Apex Legends Season 25 early patch notes with a new legend and Arenas return

Respawn is gearing up for Season 25 of Apex Legends, titled Prodigy. The new season promises a fresh Legend, returning game modes, and a significant rework to the Bocek Bow. Check out the early patch notes with everything we know about the season so far.

Headlining this season is Sparrow, a stylish and acrobatic new Legend whose kit revolves around mobility and target tracking. His arrival comes with a rare promotional twist—players will have full access to him for the first two weeks of the season, encouraging everyone to test his potential and completing in-game challenges to unlock him permanently.

In addition to the new character, Arenas is being revived, for this season at least. The once-retired 3v3 mode was removed from the rotation in 2023, but its return, alongside the addition of a new 1v1 variant called Duels, signals Respawn’s intent to mix up the gameplay, both in terms of modes and team sizes.

There is also a revamped Bocek Bow with explosive arrowheads, and long-time fan-favorite Pathfinder receives long-requested buffs that reinforce his role as the game’s top movement-based Legend. Ranked is getting some changes in here, too.

Check out what we know about the patch notes so far – full patch notes should release before the new season launch on May 6.

Season 25 patch notes

New Legend: Sparrow

Season 25 introduces Sparrow, an agile, high-mobility archer built for aggressive play and show-stopping moments. Designed to reward movement mastery and information control, Sparrow brings a fresh combat dynamic to the game.

• Passive – Double Jump: Allows a second jump while airborne, enabling creative movement and vertical navigation.
• Tactical – Tracker Dart: Deploys a sensor that tags enemies passing through its field.
• Ultimate – Stinger Bolt: Fires six energy blasts in rapid succession, dealing area damage to multiple targets.

Sparrow will be free-to-play for all users during the first two weeks of the season. Players who complete in-game challenges during this period can unlock him permanently.

Bocek Bow Overhaul

The Bocek Bow is making a return to ground loot with a set of explosive new mechanics:

• No Arrows in Loot Pool: Ammunition must be retrieved from deathboxes or by picking up used arrows.
• Explosive Arrows: Players can now combine Frag Grenades with the Bocek to create explosive-tipped arrows that deal splash damage, even on near misses.

These changes aim to make the Bocek more accessible and impactful in regular gameplay, rewarding accuracy while increasing utility.

Arenas Return

After a long hiatus, Arenas mode is back in rotation – but not forever.

• 3v3 Classic Arenas: Teams compete in elimination rounds. Win three rounds to secure the match.
• 1v1: Later in the season, Respawn will add Arenas: Duels – a 1v1 variant tailored for players looking to test their individual skill without relying on teammates.

Pathfinder Buffs

Pathfinder receives several notable upgrades this season that enhance both his mobility and survivability:

• Double Charge Options:
  • Ultimate (Zipline Gun): Now stores two charges.
  • Tactical (Grapple Hook): Players can opt for a double-charge setup in place of the variable cooldown.
• Zipline Zen: Restored with a 50% damage reduction while traveling on ziplines.

These changes should solidify Pathfinder’s role as a top-tier mobility Legend and reintroduce him into high-level team compositions.

Ranked Ladder

Season 25 introduces a new Ranked Ladder that operates alongside traditional ranked progression:

• Parallel System: Standard ranked matches still contribute to progression, but the new ladder provides a leaderboard-driven structure with separate rewards.
• Exclusive Rewards: Includes unique cosmetics such as a new Ranked Dive Trail and other prestige items.

Respawn Entertainment

This rework is designed to better differentiate top performers while preserving accessibility for players at all skill levels.

As always, there will be a new battle pass for the season too.

The full patch notes should be released by Respawn closer to the season launch date, which is on May 6.