Apex Legends gets a small April 14 cleanup and some Ranked matchmaking tweaks

Respawn pushed a fresh Apex Legends update on April 14, 2026, and this one leans on bug fixes, matchmaking changes, and a limited regional test rather than a giant balance pass.

The update fixed several cosmetic and audio issues, including Catalyst’s Toxic Empress skin, Valkyrie’s jetpack handles, Fuse’s Knuckle Cluster holder, and a Wattson ring audio bug tied to tactical and ultimate placement. Respawn also listed game stability improvements on Switch 2.

On the matchmaking side, the studio said it is increasing maximum queue times slightly for players at the higher end of Ranked and pubs so it can aim for tighter skill bands and more competitive matches. For Drop Zone Ranked games, Apex will now show squad tier distribution charts instead of charts for individual players, matching the way non-Drop Zone lobbies are displayed.

Respawn is also testing a four-hour Ranked map rotation schedule in East Asia for the rest of the split. The studio warned players not to switch servers, since doing so will lead to much higher ping.

Patch Notes

FIXED:

• Catalyst’s Toxic Empress skin now has the appropriate glow visual effects, in-match
• Valkyrie’s jetpack handles are no longer missing in specific scenarios
• Fuse’s Knuckle Cluster holder is now properly displayed
• Wattson players will no longer hear Hardlight rebuilding and being destroyed as a result of her tactical/ultimate placement in the ring
• Game stability improvements on the Switch 2

ADJUSTED:

• We are increasing maximum queue times slightly for players at the higher end of Ranked and pubs. Our goal is tighter skill bands and more competitive games across the board.
• For Drop Zone Ranked matches, we will be displaying Ranked tier distribution charts of squads, not individual players consistent with non-Drop Zone lobbies.

TESTING:

• We are testing a 4 hour Ranked map rotation schedule in East Asia for the rest of the split. *We do not recommend changing servers as it will result in much higher pings.

If you have been playing since the update went out, tell us what you think in the comments. You can also follow us on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram.

Apex Legends

Developed by Respawn Entertainment

Conquer with character in Apex Legends, a free-to-play Hero shooter where legendary characters with powerful abilities team up to battle for fame & fortune on the fringes of the Frontier.

Master an ever-growing roster of diverse Legends, deep tactical squad play and bold new innovations that go beyond the Battle Royale experience—all within a rugged world where anything goes. Welcome to the next evolution of Hero Shooter.

• Genre: Shooter, Tactical
• Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Modes: Multiplayer, Co-operative, Battle Royale
• Release: 2019-02-04
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Age Rating: PEGI 16 / CERO D / GRAC 19+ / USK 16 / CLASS_IND 14 / ACB MA 15+ / ESRB T
• IGDB Rating: 75.5/100

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