance through to the late game.
New Kill Point Scaling:
| Placement | Old RP | New RP |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 26 | 20 |
| 2nd | 22 | 18 |
| 3rd | 18 | 16 |
| 4th | 16 | 14 |
| 5th | 16 | 12 |
| 6th | 16 | 10 |
| 7th | 14 | 10 |
| 8th | 14 | 10 |
| 9th | 12 | 8 |
| 10th | 12 | 8 |
| 11th–15th | 10 | 6 |
| 16th–20th | 10 | 4 |
Placement Point Changes
Placement still matters, and now even more so with slight buffs to mid-to-high finishes.
Updated Placement RP:
- 2nd Place: 95 → 100 RP
- 3rd Place: 70 → 75 RP
- 6th Place: 30 → 40 RP
These small boosts could be the difference in climbing that next tier — especially in those nail-biting endgames.
Final Thoughts
Season 26’s ranked system rewards smart, aggressive play while still prioritizing consistent late-game performance. Whether you’re fighting higher-tier squads or placing top 3, there’s now more nuance to how RP is earned.
Looking for full coverage of Apex Legends Ranked changes, weapon updates, and Wild Card tips?
Check out ALegends.gg for in-depth guides and patch breakdowns.
Source: @HYPERMYSTx
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Challenger Bonus in Ranked?
The Challenger Bonus gives you extra kill points for eliminating Players in tiers above you — up to 50% bonus RP.
Does placement affect kill point RP now?
Yes. KP scales with placement, meaning kills are worth more the longer you survive in the match.
Are Ranked entry costs higher this season?
Slightly. Bronze now has a 10 RP cost, and Gold/Plat saw a 3 RP increase each.
How do I earn more RP this season?
Prioritize surviving into the late game and focus on eliminating higher-tier opponents to maximize your RP gain.