Apex Legends: Cipher Update Goes Live

Apex Legends is receiving the Cipher update alongside Season 31, which begins on November 3. This new era introduces new structures that add strategic depth, weapon variety, and significant adjustments to the ranked system.

What has changed?

With Cipher, new structures called Strongholds are being added to the map. These bunker-style structures land on the map during the mid-game and open only when the surrounding area is controlled. Once captured, Stronghold structures provide team-wide leveling and rare loot; they can also directly eliminate any players or objects caught beneath them during deployment. Furthermore, upon landing, they establish 4 indestructible barriers and 2 Hardlight frames around them.

Balance and gameplay changes

Akimbo Wingman: The weapon now transitions into a dual-wield mode. Available as floor loot or from Heavy Arsenal points, the key changes for the Akimbo Wingman are as follows:

• Ammo type changed from Sniper to Heavy Ammo, and it uses Heavy magazines.
• Base damage reduced from 50 to 45.
• Headshot multiplier in Akimbo mode updated to 1.25x (56 damage).
• Fire rate slightly increased, magazine capacity doubled, but reload time and recoil have been increased.

Ranked System Updates: In matches at the Diamond rank and above, the Legend Banning feature is now active. Players can vote on which Legends to ban before the match begins. Additionally, a new scoring system that adjusts entry costs for players whose rank is far from the lobby's median rank is being implemented with the new season.

Other details

• Airdrop timings have been updated in relation to Stronghold structures.
• Stronghold structures cannot be unlocked or accessed by Loba or Alter until they are captured.
• Capture progress occurs only when a single team remains in the zone; the process pauses when multiple teams are present in the area.

Also read: Apex Legends: Cipher Update and New Features Are Live · Apex Legends: October 26 Update Is Live