Yesterday, Respawn Entertainment took to Reddit for a community Ask Me Anything (AMA) focused on Apex Legends matchmaking and anti-cheat systems—and the answers they gave might just shape the future of the game. From controversial decisions like the Linux ban to strike pack detection and the growing presence of bots in normal matches, we’ve got a lot to unpack.
Let’s break down everything they said and what it means for the future of Apex.
🤖 Bots Are Here to Stay—And They’re Getting Smarter
The AMA kicked off with a discussion about the growing number of bots in Apex Legends. When asked whether Respawn plans to improve matchmaking for new Players, especially to make the experience more welcoming, the devs confirmed that they’re actively working on it.
They specifically said:
“Yes, we’re working towards some additional matchmaking changes for pubs as well as continuing to invest in Apex bots in lower skilled unranked lobbies to help better onboard players that are new to Apex.”
This lines up with a trend we’ve seen for a while—starting with the Bot Royale mode, and now bots appearing quietly in normal pub lobbies. In fact, Season 25 introduced a bot difficulty adjuster, suggesting Respawn isn’t just testing the waters—they’re diving all in. Don’t be surprised if future pubs blend low-level players with both easy bots and ultra-hard bots to keep queue times low and kill counts high. Apex is taking a Fortnite-style approach, and we could see even more AI fill-in players to boost accessibility and retention.
🛑 Linux Ban = Fewer Cheaters?
A highly controversial move last year was the ban of Linux users from Apex Legends. At the time, it felt like Respawn nuked an entire platform to stop a minority of cheaters. But now? The devs are standing by it.
They revealed that new tools and systems, including this Linux decision, have “made a significant impact to the cheating landscape”, and more anti-cheat updates are coming soon.
It sounds like Respawn’s anti-cheat tools are evolving, and while they didn’t say if Linux Support will return, they did tease upcoming updates. One interesting side note? Their teaming detection system is also ramping up. Respawn mentioned they now use a machine learning-based system that can detect and track how often players team up unfairly—down to the exactmatch.
Teaming in ranked and even pubs has been a long-standing issue, so if Respawn’s new “Megamind AI” is as effective as they claim, it’s a big win for competitive integrity.
📉 Ranked Matchmaking: It’s Not Just Your Rank That Matters
One of the more divisive moments of the AMA came when a fan asked why matchmaking isn’t strictly based on rank tiers (like Gold vs. Gold, Diamond vs. Diamond). The devs responded that hidden skill ratings are still very much part of the equation:
“RP is only loosely correlated with skill… sometimes RP values and skill values become misaligned. When you encounter a player where the skill does not match their rank tier, it erodes trust in matchmaking.”
In other words, Apex still uses skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) even in ranked, which led to backlash. The idea that someone can be in Plat but fight like a Master—and be matched that way—is exactly what many players hate about the current system.
Still, Respawn seems to think this alignment between RP and skill is the only way to preserve meaningful ranked progress and fairness. That said, players are clearly not thrilled about it.
⏱️ Rank = Grind? Devs Admit It, But Promise Change
Another major complaint in Apex’s ranked system is that it’s more about grinding hours than showcasing skill. A player asked why the ranked ladder favors no-lifers over truly skilled competitors, and Respawn didn’t dodge it:
“The current system very much favors the grind… we’re actively looking at how to give players more avenues to express skill in ranked.”
They didn’t explain exactly how they’ll change this, but it’s clear the devs recognize the problem. The fact that players like pro streamer HisWattson have to choose between touching grass and climbing the Pred ladder says a lot.
🧱 No New Rank Tier Coming—At Least Not Yet
When asked about adding a new rank above Apex Predator or below Bronze to help separate players better, Respawn replied:
“There’s no current plan to add more ranks, but we’re always keeping an eye on skill distribution.”
They’re also exploring ways to better separate Solo Queue players from full squads, but queue times, player pools, and matchmaking balance are big obstacles.
Don’t hold your breath for a solo-only ranked mode just yet—but it’s at least being considered.
🎮 Controller-Only Lobbies? Not Happening
What about input-based matchmaking? You know, separating Controller players from keyboard and mouse players?
Yeah… not happening anytime soon.
Respawn flat out said:
“Not currently on our roadmap… every variable added to matchmaking splits the queue and increases wait times.”
The short version: crossplay is here to stay, and controller vs. M+K lobbies just aren’t a priority. Like it or not, Apex is leaning into shared lobbies to boost player counts and keep match times low.
🛠️ Strike Packs & Cronus Detection – Still a Work in Progress
One of the most requested anti-cheat changes was about strike packs, Cronus Zen, and other third-party cheating devices that plague console and PC lobbies.
Respawn replied:
“We’re working on solutions to detect and combat them… but it’s difficult due to platform differences. We’re focusing on behavioral detection tied to the macros and functions these devices use.”
So yeah, more Cronus abusers for now. It’s disappointing, especially when games like Fortnite have already implemented better detection systems. Respawn says it’s a tough problem—but the community is clearly getting tired of waiting.
👀 New Reporting Option for Wall Hacks Coming
Lastly, someone asked for a way to specifically report wall hacks and radar cheats in the in-game report tool. Good news—that’s coming soon. Respawn confirmed they’ll add a new reporting category for these types of cheats, which should help streamline the ban process.
Final Thoughts
This AMA was packed with small reveals, big frustrations, and a few glimmers of hope. From bots in pubs and new teaming detection, to anti-cheat improvements and skill-based ranked logic, Respawn’s clearly working on a lot. But some of these answers—like the continued Cronus issue and matchmaking complaints—left players more annoyed than reassured.
If you’re hoping for massive changes to ranked, crossplay, or anti-cheat overnight… don’t. But if you’re in it for the long haul? There’s reason to be cautiously optimistic.
Want more Apex Legends updates, Leaks, and in-depth breakdowns? Stay locked to ALegends.gg
Source: grrt
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bots being added to regular Apex games?
Yes. Respawn confirmed bots are being used in low-skill pub lobbies to help ease new players into the game. Bot Royale still exists, but bots are now appearing in standard matches as well.
Will Linux users ever be allowed back in Apex?
Respawn didn’t say, but they hinted that more updates regarding anti-cheat and Linux bans are coming soon.
Is Apex adding input-based matchmaking?
No. There are no plans for controller vs. M+K-only lobbies, as it would increase queue times and fragment matchmaking.
Are more ranks being added to Apex Legends?
Not right now. Respawn said there are no current plans to add additional ranks but they’re monitoring rank distribution.
What’s being done about Cronus and strike pack abusers?
Respawn is developing behavioral detection systems to identify and act against these devices, but there’s no specific timeline for implementation yet.
