Apex Legends season 16 introduced bigger-than-normal changes with the overhauled class system, which was massive enough to skip adding a new character for the first time in history. Not one to rest on its laurels though, Apex Legends is introducing Ballistic in season 17 and making changes to World's Edge, adding a new Weapon Mastery system and survival item, and making improvements to the Ping system and Firing Range.
Beyond that, Apex Legends devs have teased some major content coming about midway through this season, so it's clear just how all-in the company is with season 17. All changes remain to be seen, but there's a lot on the horizon.
Apex Legends Season 17 - Changes to World's Edge
Thematically speaking, the changes to World's Edge reflect a planet cooling off and healing from the devastation that's struck it. This has created new POIs like Monument and Stacks, created more snow in the north, and the various lava areas/pits are no longer vents. They're going to be traversable in Apex Legends season 17. Other changes include a new Vault added to Skyhook, more Vault keys spawning, some changes to Harvester (players can skydive down it now), and minor changes to Bloodhound's Trial. The Mirage Voyage PoI also returns to World's Edge.
A new museum in Fragment East features a glass ceiling, sniper nests, and more, all while honoring the Apex Games' long, storied history. The red, layered construction building once located in Fragment will move to Stacks in Apex Legends, with this new POI replacing Lava City.
Apex Legends Season 17's New Weapon Mastery System
The weapon mastery system is a long-term progression mechanic available to players, regardless of level. It is tied to the Account level and doesn't reset per season, but essentially players level up weapons by using them, using things like damage and kills to track progression. Every twenty levels, this unlocks a new trial and players can earn things like badges, trackers, skins, frames, and more. It's pretty simple, but it'll no doubt go far for the avid R-301 lover (for example).
Apex Legends Season 17 Adds More Options to Pings
Pinging is a vital part of Apex Legends, for those who may or may not be able to (or want to) communicate with their squadmates. Changes to the ping wheel include the ability to issue an Avoid ping, indicate there is enemy audio, or call for a regroup. There are also more skydiving pings, and pinging will also be more specific like with a Crafter icon.
Apex Legends New Survival Item: Evac Towers
Evac Towers are a new survival item in Apex Legends season 17, and simply put, they can be used to create deploy balloons. Respawn thinks this will take some heat off the popular character Valkyrie, but it's not without its drawbacks. Players can deploy these balloons anywhere, but they'll have to wait for them to fully deploy. Doing so mid-fight will signal to the other team that players are trying to retreat. Not only that, but they can be destroyed by a "dedicated" squad. Should players be going up it when that happens, they'll fall to the ground.
Apex Legends' New Firing Range Map
Apex Legends' Firing Range gets a new and improved map, with several gameplay enhancements. Players are actually able to engage with dummies in proper combat, there is a new town section to more realistically simulate gameplay, and there's even an arena dedicated to the tried-and-true Firing Range duel. Overall, it looks like a solid improvement, but perhaps the biggest change is the ability to join players in the Firing Range, instead of needing to return to a lobby.
Apex Legends is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.