Is Apex Legends free?

Yes, it is free to play. In-game purchases are optional.

How many players are in a squad?

The main Battle Royale uses squads of three. Duos also exist in some modes, according to Wikipedia.

Do I need a microphone?

No. The ping system lets you share loot and enemy locations without talking.

Which Legend should I start with?

Pick one whose abilities are easy to understand. You can try different Legends over time.

Apex Legends Beginner Guide: How to Play Your First Matches

Apex Legends is a team shooter from Respawn Entertainment. In the main Battle Royale mode, squads land on a big map, find weapons and fight until one team is left. It is free to play. This guide covers the basics so your first matches feel less confusing. Facts were checked on October 9, 2026.

Key takeaways

You play as a Legend, a character with special abilities.
The main mode is Battle Royale. Teams are usually three players.
Pings let you talk to teammates without a microphone.
Stay with your squad. Lone players have a hard time.

Images are provided by Steam and belong to their publishers.

How a match works

You pick a Legend, then drop from a ship onto the map with your squad. The jumpmaster chooses where the team lands. In Season 30 you can volunteer to be jumpmaster on the character select screen. You then loot weapons, armor and healing items. A shrinking ring pushes teams together. The last squad alive wins.

Pick a Legend

Each Legend has a passive skill, a tactical ability and an ultimate. The roster is split into five classes. Start with a simple Legend whose kit you can read in one go, and learn the others over time. Wikipedia lists 25 Legends in the main game, but EA adds to the roster, so the number can change.

First steps in a match

Land near your squad, in a spot with fewer teams at first.
Grab a weapon and ammo quickly. Check the new weapon stats on the loot card.
Find armor and healing items before you fight.
Move with the ring. Do not wait outside it.
Use cover and move between fights to heal.

Modes to try

Mode	Good for
Battle Royale (pubs)	Learning the map and weapons
Ranked	Competing once you know the basics
Mixtape (Team Deathmatch, Control, Gun Run)	Quick aim practice
Wildcard	Fun rule twists in limited rotations