Apex Legends Experiments with Major Ranked Changes

Respawn just threw a curveball into the Apex Legends ranked scene. Outta nowhere, they’ve decided to mess around with which matches Masters and Predator players can jump into. Yep, they’re kinda locking these top guns out of some games until Season 26 drops in August. What’s this gonna do to the competitive landscape? Your guess is as good as mine.

I mean, the whole ranked thing in Respawn’s game is like catnip for the hardcore crowd. You know, climbing those ranks to Predator level is like a rite of passage. But it’s been, let’s just say, bumpy. So, Respawn’s constantly hitting refresh on it, looking for that magic formula that won’t send players sprinting for the exit. Here we are again, with a fresh shuffle aimed at diving deep into the Apex experience.

So what’s the scoop this time? Well, Respawn’s running a test, shutting these high-flyers out from joining squads below Diamond 1. The idea is to mix the skills more evenly in ranked bouts. Apparently, peeps have been grumbling about mismatched talents forever. Like, why is Timmy No-Thumbs playing against Apex pros? Good question, right?

Now, technically — and I love how they worded this — folks under Diamond 1 could still find themselves face-to-face with a Predator. How? If a Diamond 1 player drags them right into the lion’s den, that’s how. It’s like: “Hey, we’re going into this elite lobby, hope you brought your A-game!” The landscape could change significantly if this bold experiment flies.

Wait a sec, where was I? Oh yeah, the anticipation is real! Will this ranked shakeup be a game-changer? Might it stick around post-test, creating a new norm for Apex? Respawn’s doing this dance to keep the top-tier player population alive and kicking, but there’s a catch. Cue the potential for looooonger queue times for these high-level warriors. Fewer games around means more waiting, less playing. Nobody’s got time for that, right?

Fingers crossed that these matchmaking tweaks don’t backfire before Season 25 wraps up. We might see them roll over into Season 26, who knows? Respawn’s hinted they’ve got more ranked fix-ups in their back pocket. Will this matchmaking mayhem make the cut? Could be. Until they spill the details, it’s anyone’s guess. Fingers crossed it all works out, and Apex Legends players find a more balanced battleground.