Apex Legends map update and changes - what's new in Kings Canyon
All the key info on Apex Legends' newly changed map.
Apex Legends' map - named in-game as Kings Canyon - is an unusual one, combining several distinct areas that almost feel like miniature mutliplayer maps of their own into one large-ish space.
The map size itself is on the smaller side though - the exact size is unconfirmed but it certainly feels smaller than other battle royale equivalents, because of the sheer amount of maneuverability that you have at your disposal. There have also been several map changes with the second-season map update - we detail those, as well as all the other essentail info in the Apex Legends map, just below!
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Apex Legends map changes in the new Kings Canyon update
Before we dive into the details, here's a look at the latest version of the King's Canyon map, as introduced at the start of Season 2.
And here's a quick rundown of what's changed from the previous season.
Apex Legends map update and map changes:
- Dinosaurs! - Well not technically dinosaurs. The giant creatures, called Levianthans, have entered the map. You can see their outline on the map itself - they'll roam ever so slightly within their set location and if you stand under their huge feet as they move, you will get crushed and die.
- Flying creatures - The flying creatures you can see perched in various spots around the map or in the air above it aren't just for show, they carry loot. If you shoot the loot crates themselves they'll actually drop down and you can search them - there can be some great quality stuff in there, colour-coded like a death box is, so keep an eye out!
- Location changes - Bridges has been altered, with a new location called The Cage nearby. Likewise Cascades has been replaced with Containment.
- Balance tweaks - Mainly in the form of tweaks to the circle and its damage and timing. A bit more detail on that in the section below.
- Supply Pods at the start of the game - Supply drops will now appear as sort of mini hot-zones at the start of the game, often including great gear if you can win the fight for it!
Map damage and timing changes
Here's the current map damage and timings, according to a post from Respawn on the Apex Legends subreddit.
| Round | Damage per tick | Starts Closing After | Time to Close |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2% | 3 minutes | 2 minutes |
| 2 | 5% | 2 minutes 30 secs | 2 minutes |
| 3 | 10% | 2 minutes 15 secs | 2 minutes |
| 4 | 20% | 2 minutes | 2 minutes |
| 5 | 20% | 1 minute 30 secs | 1 minute 40 secs |
| 6 | 25% | 1 minute 30 secs | 1 minute 40 secs |
| 7 | 25% | 2 minutes | 1 minute 20 secs |
| 8 | 25% | 20 seconds | 1 minute 20 secs |
Old Apex Legends Kings Canyon map comparison and key things to know
The old Kings Canyon map isn't too different from the current one, as you can probably see from that pretty short list of updates above. For comparison's sake, here's a look at the two side-by-side.
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There are still seventeen 'named locations' - two replaced with another two in the update - as you can see from the image above, and interestingly they all feel highly unique - it's as if each location is designed individually, like an old-school multiplayer map, and they've been stitched together to make this larger one for battle royale.
We mean that in a good way, though, because that means each region feels quite intricately designed, and moving from one area to the next almost feels like a specific tactical encounter, like you're breaching an area locked down by another team.
But enough about our feelings! Below you'll find more details on the specific features that make Apex Legends' first map, Kings Canyon, feel so unique - and the important things you need to know about them.
Apex Legends Hot Zone, Supply Ship, Respawn Points and Supply Drops on King's Canyon
If you're new to Apex Legends - but maybe familiar with battle royale games - there are probably quite a few elements to the map that are throwing you off. Here's a quick runthrough of what all of these weird and wonderful additions do.
Apex Legends Hot Zones explained
Hot Zones, marked by mid-sized blue circles on the map, are areas where you'll find an increase in both the quality and quantity of loot, but also the chance of weapons appearing with all possible attachments already equipped - which doesn't seem to happen anywhere else.
You'll also get bonus XP for earning kills in the Hot Zone, so it's a great place to practise or head for if you're up for a fight - not so great if you want a tactical sneak to the finish.
Apex Legends Supply Ships explained
Supply Ships are large aircraft that gradually fly in over the map - similar to the one you jump out of at the start - and contain a decent amount of high quality loot.
There's always one at the start - you can see it fly in and see its end location marked in turquoise-green on your main map - which you can land on directly from the drop ship.
They also come in periodically through out the game, and fire out several ziplines to the area around them, which is they only way they can be accessed from the ground - another option for a feisty start!
Apex Legends Respawn Points explained
Respawn Points are marked in green - they're green diamond-shaped icons on your minimap, or smaller green dots on the main map. They're permanently marked on there, which is helpful, so you'll likely build up a fairly innate knowledge of where they all are over time.
They serve a pretty unique purpose in Apex Legends: if your allie gets properly eliminated (that is, not just downed but killed while they're down), then you can pick up their beacon by heading to their Death Box (the crate that pops out when someone dies) and interacting with it.
Take that to a Respawn Point and interact with that, and it'll drop in your mate, which is nice! They won't have any weapons, equipment, or ammo though - that's all in their death box still. Note that Respawn Points are often surrounded by a trio of Supply Bins as well, which helps for quickly resupplying after you've been respawned.
Apex Legends Supply Drops explained
There are two kinds of Supply Drop in Apex Legends, which are very similar: ones called in from Lifeline's ultimate, and ones that drop in naturally over time (very similarly to the supply crates in PUBG, for instance).
The only difference really is that Lifeline's seems to have a slightly lower chance of containing the very top-tier loot, coloured a glowing gold. The ones that occur periodically in the game (in a random location) tend to quite often have one of Apex Legends' best weapons inside, as well as some top-tier equipment. There's always exactly three items in each.
Want to know the best Legend for this Season? Check out our Apex Legends Season 16 Legend Tier List that details who's the best for Revelry and why. Our other guides can show you how to make a Private Match and explain what Ring Consoles are. Also, take a look at our Veiled collection event page to learn about the latest limited-time event.
Will Apex Legends have new maps in the future?
Apex Legends' first map, Kings Canyon, is pretty great - but it also feels pretty small, with games only taking 15 to 20 minutes on average, and most of the map coverable in a pretty short amount of time, thanks to all the various mobility options at your disposal.
Thankfull though, if you're somehow getting bored already, there is indeed a confirmation from developer Respawn that more maps are coming in the future.
Speaking to Venturebeat, Respawn CEO Vince Zampella said:
"There will be new maps, new modes, new characters, new weapons, new skins. There will be a ton of stuff coming over the next year to 10, maybe. It depends on how successful it is."
That's pretty solid confirmation, then! Maybe ten years is a little optimistic - but then, Apex Legends has been incredibly popular so far.