Apex Legends, the popular battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts (EA), has been a topic of interest among gamers since its release in 2019. One of the most frequently asked questions about the game is whether it is available on Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC games. In this article, we will delve into the history of Apex Legends’ availability on Steam, its current status, and what this means for players.
A Brief History of Apex Legends
Before we dive into the game’s availability on Steam, let’s take a brief look at its history. Apex Legends was released on February 4, 2019, for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. The game was a surprise launch, meaning that it was not announced until the day of its release. Despite the lack of marketing and promotion, Apex Legends quickly gained popularity, thanks to its unique blend of battle royale gameplay and innovative mechanics.
Initial Release and Reception
At launch, Apex Legends was available on Origin, EA’s digital distribution platform, as well as on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The game received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging gameplay, well-designed maps, and innovative respawn system. Players praised the game’s fast-paced action, strategic teamplay, and the variety of playable characters, known as Legends.
Apex Legends on Steam: A Long-Awaited Arrival
For a long time, Apex Legends was not available on Steam, which was a disappointment for many PC gamers who prefer to use the platform. However, in 2020, EA announced that Apex Legends would be coming to Steam, along with other EA titles. The game finally arrived on Steam on November 4, 2020, as part of EA’s efforts to expand its presence on the platform.
What Does This Mean for Players?
The arrival of Apex Legends on Steam is a significant development for players. Here are a few key benefits:
- Wider availability: With Apex Legends on Steam, players can now access the game from a single platform, making it easier to manage their game library and connect with friends.
- Steam features: Players can now take advantage of Steam’s features, such as cloud saves, friend lists, and community tools.
- Cross-play: Steam players can play with friends who own the game on Origin, Xbox One, or PlayStation 4, thanks to Apex Legends’ cross-play feature.
System Requirements and Performance
If you’re planning to play Apex Legends on Steam, you’ll need to ensure that your system meets the game’s system requirements. Here are the minimum and recommended system requirements for Apex Legends on Steam:
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor | AMD FX 4350 or equivalent | AMD Ryzen 5 or equivalent |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or equivalent | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or equivalent |
| Storage | 22 GB available space | 22 GB available space |
In terms of performance, Apex Legends is a demanding game that requires a powerful system to run smoothly. However, the game’s developers have optimized it to run on a wide range of hardware configurations, making it accessible to players with lower-end systems.
Optimization and Performance Tips
If you’re experiencing performance issues with Apex Legends on Steam, here are a few tips to help you optimize the game:
- Adjust graphics settings: Lowering the graphics settings can help improve performance. Try reducing the resolution, turning off anti-aliasing, or lowering the texture quality.
- Update drivers: Ensure that your graphics drivers are up to date, as this can improve performance and fix bugs.
- Close unnecessary programs: Closing unnecessary programs can help free up system resources and improve performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Apex Legends is now available on Steam, marking a significant milestone for the game and its community. With its arrival on Steam, players can now access the game from a single platform, take advantage of Steam’s features, and play with friends across different platforms. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Apex Legends on Steam is definitely worth checking out.
Final Thoughts
Apex Legends’ arrival on Steam is a testament to the game’s enduring popularity and the growing importance of digital distribution platforms. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Apex Legends and other games adapt to changing player preferences and technological advancements.
Is Apex Legends available on Steam?
Yes, Apex Legends is available on Steam. The game was initially released on Origin, but it made its way to Steam in November 2020. This move allowed players to access the game through their Steam accounts, making it more convenient for those who prefer the Steam platform. Since its release on Steam, the game has received regular updates, and players can enjoy the same content as those playing on Origin.
It’s worth noting that players who already had an Origin account and played Apex Legends before its Steam release could link their accounts to access their existing progress and cosmetics. However, new players who started playing on Steam would need to create a new account, and their progress would be separate from any existing Origin account.
Can I play Apex Legends on Steam if I already have an Origin account?
Yes, you can play Apex Legends on Steam even if you already have an Origin account. In fact, you can link your Origin account to your Steam account, allowing you to access your existing progress, cosmetics, and friends list. This means you can pick up where you left off and continue playing with your friends, regardless of the platform they’re using.
To link your accounts, simply launch Apex Legends on Steam, and you’ll be prompted to log in to your Origin account. Once linked, your accounts will be connected, and you can enjoy seamless play between Steam and Origin. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have the same EA account linked to both your Steam and Origin accounts for this to work.
Are there any differences between playing Apex Legends on Steam and Origin?
For the most part, playing Apex Legends on Steam is identical to playing on Origin. You’ll have access to the same game modes, maps, and content, and you can play with friends regardless of the platform they’re using. However, there might be some minor differences in terms of user interface and features, as Steam and Origin have different architectures.
One notable difference is that Steam players can take advantage of Steam-specific features, such as Steam Cloud Saves, Steam Trading Cards, and Steam Community features. On the other hand, Origin players might have access to exclusive content or promotions, although these are relatively rare. Overall, the gameplay experience remains the same across both platforms.
Can I purchase Apex Legends on Steam, or is it free-to-play?
Apex Legends is free-to-play on Steam, just like on Origin. You can download and play the game without spending a dime, and you’ll have access to all the game’s core content, including its various game modes and maps. However, you can purchase cosmetic items, such as skins and outfits, using real money or in-game currency.
Additionally, you can purchase the game’s seasonal battle passes, which offer exclusive rewards and challenges. These passes are optional, and you can still enjoy the game’s core content without spending any money. It’s worth noting that Apex Legends is a live-service game, and Respawn Entertainment regularly releases new content, events, and updates, which are usually free for all players.
How do I download Apex Legends on Steam?
To download Apex Legends on Steam, simply follow these steps: 1) Open Steam and log in to your account. 2) Search for “Apex Legends” in the Steam store. 3) Click on the game’s page, and then click the “Play Game” button. 4) If you don’t have the game installed, Steam will prompt you to download it. 5) Wait for the download to complete, and then launch the game.
Make sure you have enough disk space and meet the game’s system requirements before downloading. You can check the system requirements on the game’s Steam page. Additionally, if you’re linking your Origin account to your Steam account, you might need to log in to your Origin account during the installation process.
Can I play Apex Legends on Steam with my friends who play on Origin?
Yes, you can play Apex Legends on Steam with your friends who play on Origin. The game features cross-platform play, allowing players to play together regardless of the platform they’re using. This means you can squad up with your friends and play together, even if some of you are playing on Steam and others are playing on Origin.
To play with your friends, simply invite them to your squad or join their squad, and you’ll be able to play together. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have the same EA account linked to both your Steam and Origin accounts for cross-platform play to work. Additionally, make sure you’re all playing the same game mode and have the same version of the game.
Are there any system requirements for playing Apex Legends on Steam?
Yes, there are system requirements for playing Apex Legends on Steam. The game requires a relatively powerful computer to run smoothly, especially at higher graphics settings. You can check the system requirements on the game’s Steam page, but here are the minimum and recommended specs:
The minimum specs include a 64-bit operating system, an Intel Core i3-6300 or AMD FX-4350 processor, 6 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GT 640 or AMD Radeon HD 7730 graphics card. The recommended specs include a 64-bit operating system, an Intel Core i5-3570K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390 graphics card.