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Find out about every Apex Legends game mode, including Wildcard and Ranked, plus how to choose between Core and Freestyle game modes.
Core vs Freestyle: how to play Apex Legends
There are two main ways you can play Apex Legends, depending on if you prefer competitive play or something more casual.Core
Freestyle
Core is all about competitive play. In Core, you can play Ranked or Unranked.
Challenge and skill are key to Core modes. Climb the ranks, beat other squads, and enjoy the classic, competitive Apex Legends experience.
Challenge and skill are key to Core modes. Climb the ranks, beat other squads, and enjoy the classic, competitive Apex Legends experience.
All Apex Legends game modes
Ranked
Ranked is a competitive mode that lets you play with other players at a similar rank. Over time, you’ll rank up and play in higher tiers with more challenging players. Ranked is available in Core.Read our Ranked guide for a full overview of how Ranked, matchmaking, and scoring work.
Unranked
Unranked offers the same competitive play as Ranked but doesn’t affect your ranking. If you want to practice or play without pressure, pick Unranked. Unranked is available in Core.Wildcard
Wildcard is a faster, more streamlined mode without the pressure of Ranked. It’s designed to keep things fun, with a focus on shooting, not looting, and more map toys to play with.- Quicker matches: matches take around 15 minutes and include 30 players.
- Streamlined gameplay: simplified Legends, weapon, and looting systems to keep you in the action.
- Easy healing and revivals: Legends auto-heal out of battle, and revivals are available until the last Ring if at least one teammate is alive. Everyone starts with a self-revive kit.
Mixtape
A rotating playlist of some of the fan-favorite modes. Modes rotate every hour.Mixtape is available in Freestyle.Limited-time modes
An event mode that’s only available for a short period of time and contains unique game modes.Limited-time modes will be available in Freestyle.Private match
Invite up to 60 players and five observers to a standard game. Private Match requires cross-play and doesn’t earn you XP or other progression.Beginner-friendly and practice modes
If you’re new to the game or want to test something before you enter a match, here are some modes to try.- Training: learn at your own pace with basic training for new players.
- Bot Royale: Play against bots. You can play alone, join a squad of bots, or play in a premade squad with friends.
- Firing range: a practice area where you can test out weapons, ammo, and new Legends.
What’s different between Wildcard and Core modes?
Wildcard and Core modes like Ranked have different features, including changes to Legends, weapons, and upgrades. Here’s what you need to know.Legend selection and maps
Inventory and looting
Legend upgrades and EVO
Healing and revivals
Events
All Legends are playable and have their unique abilities in both modes. In Wildcard only, players choose Legends simultaneously. You can play as any Legend you want, as a Legend can be used more than once in the same squad. For example, your squad could be three Mirages.You can play on Kings Canyon or Olympus, and you’ll see more map toys, like zip rails, towers, and jump pads, than usual.In Core modes, Legend picks are staggered, and each Legend can only be picked once per squad.Legends only have class perks in Core modes, and you can play on a range of maps.