Downloading Apex Legends is completely free on every platform — the only thing standing between you and the Apex Games is a quick install and a free EA account. This guide walks you through getting the game on PC (via Steam or the EA app), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, plus how to keep your progress in sync wherever you play.
Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale from Respawn Entertainment, published by EA. Because it is free, the process is mostly about finding the right store for your device and pressing one button. Below you will find the exact steps for each platform.
What you need before you start
- A supported device: a Windows PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One or Series X|S, or a Nintendo Switch.
- A free EA account: you can create one during installation or on first launch. It links your unlocks across platforms.
- Free storage: set aside roughly 50-75 GB depending on your platform and updates.
- A stable internet connection: the base download is large, and the game requires online access to play.
How to download Apex Legends on any platform
-
Step 1: Pick your platform and check the basics
Decide where you want to play first. Apex Legends is available on PC (through Steam or the EA app), PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch. The game is free everywhere, so the only requirements are enough free storage (around 50-75 GB) and a stable connection. Sign in with the same EA account on each device to carry your progress and cosmetics across platforms.
Apex Legends runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch — all free to download. -
Step 2: Download Apex Legends on PC via Steam
The easiest route on PC is Steam. Open the Steam client (or the Steam website), search for Apex Legends, and open its store page. Sign in to your Steam account, then click Install Game — the price shows as Free. Choose the drive you want to install to and let Steam download the files. When it finishes, launch the game and sign in with (or create) an EA account.
On Steam, the Apex Legends store page shows Free — just click Install Game. -
Step 3: Or download Apex Legends through the EA app
Prefer to skip Steam? You can install Apex Legends directly through EA's own launcher. Download and open the EA app, sign in with your EA account, then search for Apex Legends or find it in your library. Click Download (also free) and wait for the install to complete. The EA app is handy because it is the same account system used across every platform, which keeps cross-progression simple.
The EA app lets you download Apex Legends straight from EA with your EA account. -
Step 4: Download Apex Legends on PlayStation
On PS4 or PS5, open the PlayStation Store from your console's home screen. Use the search bar to look up Apex Legends and select the game from the results. Because it is free to play, you will see a Download button instead of a price. Press it and the console will download and install Apex Legends in the background. Once it is ready, open the game and link your EA account.
Search the PlayStation Store, select Apex Legends, and press Download. -
Step 5: Download on Xbox or Switch, then link your account
On Xbox One or Series X|S, open the Microsoft Store on the console, search for Apex Legends, and select Get to install it for free. On Nintendo Switch, open the Nintendo eShop, search for Apex Legends, and choose Download. After installation on any platform, launch the game and sign in with your EA account on first launch. Using the same EA account everywhere activates cross-progression, so your unlocks and progress follow you between PC, console, and Switch.
Get it from the Microsoft Store or Nintendo eShop, then link the same EA account everywhere.
Tips for a smooth install
- Use one EA account. Always sign in with the same EA account so your battle pass progress, Legends, and cosmetics carry across every device.
- Leave extra room. Updates can grow the install size over time, so keeping a little spare storage avoids download failures.
- Download overnight. On consoles you can queue the install and put the system into rest mode to finish the large download while you sleep.
- Wired beats wireless. A wired connection makes the initial multi-gigabyte download noticeably faster and more reliable.
Troubleshooting
The download is stuck or very slow
Pause and resume the download, restart the store app or launcher, and check your internet connection. On consoles, closing other apps and using a wired connection often helps.
I can't sign in with my EA account
Double-check your email and password, and make sure you are using the same EA account you started with. If you forgot the details, use the account recovery option on the official EA sign-in page.
There isn't enough storage space
Free up space by removing games or media you no longer use, or install to an external drive where your platform supports it, then start the download again.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apex Legends free to download?
Yes. Apex Legends is free to play and free to download on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. You only pay if you choose to buy optional cosmetics or a battle pass.
How big is the Apex Legends download?
It varies by platform and updates, but plan for roughly 50-75 GB of free storage to be safe.
Do I need an EA account to play Apex Legends?
Yes. A free EA account is required, and signing in with the same account on every platform keeps your progress synced through cross-progression.
Can I download Apex Legends on PC without Steam?
Yes. You can install it through the EA app instead of Steam. Both options are free and use the same EA account.
Is Apex Legends available on mobile?
The standalone Apex Legends Mobile app was discontinued, so the current way to play is on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch.
Final thoughts
Downloading Apex Legends takes just a few minutes of setup and no money at all. Pick your platform, grab the game from the right store — Steam or the EA app on PC, the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, or the Nintendo eShop — and sign in with a single EA account to keep your progress everywhere. For the latest details and system requirements, check the official Apex Legends website, then drop into the Apex Games.
