Apex Legends Launch Royale: Everything You Need to Know About This Past
Key Takeaways:
- Apex Legends’ new Launch Royale mode brings back original gameplay features, maps, and weapons from 2019, offering fans a nostalgic experience.
- This mode includes a redesigned armor system, unique limited-time rewards, and a simplified gameplay structure to match early Apex Legends.
- Season 23 also updates key Legends like Lifeline, enhancing her role as an agile, aggressive healer.
Respawn Entertainment’s hit battle royale game Apex Legends has just launched its latest limited-time mode (LTM) for Season 23: Launch Royale. This unique throwback mode immerses players in an experience mirroring the game’s original release in 2019, featuring classic weapons, the iconic Kings Canyon map, and original character abilities. Launch Royale isn’t just a fun, nostalgic mode; it’s a deliberate return to Apex Legends’ roots that highlights the game’s early mechanics and simpler play style. This article will dive into what makes Launch Royale an exciting addition to Apex Legends, especially for veteran players craving a simpler, back-to-basics gameplay experience.
What Is Apex Legends Launch Royale?
Launch Royale is a limited-time mode introduced in Season 23 of Apex Legends. This event reintroduces many classic features and mechanics that were prominent when the game first launched, offering players a “blast to the past” moment. Not only do players get to explore the original Kings Canyon map, but they also encounter points of interest (POIs) from 2019, along with original loot systems, weapons, and other classic game mechanics.
The mode’s design removes many of the quality-of-life changes and upgrades added over time, making it feel almost identical to the 2019 version. For long-time fans, it’s a unique way to relive some of their earliest Apex Legends memories, while new players get a taste of how the game was initially played.
Key Features of Launch Royale Mode
1. Classic Maps and Points of Interest
Launch Royale’s most exciting draw is the return of the Kings Canyon map in its original state. Season 23’s map design includes several classic POIs from 2019, creating an authentic setting reminiscent of the game’s early days. For players who loved Apex’s early design, it’s a nostalgic trip through beloved battlegrounds.
2. Simplified Armor System
In this mode, the armor system reverts to its original format, with players needing to pick up armor items instead of upgrading them through damage. Unlike the EVO armor mechanics of modern Apex, players can no longer evolve their armor. This change forces players to focus on strategy and survival, avoiding the armor-evolution grind that has become central to regular gameplay.
3. Restored Shield-Swapping and Ring Mechanics
Shield-swapping, a popular feature in the early days of Apex, is back in its classic form. Players can pick up shields from defeated opponents, but there are no progressive armor upgrades. Additionally, the game’s ring system, which dictates the pace and tension of matches, has been reset to its original timings and damage levels, giving players a true throwback experience.
4. Original Legends, Abilities, and Weapons
Launch Royale mode isn’t just about returning maps; it also reintroduces early character abilities, weapons, and attachments. Each Legend’s abilities are balanced to match their Season 1 stats, and Class-based perks, along with fortified perks, are removed. This reversion includes bunny hopping while healing and punch boosting quirky, iconic mechanics from Apex’s early days that allow faster movement and interesting playstyles.
For weapons, players will encounter classic favorites like the R-99 with original hipfire spread and gold-kitted weapons, making it feel like 2019 all over again. Attachments such as the old stock options and classic weapon kits also return, setting the stage for tactical and strategic weapon management.
Launch Royale’s Unique Rewards and Challenges
Launch Royale wouldn’t be complete without an array of exclusive rewards. Players who complete special event challenges can unlock limited-time items, which may include cosmetic options, character skins, weapon camos, and more. These rewards are geared toward encouraging players to experience all that Launch Royale has to offer, while giving them unique items they can show off even after the event ends.
Nostalgia in Gaming: A Growing Trend
Apex Legends is part of a wider gaming trend where popular live-service games reintroduce classic content to cater to their veteran players. Similar to World of Warcraft Classic and Old School RuneScape, Launch Royale aims to recapture the original Apex experience that launched the game into battle royale stardom. While today’s Apex Legends includes updated mechanics, graphics, and quality-of-life improvements, Launch Royale allows players to remember what made the game a hit from the beginning.
Other Changes in Season 23: The “From the Rift” Update
Alongside the Launch Royale mode, Season 23 introduces a broader From the Rift update that includes a reworked version of Lifeline, the original healer Legend. Lifeline’s role has evolved to support a faster, more aggressive playstyle, allowing her to move at full speed while using healing items and to revive teammates faster, now with built-in health regeneration. These adjustments expand Lifeline’s versatility, making her a more agile support Legend that can keep up with the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of modern Apex games.
Why Launch Royale Matters to the Apex Community
For die-hard fans, Launch Royale isn’t just a mode; it’s a revival of an era. Launch Royale taps into that spirit by reverting gameplay to its origins. It also shows that Respawn Entertainment understands the value of honoring the game’s roots while creating something enjoyable for new and old players alike.
FAQs
Q: How long is the Launch Royale mode available?
A: Launch Royale is a limited-time mode available during Apex Legends’ Season 23. While Respawn hasn’t specified the exact duration, players can expect it to be accessible throughout much of the season.
Q: Can I keep my exclusive rewards after the event ends?
A: Yes, any rewards earned from Launch Royale’s event challenges are permanent and can be used in all game modes.
Q: Will other classic Apex maps be available in future events?
A: Respawn hasn’t confirmed specific plans, but given the popularity of nostalgia modes like Launch Royale, it’s likely they may bring back other classic maps or modes in future events.
Q: Is there any difference in gameplay speed in Launch Royale?
A: While the overall gameplay is similar to 2019’s version, players may feel that Launch Royale is slightly slower-paced due to the removal of advanced mechanics like armor evolution and ability upgrades.
Q: Are there any new additions in the Launch Royale mode?
A: No, Launch Royale focuses on recreating the 2019 gameplay experience. This means it includes only the original Legends, weapons, and abilities without any of the newer updates introduced over the years.
