Yes, Apex Legends is free to play. The full 60-player battle royale from Respawn Entertainment and EA costs nothing to download or play, and you never need to enter payment details to drop into a match. This guide explains exactly what you get for free, what genuinely costs money, and what you need to start playing today on PC or console.
Apex Legends launched in 2019 as a free-to-play title and has stayed that way ever since. Below we break the question down into five clear sections so you know precisely where your money goes — and where it doesn't.
The quick answer
Apex Legends is 100% free to download and play on every platform it supports. There is no box price, no mandatory subscription, and no paywall blocking the core game modes, maps, or ranked play. The game makes its money entirely from optional cosmetics and premium currency, none of which affect how you perform in a match.
1. The short answer: yes, it is free
You can install Apex Legends and play the complete battle royale without spending a cent. There is no trial limit and no "free weekend" catch — the base game is permanently free. EA monetises it the same way most modern shooters do: through cosmetic items you can choose to buy if you want, and which have zero impact on gameplay or competitive balance.
2. Where to download Apex Legends for free
The free download is available on a wide range of platforms, so you can play on whatever you already own:
- PC — via Steam or the EA app
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 — from the PlayStation Store
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S — from the Microsoft Store
- Nintendo Switch — from the Nintendo eShop
The download is identical and free on every platform, and Apex Legends supports cross-play, so you can squad up with friends on different systems. You can grab it directly from the official Apex Legends website.
3. What is free vs. what costs money
This is the part most new players want to understand. The split is simple: everything that affects gameplay is free, while everything you can pay for is purely cosmetic or a convenience.
Included for free: the full battle royale, all maps and game modes, ranked play and matchmaking, a free reward tier on every Battle Pass, and all ongoing seasonal updates.
Optional purchases: Apex Coins (the premium currency), the premium Battle Pass track, skins and other cosmetics, and instant Legend unlocks. Crucially, you can never buy power — cosmetics do not make your weapons hit harder or your character tougher.
4. How you unlock Legends without paying
Apex Legends has a growing roster of playable characters called Legends. A starter group is unlocked the moment you install the game, and you can earn the rest without spending real money. As you play, you collect Legend Tokens, an in-game currency that you can spend to permanently unlock additional Legends for free.
If you'd rather skip the grind, you can also unlock a Legend instantly using Apex Coins bought with real money. That option is purely for convenience — locked Legends never gate the core battle royale, and you can win matches with the free roster alone.
5. What you need to play for free
Getting started is straightforward. You'll need a free EA account (created during first launch), a supported device, and enough storage — usually around 50–75 GB depending on platform and updates. A stable internet connection is required because Apex Legends is an online multiplayer game. Notably, no payment details are required to download, install, or play.
Tips for free players
- Claim the free Battle Pass rewards. Every Battle Pass has a free track, so you earn cosmetics each season without paying.
- Bank your Legend Tokens. Save them up to unlock the Legend whose playstyle suits you best, rather than the first one you see.
- You can earn premium currency too. Some events and Battle Pass tiers grant a small amount of Apex Coins, letting free players save toward a purchase over time.
- Ignore the store if you want. Nothing in the shop is required to play, win, or rank up — it's all optional.
Common questions and issues
I was asked to link an EA account — is that a charge?
No. Linking or creating an EA account is free and only used to manage your profile, progress, and friends. You will not be charged for it.
The store shows real-money prices — is the game still free?
Yes. Those prices are for optional Apex Coins and cosmetics. The game itself, including every map and mode, remains free to download and play.
Do I have to buy the Battle Pass?
No. Buying the premium Battle Pass is optional. The free Battle Pass tier still rewards you as you play each season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apex Legends free to play on PC?
Yes. Apex Legends is a free download on PC through both Steam and the EA app, with no purchase required to play the full game.
Is Apex Legends free on PS5 and Xbox?
Yes. The game is free on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. You can download it from the respective console store at no cost.
Is Apex Legends pay-to-win?
No. Everything you can buy is cosmetic or a convenience. Real-money purchases do not improve your weapons, abilities, or stats, so paying gives no competitive advantage.
How much does Apex Legends cost?
The base game costs nothing. The only spending is optional — Apex Coins, cosmetics, the premium Battle Pass, and instant Legend unlocks — and none of it is needed to play.
Do I need to pay to unlock all the Legends?
No. You can unlock additional Legends for free by earning and spending Legend Tokens as you play. Buying them with Apex Coins is just a faster, optional alternative.
Final thoughts
Apex Legends is one of the most generous free-to-play shooters available: the entire battle royale, every map, every mode, and ranked play are all free, and you can earn new Legends just by playing. The only money you'll ever spend is on optional cosmetics that never affect the outcome of a match. If you've been wondering whether Apex Legends is free to play, the answer is a confident yes — download it, create a free EA account, and drop in.
