Apex Legends

Apex Legends is preparing for another major update with the arrival of Season 31, titled Cipher, on November 3, 2026. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, the new season introduces Strongholds, a new loot-contesting objective, and the Akimbo Wingman, allowing players to wield two iconic revolvers simultaneously. Crypto also receives a major rework, while Lifeline and Revenant gain important buffs.

Alongside these changes, Season 31 brings weapon balancing, Ranked adjustments, new cosmetics, and the return of District's nighttime version. Players can Buy Apex Legends Accounts on Z2U and compare available options before the new season begins. Here's everything worth knowing about the Cipher update.

Apex Legends Season 31 Release Date and Key Features

EA published its Designer's Notes on October 30, with the complete patch notes scheduled for November 2. Season 31 officially launches on November 3, 2026.

The biggest highlights include:

• Strongholds introduce a new high-value loot objective.

• Akimbo Wingman adds a dual-wielding weapon configuration.

• Crypto receives improved drone reconnaissance and enemy marking.

• Lifeline and Revenant gain new abilities and upgrades.

• Prowler and Nemesis receive weapon nerfs, while Hemlok Burst AR returns.

• Ranked matches introduce Legend Bans for Diamond lobbies and above.

Strongholds: A New High-Risk Loot Objective

One of Cipher's biggest additions is Strongholds, a new type of Air Drop that encourages squads to fight for valuable equipment.

Unlike traditional Care Packages, Strongholds arrive locked. Players must capture and hold the surrounding area before accessing the rewards. The unlocking process takes time and triggers an alarm, alerting nearby enemies.

Strongholds also feature dynamic cover and Hardlight structures, giving teams additional defensive options.

Confirmed rewards include:

• Care Package weapons.

• Gold Guns.

• Corrupted Attachments.

• EVO and other rare loot.

Each match features one Stronghold alongside existing Care Packages.

This mechanic introduces new tactical decisions. Squads must coordinate their capture, defend against approaching enemies, and consider whether the rewards justify the risk of revealing their position.

Akimbo Wingman: Dual-Wielding Comes to Apex Legends

The Akimbo Wingman is another major addition to Season 31. Players can now equip two Wingman revolvers simultaneously, creating a different experience from the traditional single-pistol configuration.

Its most distinctive feature is a sequential firing system. When players pull the trigger, both weapons fire one after another, making it the game's first burst-style Akimbo weapon.

Key features include:

• Two Wingman revolvers equipped simultaneously.

• Sequential firing from both weapons.

• A distinctive burst-style shooting rhythm.

• A combination of precision and increased firing opportunities.

Respawn aims to preserve the Wingman's recognizable identity while making its shooting style more approachable. Players will need to adapt to its firing rhythm and ammunition management to use it effectively.

Crypto Rework: Improved Drone Reconnaissance

Crypto receives one of the most substantial changes in Cipher. His previous playstyle relied heavily on controlling his Surveillance Drone, sometimes leaving him separated from teammates during combat.

Season 31 makes his drone more flexible through a new battery system, improved scanning, and enemy marking.

The drone can automatically identify and mark enemies while deployed. Marked targets receive an icon that remains visible through environmental geometry for eight seconds, even if the drone is recalled or destroyed.

Crypto's EMP Ultimate also receives quality-of-life improvements, allowing players to activate it more easily whether the drone is stowed, deployed, or being piloted.

Its effects depend on line of sight:

• Without direct drone line of sight: 50 shield damage and a slight movement slow.

• With direct drone line of sight: Full shield damage and a stronger movement slow.

These changes encourage Crypto players to gather information and support team attacks without spending excessive time operating their drones.

Lifeline and Revenant Receive Major Buffs

Season 31 improves two popular Legends with different gameplay focuses.

Lifeline: Better Healing and Revive Protection

Lifeline's changes strengthen her support abilities:

• She can receive Tactical healing while gliding.

• Her previous 10-second Tactical cooldown reduction becomes part of her base kit.

• A new Improved Gliding Upgrade improves flight control and duration.

• A new Revive Shield Upgrade protects teammates during revives.

• A new Ultimate Cooldown Upgrade reduces Ultimate cooldown by 60 seconds.

These improvements make Lifeline more flexible when healing and rescuing teammates.

Revenant: Stronger Offensive Abilities

Revenant receives shorter cooldowns and improved Ultimate mechanics.

Three new Upgrades also improve his combat potential:

• Every Lasting: Adds another 10 seconds to Ultimate duration when Revenant knocks an enemy during Ultimate.

• Silence: Creates an area pulse after landing from Tactical, silencing affected enemies for 4 seconds.

• No Escape: Refreshes Tactical when Revenant marks a low-health enemy through his passive ability.

Loba Nerfs and Weapon Balancing

Not every change in Cipher is a buff. Loba receives longer cooldowns following her previous improvements.

Weapon balancing is another important part of the update.

• Prowler: Receives a nerf to reduce its overall effectiveness.

• Nemesis: Also receives a nerf following increased usage and encounter win rates.

• Hemlok Breach AR: Rotates out of the weapon selection.

• Elite Hemlok: Removed.

• Hemlok Burst AR: Returns to the game.

EA has not included every numerical weapon adjustment in its Designer's Notes, so players should consult the full patch notes for exact statistics.

Axle's movement and ability adjustments were also discussed, but these had already been implemented in the October 1 hotfix rather than being new Season 31 launch changes.

Ranked Updates, Mythic Volt and Returning Content

Cipher also introduces several additional features beyond its main gameplay changes.

Ranked Legend Bans

Players in Diamond lobbies and above will receive one vote to nominate a Legend for a ban. Legends receiving more votes have a greater chance of becoming unavailable for that match. This encourages teams to prepare alternative character combinations.

Cryptic Core Mythic Volt

The new Mythic Volt SMG, Cryptic Core, features a nanite-inspired design based on Crypto's digital identity. It includes a retro pixel-art PALS assistant, and players can use Exotic Shards to change its visual theme.

Seasonal packs also feature new skins for Crypto, Wraith, Gibraltar, Revenant, and Horizon.

District Nighttime Returns

The nighttime version of District returns following community feedback about the previous daytime map rework. Respawn also plans to explore more day and night map variations.

What to Expect from Apex Legends Season 31 Cipher

Apex Legends Season 31: Cipher brings meaningful changes to combat, team coordination, and competitive strategy. Strongholds introduce a new reason to contest specific locations, while Akimbo Wingman offers a fresh weapon configuration. Crypto's rework improves reconnaissance, and the buffs to Lifeline and Revenant create more tactical opportunities.

With weapon adjustments, Ranked Legend Bans, and new cosmetic content, Cipher offers plenty of reasons for players to return. The new season launches on November 3, 2026, with full patch notes arriving one day earlier. Players interested in unlocking more in-game customization options can Top Up Apex Coins through Z2U and explore available deals.