Apex Legends has been struggling to maintain its player base this season, with player numbers dropping to their lowest levels since its release on Steam. With Season 23 just around the corner, many fans are wondering whether Respawn Entertainment can bring the game back to its former glory. In this article, we’ll explore the new features coming in Season 23, what went wrong with the current season, and if Respawn’s upcoming updates can attract both new and old players back to the game.
Season 23: New Features and Expectations
As Apex Legends prepares to launch its 23rd season, there’s a lot of anticipation about what Respawn has in store for players. While the introduction of a new map in the current season hasn’t been enough to retain players, Season 23 promises some exciting changes. One of the most notable is the rumored Lifeline Reborn update. Lifeline, one of the game’s most popular Legends, is expected to receive a rework, complete with a new passive ability, tactical, and ultimate.
However, many players are skeptical about whether these changes will make a meaningful impact on the game’s declining player base. Lifeline already enjoys a strong presence in the meta, and while her new abilities are likely to be fun, they might not be enough to bring back players who have left the game.
A more intriguing update could come in the form of a new mode, OG Apex Legends, which was first datamined during Season 21. This limited-time mode (LTM) would bring back all the original weapons from Season 2, including the Havoc and L-STAR, offering long-time players a nostalgic experience that could rekindle their interest in the game. If OG Apex Legends returns alongside an update to the classic King’s Canyon map, it could be a powerful draw for both new and returning players.
The State of Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)
One of the major pain points for players in recent seasons has been the current state of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). Many players have reported being placed into highly unbalanced lobbies, with mid-level players being matched against top-tier Apex Predators. This issue is likely exacerbated by the dwindling player count, which makes it harder for the matchmaking system to find appropriate opponents.
For example, many players in Platinum lobbies find themselves up against some of the top 300 Apex Predators, an issue that has only worsened with each passing season. As more players abandon the game, the matchmaking system struggles to balance lobbies, creating an increasingly frustrating experience for the remaining community.
Although Respawn has yet to announce any specific SBMM fixes for Season 23, fans are hopeful that the developer will address these concerns. The current system is not only driving away casual players, but it’s also making ranked play feel unfair and unrewarding for many competitive players.
The New Weapon Meta: Is the Mozambique Overpowered?
In addition to SBMM issues, the current weapon meta in Apex Legends has also drawn criticism from the community. This season, the Mozambique shotgun has become unexpectedly dominant, thanks to the introduction of hammerpoint rounds. Players are calling for a significant nerf to the Mozambique, as it has become far too powerful in its current state.
With leaks suggesting that a reactive Mozambique skin will be released in Season 23, it’s uncertain whether Respawn will nerf the weapon right away. However, many in the community expect at least some changes to the hammerpoint rounds or the weapon’s damage output in the upcoming season. You can read more about expected weapon changes in Season 23 here.
Time Travel and the King’s Canyon Rift
Perhaps the most exciting element of Season 23 is the continued exploration of the King’s Canyon Rift and its connection to time travel. The rift, which appeared on King’s Canyon in a recent update, has sparked much speculation about its narrative significance. The rift is believed to be tied to Ash, a key character from the Titanfall series, and her attempts to manipulate time.
Fans are eager to see how Respawn will develop this story arc, especially since Apex Legends has yet to fully explore its connection to time travel. Some believe that the rift could lead to the return of classic maps or weapons, which would align with the rumored OG Apex mode. Additionally, the upcoming Prestige Skin for Ash suggests that the character will play a major role in the game’s evolving story.
Will Nostalgia Save Apex Legends?
One of the potential saviors for Apex Legends could be Respawn’s decision to bring back nostalgic elements from the game’s earlier seasons. With the return of the OG King’s Canyon map, classic POIs (points of interest) like Thunderdome, and the reintroduction of World’s Edge with the train, Respawn has a prime opportunity to capitalize on the nostalgia of long-time players.
In addition to the return of older maps, fans are hoping to see the reintroduction of original character heirlooms, a feature that has been missed in recent seasons. While universal heirlooms have been added to the game, many players feel that the classic character heirlooms had a unique charm that should make a comeback.
Respawn seems to be aware of these desires, as the return of the Winter Express event is expected in Season 23. This beloved mode, which takes place on a train, will also reportedly feature a new twist—possibly tied to the time travel mechanics currently being teased in the game.
FAQs
1. What changes are coming in Apex Legends Season 23?
Season 23 will feature a rework of Lifeline, new time travel story elements involving Ash, and the potential return of OG Apex Legends weapons and maps.
2. Is skill-based matchmaking being fixed in Apex Legends?
There has been no official confirmation of SBMM changes for Season 23, but players are hopeful that Respawn will address the current issues with unbalanced matchmaking.
3. What is OG Apex Legends mode?
OG Apex Legends is a rumored limited-time mode that will bring back the original weapons and mechanics from Season 2, offering players a nostalgic experience.
4. Will the Mozambique be nerfed in Season 23?
While it’s unclear if the Mozambique will be nerfed immediately, many players expect Respawn to make changes to the weapon or its hammerpoint rounds in Season 23.
5. What is the King’s Canyon Rift?
The King’s Canyon Rift is a new feature in Apex Legends that seems to be tied to time travel. It’s speculated that this rift will play a major role in the game’s upcoming narrative arc, possibly leading to the return of classic maps and weapons.
