Table of Contents
Season 23 of Apex Legends introduces substantial changes to the meta, shifting the dynamics of gameplay with significant buffs, nerfs, and adjustments to each Legend’s skillset. This in-depth guide will rank each Legend from worst to best, evaluating them based on their current utility in ranked play and the new meta environment. Our tier list begins with the F-tier Legends and progresses to the powerful S-tier choices, with comprehensive analyses for each.
F-Tier: Limited Viability
Seer
Once a formidable Legend, Seer has been hit hard by nerfs that reduced his utility and impact on the battlefield. Previously, Seer’s abilities to reveal enemy locations and interrupt actions were game-changing. However, in Season 23, his once-dominant role has diminished. His Silence ability no longer interferes with key revives, allowing the likes of Lifeline and Newcastle to counter him effectively. While his tactical skill retains some utility, Seer’s limited capabilities place him squarely in the F-tier.
D-Tier: Niche Picks with Limited Competitive Edge
Wraith
Despite being an OG Legend, Wraith’s once-powerful toolkit has seen more effective competition. Her tactical ability, Into the Void, is sluggish in execution and less impactful compared to other repositioning skills, like Pathfinder’s Zipline. Her ultimate, Dimensional Rift, is fast and offers extended use, but its strategic relevance in combat has lessened. Without a reliable team-oriented repositioning tool, Wraith struggles in the current meta, though her nostalgic appeal remains.
Mirage
Mirage has always been a trickster, but his abilities lack the reliability needed to thrive in the support-heavy meta of Season 23. Although his clones now display health bars, adding some confusion for enemies, his bamboozles often mislead teammates as much as foes. Mirage’s potential support role is overshadowed by more effective Legends, leaving him with limited impact in ranked play.
C-Tier: Situational Usefulness with Potential
Ash
Ash’s potential as an aggressive skirmisher is constrained by her limited team support abilities. While her Arc Snare and ultimate, Phase Breach, allow for swift offensive engagement, Ash’s lack of reliable repositioning or defensive utilities diminishes her effectiveness in the current meta. Nevertheless, her ability to isolate opponents can be advantageous, especially for high-damage skirmishes.
Crypto
Crypto’s drone provides valuable recon, and his ability to collect teammate banners remotely remains a unique asset. However, his EMP ultimate is less effective against fortified enemies, and the tactical drone’s vulnerability has been increased. Crypto may shine in the right hands, but his situational utility places him in the C-tier.
B-Tier: Balanced but Not Optimal
Bloodhound
Bloodhound’s Eye of the Allfather and Beast of the Hunt abilities continue to provide excellent scouting and situational awareness, crucial in high-stakes fights. Bloodhound can still excel in initiating combat and cleaning up chaotic skirmishes, but with the growing reliance on shield-based defenses, their lack of counterplay to fortified positions limits them to B-tier.
Vantage
A sniper specialist, Vantage’s ability to initiate fights with powerful ranged damage makes her an underrated pick. Her Echo Relocation perk, combined with the Sniper’s Mark, offers a significant mobility advantage. However, the defensive meta diminishes her long-range potency, as downed enemies are more easily revived.
A-Tier: Highly Effective in the Meta
Valkyrie
Valkyrie’s Skyward Dive remains one of the best team-oriented repositioning abilities, providing safe rotation options that are invaluable for escaping crowded circles. Her Missile Swarm serves as an effective disruption tool. Valkyrie’s kit is versatile and provides ample support to both aggressive and defensive strategies, cementing her place in the A-tier.
Fuse
Fuse’s ability to deliver consistent AoE damage with Knuckle Cluster and Motherlode excels in Season 23. The meta’s heavy reliance on shields makes Fuse’s skills invaluable for applying pressure. His Knuckle Cluster can disrupt enemy positioning, forcing them out of cover, while Motherlode can isolate opponents effectively, making him a strong A-tier pick.
S-Tier: Meta-Defining Legends
Pathfinder
With his recently enhanced Zipline Gun, Pathfinder takes the top spot in S-tier. The Energized Zipline ability allows him and his team to move quickly while taking reduced damage, enabling unparalleled flexibility in positioning. Pathfinder’s ability to close distances, evade threats, and initiate fights makes him a must-pick for Season 23.
Lifeline
Lifeline’s new Ultimate Defense Field is a powerful addition, providing teammates with a rapid-healing zone akin to Gibraltar’s dome but without the top cover. This ultimate allows for rapid resets in intense fights and is especially valuable for long engagements. Her passive Combat Revive and ability to heal quickly make her an essential support Legend.
Newcastle
As the undisputed king of the support meta, Newcastle’s Castle Wall and Mobile Shield make him the ultimate choice for defending allies. Newcastle’s shielded resurrections and versatile cover allow him to reposition and protect his team like no other Legend. In tight, high-stakes battles, Newcastle’s fortified defenses and support skills turn the tide, establishing him as a vital S-tier Legend.
Final Thoughts
Our ranking provides a comprehensive analysis of each Legend’s current standing, factoring in Season 23’s meta shifts, buffs, nerfs, and utility in competitive play. With substantial changes to support abilities and repositioning tactics, Legends like Newcastle, Pathfinder, and Lifeline dominate, while others find themselves overshadowed by newer, more adaptable strategies.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Season 23 Tier List
Which Legend is the best in Apex Legends Season 23?
Newcastle, Pathfinder, and Lifeline stand out as the top-tier Legends in Season 23. Newcastle’s exceptional shield and support capabilities, Pathfinder’s improved Energized Zipline, and Lifeline’s new Ultimate Defense Field make them essential picks.
What are the biggest changes in Apex Legends Season 23?
Season 23 introduced new support and shield-focused meta elements, along with buffs and nerfs to various Legends. This has impacted Legend rankings, with Newcastle, Pathfinder, and Lifeline seeing major improvements.
Who is the best Legend for support in the new meta?
Newcastle takes the lead in support, offering powerful shield mechanics and unparalleled defensive abilities. Lifeline also performs well, thanks to her healing capabilities and versatile new ultimate.
Has Seer been nerfed in Season 23?
Yes, Seer’s abilities have been significantly reduced, especially in terms of his effectiveness in crowd control and enemy detection. These nerfs have pushed him to the lower tiers in our ranking.
Are movement abilities still important in Season 23?
Absolutely. Legends with movement abilities like Pathfinder and Valkyrie retain strong positions in the tier list. Pathfinder’s newly energized zipline provides faster, safer repositioning, making him the top choice for skirmishes.
How does the new support meta impact aggressive Legends?
The new support-oriented meta has limited the effectiveness of aggressive Legends like Mirage and Octane, as shield-focused and defensive Legends now dominate. Legends like Ash and Revenant, however, retain situational usefulness with tactical engagement capabilities.