When Apex Legends first came out, it had most of what players needed back in the day but in time, EA added new modes to fulfill all the needs. Some of these modes were permanent while others were there for only a limited time. We listed all of the Apex Legends game modes that we had a chance to try since this game’s release. Here are all of them!

Does Apex Legends have different game modes?

Just like different skins, different game modes are available too. These modes range from classic battle royale experiences in trios and duos to competitive ranked leagues. Additionally, the Mixtape playlist includes unique modes like Control, Gun Run, and Team Deathmatch. Each mode offers a different way to play. 

All Apex Legends game modes

Here are all the permanent Apex Legends game modes:

Training

Before you start playing Apex Legends, you must complete the Training mode. This tutorial, led by characters Bloodhound and Pathfinder, teaches you the basics of the game. It takes place in the Firing Range. You can return to the Training mode any time to practice or improve your skill. It's a helpful way to get better at the game without the pressure of a real match.

Firing Range

The Firing Range is part of the Training mode and serves as a practice area. Here, you can try out all the weapons in the game. The range is stocked with an unlimited supply of ammo and attachments. You can practice shooting at various targets or test out different gear. The Firing Range is great for improving your shooting skills and getting familiar with new equipment.

Battle Royale Trios

The main modes in Apex Legends are the Battle Royale Trios and Duos. These modes involve teams of three or two players, respectively. Each match has 60 players who skydive onto a map, gather equipment, and fight to be the last team standing. The game area shrinks over time, making encounters with other teams more likely. Good teamwork and strategy are key to winning in these modes.

Ranked Leagues

If you enjoy competition, the Ranked Leagues are for you. In these leagues, you play against others who are at a similar skill level. Your goal is to win matches and climb up the ranks. Playing in Ranked Leagues can be more challenging than regular matches, but it's also more rewarding. You can earn unique rewards based on your performance. However, you need to complete the Road to Ranked challenges first!

Mixtape Gun Run

Gun Run is about progressing through different weapons by getting kills. Teams of three compete to advance through a set list of 25 weapons. Every time you get a kill, you move to the next weapon. The final weapon is a Throwing Knife. The first team to get a kill with the Throwing Knife wins the match. If time runs out, the team with the highest score wins. This mode tests your ability to use a wide range of weapons effectively.

Mixtape Team Deathmatch

Team Deathmatch pits two teams of six against each other. The goal is to be the first team to reach 50 kills. You can change your Legend and weapons while waiting to respawn. The match has a time limit of 10 minutes. If no team reaches 50 kills within the time limit, the team with the most kills wins. This mode is fast-paced and focuses on teamwork and quick combat skills.

Mixtape Lockdown

Lockdown is a game mode in the Mixtape playlist of Apex Legends. In this mode, four teams of three players each compete against each other. Each team tries to control various zones that appear on the map for a limited time. The teams are color-coded as blue, purple, pink, and orange. Every player starts the game with full equipment and can come back to life automatically after being defeated. A team wins by scoring 500 points first. If the time runs out and no team has reached 500 points, the team with the highest score wins.

Mixtape Control

In Control, two teams of nine players each compete to capture and hold zones on the map. A team is made up of three squads, and each squad can have the same Legend appear up to three times. Players start with full gear and can respawn indefinitely. The goal is to earn points by holding zones. Each held zone adds points every second. Players can switch their weapons and gear at any point during the match. The team that reaches 1000 points first, or holds all zones during a Lockout, wins.

Limited-time game modes in Apex Legends

There are some game modes in Apex Legends that are parts of different events and they may or may not return in the future:

Apex Elite Queue

This mode was available to players who finished in the top 5 of their previous match. It ran from June 4, 2019, to July 2, 2019.

Apex Solo

Players competed alone, without squads. This mode was available from August 13, 2019, to August 27, 2019.

Armed and Dangerous

Only sniper rifles and shotguns were available. It was active from September 3, 2019, to September 17, 2019.

Shadowfall

Eliminated players joined the Shadow team to attack remaining players. This mode ran from October 15, 2019, to November 5, 2019.

Winter Express

Three squads fought to control a moving train. Available from December 12, 2019, to January 7, 2020.

Gold Rush Duos

All weapons were fully kitted or from supply drops. This mode was active from January 14, 2020, to January 16, 2020.

LIVE.DIE.LIVE

Eliminated players respawned automatically at the end of each round. It was available from January 16, 2020, to January 18, 2020.

Third-Person Mode

The game was played from an over-the-shoulder view. This mode ran from January 18, 2020, to January 20, 2020.

Always Be Closing

The ring continuously moved throughout the game. Available from January 20, 2020, to January 22, 2020.

DUMMIEs Big Day

Players controlled DUMMIEs instead of Legends. This mode was active from January 26, 2020, to January 28, 2020.

Déjà Loot

All loot, drop ship paths, and ring locations were fixed. Available from March 3, 2020, to March 17, 2020.

Battle Armor

Players started with the same level of armor, which changed every few days. It ran from April 28, 2020, to May 12, 2020.

Flashpoint

Players regenerated health while inside certain areas. This mode was active from October 6, 2020, to October 20, 2020.

Shadow Royale

Dead players could respawn as Shadows to help their squad. Available from October 22, 2020, to November 3, 2020.

Airdrop Escalation

More care packages than usual spawned throughout the game. This mode ran from January 5, 2021, to January 19, 2021.

Locked and Loaded

Players started with Level 1 gear and a Mozambique. It was available from February 9, 2021, to March 2, 2021.

Ring Fury

Ring flares appeared periodically within the game. This mode was active from March 9, 2021, to March 23, 2021.

Second Chance

Players received one free respawn per game, keeping all their items. Available on April 13, 2021.

Ultra Zones

Three hot zones, all flashpoints, spawned instead of one. It ran from April 15, 2021, to April 19, 2021.

Armor Regen

Shields regenerated automatically when not taking damage. This mode was active from April 13, 2021, to April 15, 2021.

Arenas

Two squads of three competed in a round-based match format. This was part of the game from Season 9 to Season 15.

Date Night

Regenerative item effects were shared with nearby squadmates. This mode was available from February 7, 2023, to February 14, 2023.

TDM - Unshielded

The game had no body shields and had the same loadout. It ran from May 23, 2023, to June 6, 2023.

Living Shell Trios

This mode added Rev Shells, a homing grenade. It was available from September 19, 2023, to October 3, 2023.

Tricks N’ Treats Trios

Players could use Copycat Kits to replicate another legend's ability. It was active from October 17, 2023, to October 31, 2023.

Three Strikes

This mode ran from November 23, 2023, to November 28, 2023. Each dead squad could come back twice before being completely eliminated.

Revenant Uprising

Half the players started on the Revenant Army team and targeted other legends. Available from December 5, 2023, to January 2, 2024.

FINAL FANTASY VII Takeover

This mode added the Buster Sword R2R5 and several Materia hop-ups. It ran from January 9, 2024, to January 30, 2024.

Is there an Apex practice mode?

Yes, Apex Legends includes a practice mode known as Training. In the Firing Range, players assume the role of Lifeline and learn the game's basics under the guidance of Bloodhound and Pathfinder. This mode is essential for new players to get familiar with game controls, weapons, and mechanics before entering actual combat scenarios.

Why did Apex get rid of 3v3?

Apex Legends introduced the 3v3 Arenas mode to offer shorter and faster matches than the main battle royale. At first, players enjoyed the change, but the mode started losing popularity over time. Matchmaking became slow, and teams often felt unbalanced, which reduced the fun for many players.

Respawn decided to remove Arenas because it no longer fit the main direction of the game. The developers said they wanted to focus on modes that keep players active and improve their overall experience. Arenas has returned a few times as a limited event, but there is no sign that it will become a permanent mode again soon.