Apex Legends has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but with a huge mid-season update coming in split 2 of Season 20, one of the game’s most respected voices is sparking a major conversation. ImperialHal, TSM’s star pro player and a long-time figure in the competitive scene, recently asked the question that many have been wondering: “Is Apex Legends making a comeback?”

Based on everything being added and reworked this season, it looks like his optimism is well-placed. For the first time in ages, Respawn is making sweeping gameplay changes, rebalancing old Legends, and listening to the player base in a way that actually seems to be pushing the game forward.

ImperialHal notices the changes—and he’s not alone

When someone like ImperialHal takes the time to highlight a shift in the game’s momentum, people listen. He’s spent years competing at the highest level and has always been vocal when Apex is slipping. So when he starts giving props to the devs for finally making real changes, it signals that something’s different this time around.

The current update introduces a huge amount of class-specific changes, most notably for the Skirmisher class. The new Trailblazer perk now gives teammates a sprint speed boost when running toward a skirmisher, and the Charge Knock perk gives skirmishers 50 bonus HP and additional ability charges when revived. These perks alone already make certain Legends feel drastically better.

Pathfinder, one of the most iconic characters, now enjoys a 10-second cooldown reduction on his grapple when using the skirmisher perk. Horizon got tweaks to help her perform better in early fights, while Loba was slightly nerfed with her shield regeneration being reduced from 50 to 25.

All of this has led Hal and others in the pro scene to acknowledge that Respawn is making meaningful progress. The mid-season patch has adifferent energy – less about temporary gimmicks and more about making the game feel alive again.

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Wraith, Revenant and Alter reworks spark real excitement

Another major reason Hal might be seeing the signs of a comeback is the return of Wraith to something close to her original form. Her classic Naruto-style run is back, she can now control when she exits her phase, and her overall responsiveness in fights has improved dramatically.

Respawn explained that the goal was to give Wraith Players more control and reactivity, especially with the skirmisher perk in play. It’s a clear nod to the old-school Wraith mains who felt she had lost her edge over the years.

Revenant is also getting a serious overhaul. The devs admitted that his power has fallen off, and they’re planning to reinforce the strength of his alt’s activation – especially in the new time-to-kill environment introduced this season.

And then there’s Alter. According to community reactions and gameplay breakdowns, Alter might be receiving the biggest buffs of any Legend this patch. She’s being built up into one of the most powerful and dominant picks in the game, and that’s exactly the kind of shakeup players like Hal have wanted for a while.

You can watch the full discussion from Thordan Smash here.

Players finally feel heard—solos return, new LTM, and more

Another key reason ImperialHal’s hopeful tone feels justified is because of how many community requests are finally being answered. Solos mode is making its return, and it’s been upgraded in several ways. The new version will be 30-player matches, with altered ring times, improved loot balancing, respawn tokens, and more. It’s not a temporary gimmick anymore – it’s being treated as a serious mode.

Along with that, there’s a brand-new Power Sword limited-time mode coming for April Fools. While some fans are disappointed that the new heirloom isn’t for Newcastle, the LTM itself is full of chaotic fun and another sign that Respawn is willing to try new things without ignoring feedback.

As ImperialHal has pointed out in past streams, one of the biggest frustrations with Apex was how it felt like feedback from top players and the broader community went ignored. This patch flips that narrative. From competitive balance changes to casual fun content, it’s clear Respawn is trying to bring everyone back to the table.

Player count shows volatility—but signs of life are clear

The numbers tell a story of fluctuation. In January 2025, Apex averaged around 69,000 players. That jumped to 95,000 in February, before dipping slightly to 89,000 in March. It’s not consistent growth, but with this update, there’s a good chance we’ll see a strong rebound.

The reason? Players like ImperialHal are once again engaging with the game in a meaningful way. When top pros start paying close attention, content creators follow, and casual players take notice. It creates a ripple effect—and it’s already beginning.

There’s even more to look forward to in the coming months. Rumors are swirling that a new Legend named Sparrow will be introduced next season, and Respawn has confirmed work on two brand-new battle royale maps. An update to the Olympus map is also in development – another long-requested change from the player base.

All of this points to Apex Legends finally being on a solid path forward. The devs seem to be taking everything they’ve learned over the last five years and channeling it into a better, more player-focused experience.

Looking toward Apex Legends 2 and beyond

One final detail worth noting: all of this is happening before the rumored launch of Apex Legends 2, expected to arrive sometime after the next Battlefield game. If that project ends up being real, then this current phase could be the start of something much bigger.

ImperialHal’s instincts about the game turning a corner might be dead on. Apex Legends is changing, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like those changes are being made with the players in mind.

Apex Legends comeback and ImperialHal’s reaction – FAQ

What did ImperialHal say about Apex Legends recently?

He questioned if Apex Legends is slowly making a comeback, sparking discussion in the community.

Why are people saying Apex Legends is making a comeback?

The game received major updates, buffs, and long-requested features, showing Respawn is listening.

Is Wraith back to her original form?

Yes, she now has the Naruto run and more control over her phase ability.

Will solos mode return in Apex Legends?

Yes, solos is coming back with reworked mechanics, 30-player lobbies, and balance changes.