Apex Legends, the popular battle royale game from Respawn Entertainment, has taken a nosedive in player count. The game has lost a staggering 70% of its Steam player base in 2024, returning to numbers not seen since its launch year.
This dramatic decline comes amidst a storm of criticism from the Apex community. Players are up in arms about the game’s aggressive monetization strategies, which many compare to mobile game tactics. The shift to real-money purchases for battle pass content and the focus on expensive, hard-to-obtain cosmetics have left a sour taste in players’ mouths.
But it’s not just about the money. Fans are equally frustrated with the lack of fresh content. The game’s updates have primarily focused on balance changes, leaving players hungry for substantial new features or gameplay elements. This stagnation stands in stark contrast to competitors like Fortnite, which consistently introduces new content to keep things exciting.
Technical issues have also plagued the Apex experience. Long-standing problems with sound, server lag, and other bugs remain unresolved, testing the patience of even the most dedicated players. The game’s attempt to ban Linux users, ostensibly to combat cheating, only served to further alienate parts of the community.
Matchmaking woes have added fuel to the fire. Players report wildly inconsistent match difficulty, swinging between frustratingly tough and boringly easy games. This lack of balance has made it hard for both casual and competitive players to enjoy their time in the arena.
The Apex community hasn’t been shy about voicing these concerns, but many feel their pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The perceived lack of communication from Respawn and EA has only intensified player dissatisfaction. Fans of the game’s predecessor, Titanfall, have even suggested that resources should be shifted to reviving that franchise instead.
Despite the criticism, Apex Legends‘ core gameplay mechanics still receive praise. The action-packed gameplay and unique character abilities that initially set the game apart remain its strongest assets. However, without addressing the mounting issues, even these strengths may not be enough to stem the tide of departing players.
