New Apex mode Wildcard is the best addition to the game in years

Apex Season 26 is adding a brand new, and permanent game mode to Apex Legends called Wildcard. It's been a long time since we saw a new mode added permanently, not as an LTM at least to start. This shows how confident Respawn are about the mode, and for good reason. Wildcard is insanely fun and is one of the best additions to Apex Legends in the games history - even better than the hugely popular Three Strikes LTM.

The mode also comes with a revamped version of Apex's longest serving map, Kings Canyon. This map is packed with gravity cannons, ziplines and other fun toys to play with. You can only play this tweaked Kings Canyon in Wildcard mode.

Here's everything you need to know about Wildcard mode in Apex Legends Season 26.

Wildcard is a brand new mode that clearly takes some inspiration from previously popular LTM's, like Three Strikes. The goal of adding Wildcard to the game is simple. Developers wanted a mode that is lower stakes, higher energy and overall has less downtime.

To help facilitate this, there is a modified version of Kings Canyon and a reduced lobby count of 30 players - which will be 10 teams. The starting ring is compressed, forcing teams to get right into the action.

However, don't worry about dying off drop. Every player will get a second chance thanks to a self revive kit.

Wildcard also introduces a first for Apex Legends, in this mode you will be able to play the same Legend as your teammates. That opens up some crazy potential with a triple Mirage, triple Caustic or any other crazy combination.

Looting can also be a slow experience, especially if you can't find something you really need for the weapon of your choice. Wildcard will bring a streamlined loot experience compared to a standard Apex match.

This will feature fully kitted weapons, that can be levelled up with "EVO orbs" or swapped and replaced as the game progresses. Lootbins will be progressively levelled up as the game progresses.

There is also a refreshed and simplified inventory system to also contribute towards faster pacing in game. Looting will be a bit Minecraft-esque, with eliminated players dropping some items on the ground. You'll run through this loot and it will be automatically collected.

Deathboxes remain but will be for things like weapons and optics.

One of the things players have loved in LTMs like Three Strikes is the ability to Respawn. In Wildcard players can respawn after being eliminated if at least one teammate is alive. Evo Orbs will reduce the amount of time you have to wait to respawn.

Evo Orbs are a new item that will play a crucial role across your Apex Legends Wildcard games. They are dropped when you eliminate a player and have the following impact:

Now, why have the Apex team called this mode Wildcard? That is because the mode will also have a brand new wildcard mechanic that lets you experiment with different perks across the match.

The Wildcard system will feature items that you can grab from the Wildcard Replicators around the map. The Wildcards on offer are randomised for each match so you'll have a different experience each time.

These perks will include things like extra speed, agility and combat tactics to keep you thinking and make every match feel different.

Check out the rest of the exciting changes coming in Apex Legends Season 26.