Season 22 of Apex Legends is almost here, and promises a ‘shocking’ shake-up to the high-octane battle royale. Numerous tweaks to gameplay are coming across all modes, and updates to playable Legends and more await on the horizon. But first, let’s get a look at the sixth map coming to Apex Legends in Shockwave: E-District. 

During a recent Shockwave preview event, Apex Legends World Director Ed Agostini described E-District as an “urban playground that’s a culmination of five years of learning,” and shared that it’s the most densely populated map to date. The design of E-District places emphasis on freedom of movement, packed with multi-layered architecture, and the introduction of new Gravity Cannons, which can launch Legends high up into the air or across large distances.

Lots of points of interest are designed with close quarters combat in mind, including the tight, winding alleys of Street Market, the ultra-vibrant Neon Square, inspired by Shibuya Center in Tokyo, and the Neon Oval Raceway, an old racetrack converted into makeshift residential spots perfect for chaotic indoor shootouts. The entire map is coated in gorgeous post-Cyberpunk inspiration, and it’ll be in heavy rotation for the first split of the season so players can explore it fully.

New Revival Feature and Battle Sense Rollout 

Josh Mohan, Associate Design Director on Apex Legends, shares Respawn has also been assessing changes that will benefit newcomers and more casual players to foster an environment where everyone can learn and have fun regardless of their skill level. One major change promising to change-up the meta is the Revival feature, which provides another way for defeated players to get back into the match with ease. 

When a player is eliminated, a respawn timer will kick in, and when the timer hits zero, that teammate will automatically respawn near their surviving teammates without the need for a Respawn Beacon. Surviving squad mates can even speed up the return of their fallen Legends by getting knocks and kills for an even faster return to the fray. 

Mohan shares that the addition of Revival is to “shake-up the core combat loop of Apex,” and create more opportunities for players to get into and stay in the action. It also encourages more players to take risks which results in more fun, dynamic situations during matches. 

One other change will see the Battle Sense feature, initially created to help players navigate the battlefield in solo mode, roll into the team-based battle royale mode in Shockwave. The benefits of this mode include visibility of enemy health bars, as well as highlighted attackers at close range. 

Bin Day 

Shockwave will also introduce new ways for Legends to gather up loot during a match. Mid-way through a game, all open loot bins on the map will close back up and reroll fresh loot for passing players. This not only provides new opportunities to stock up or change items, but also takes away environmental clues that a team has looted the area before you, which is interesting. 

Two brand new bins will also offer opportunities for Legends to grab those high-end loadouts and attachments. A few gold bins, containing better loot and items (including gold attachments) will randomly appear in the place of regular bins, while one mythic bin somewhere on the map is guaranteed to contain Evo for your shield, a gold weapon, or a mythic weapon found in care package drops. Be mindful though, every team can see the location of the mythic bin, which is sure to cause some squabbles over the coveted items inside.

Guns Akimbo

If like me you’re into dual-wielding, you’re going to feel right at home with Shockwave’s new Akimbo update, which allows Legends to carry and fire two P2020 pistols or Mozambique shotguns in combat.

However, wielding two guns won’t mean endless looting to kit them out – the second gun is essentially a mirror of the one in your equipment, including all of its attachments. While in Akimbo, both guns are also fully automatic with improved hip fire for ease in those scrappy close-up fights. 

Light Machine Guns are also receiving a little love this season with the Gun Shield Generator hop-up, which gives you a small shield in your sights. It won’t save you from those aggressive flanks, but will absorb precious damage if you’re being attacked head-on. 

Battle Pass and New Cosmetics

Of course, every season comes equipped with a new Battle Pass full of treats – new Legendary skins for Legends and weapons, as well as Exotic Shards, but Shockwave is making it a little more attainable for players. Battle Passes are now shorter, and you’ll get two throughout Shockwave’s duration – one at the start of the season on August 6 and another at the seasonal split. You’ll also be able to unlock the premium Battle Pass for free, just by completing in-game challenges – so save up those Apex Coins! 

All of this and more is heading to Apex Legends: Shockwave, launching on August 6. Hop in for free on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. For more updates on Shockwave’s new content, head to the official Apex Legends website.