Apex Legends Season 26 is shaking up competitive play in a big way. With the launch of Showdown, Respawn Entertainment has introduced some of the most dramatic updates to Ranked mode since the game’s inception. From the removal of the traditional dropship mechanic to adjustments in RP (Ranked Points) and new cosmetic features like Ranked Auras, this season is built to reward smarter play, team coordination, and consistency.
Whether you're a seasoned Predator or grinding out of Bronze, understanding these changes is critical to climbing the ranks efficiently in Season 26. Below, we break down every ranked feature update and what it means for your strategy.
No More Jumpmaster in Ranked — Pre-Set POI Drop Zones
Apex Legends Season 26 introduces one of the most impactful ranked mode overhauls yet. Traditional dropship entries are removed in Ranked. Instead, every squad is assigned a pre-set, randomized POI (Point of Interest) as a drop location. This structure replicates ALGS competitive settings and removes early-game hot-drop chaos, making for more balanced and strategic matches.
RP Adjustments and Challenger Bonus Increased
Ranked Point (RP) distribution is getting key changes:
- Kill and assist RP have been slightly reduced, pushing players to prioritize smart rotations and survival over pure aggression.
- The Challenger Bonus has been increased, meaning you’ll earn more RP for eliminating higher-ranked opponents—rewarding riskier, skill-based fights.
Ranked Auras — Cosmetic Rank Display
Ranked Auras are new cosmetic effects that let players visually display their current rank during gameplay. These glowing effects can be seen:
- During skydive
- While reviving teammates
- When performing finishers
- On your banner in the lobby
These are purely cosmetic and can be toggled on or off.
POI Loot Rebalancing and Ranked Feature Removals
To support the new drop system, Respawn has rebalanced POI loot so all drop zones provide consistent and fair loot quality. In addition:
- Hot Zones and Heat Shields have been removed from Ranked.
- Survey Beacons and Ring Consoles have been redistributed to ensure consistent utility across all zones.
Solo Queue Improvements and Entry Cost Adjustments (Split 2)
In the second ranked split of Season 26, additional improvements will roll out:
- A "Stay as Team" option will allow solo-queued players to stick together after a match, helping foster better team dynamics.
- Entry RP costs will increase slightly for Bronze through Gold, slowing down smurfs and preserving balanced matchmaking in early tiers.
Quick Summary of Season 26 Ranked Changes
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Feature
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Description
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Randomized POI Drop Zones
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No more dropship; squads get randomly assigned drop points.
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Kill/Assist RP Reduced
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Puts more emphasis on survival and smart engagements.
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Challenger Bonus Increased
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Earn bonus RP for defeating higher-ranked players.
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Ranked Auras
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Optional cosmetic showing your rank in-match and in the lobby.
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POI Loot Rebalancing
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Fairer loot across all drop locations.
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Hot Zones and Heat Shields Removed
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Cleans up randomness for Ranked matches.
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Stay as Team Option (Split 2)
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Lets solo queue players keep good teammates.
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Entry RP Cost Adjustments (Split 2)
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Slower early-tier climbing to reduce smurfing.
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Why These Changes Matter
Season 26 takes Ranked in Apex Legends to the next level by focusing on fairness, structure, and skill-based progression. With randomized drop zones, rebalanced RP gains, and tools for better matchmaking and player retention, Showdown is set to deliver one of the most competitive ranked experiences Apex has seen to date.
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