Apex Legends Cipher Update Introduces Akimbo Wingmans, Strongholds, and Crypto Rework

What changed#

Apex Legends: Cipher launches Season 31 on November 3rd, introducing major map objectives, weapon updates, competitive adjustments, and character overhauls.

Key updates in the Cipher release include:

• Akimbo Wingman: Picking up a second Wingman now activates dual-wielding mode. The weapon converts from Sniper Ammo, Sniper Magazines, and Sniper Arsenals to Heavy Ammo, Heavy Magazines, and Heavy Arsenals. Base damage drops from 50 to 45, and the headshot multiplier decreases to 1.25x (56 damage). Akimbo mode doubles magazine size, slightly raises rate of fire, increases recoil and reload times, and fires rapid sequential bursts when holding down the trigger.
• Strongholds: These locked, bunker-style structures drop onto the map during Round 2 closing, instantly crushing any players or objects underneath them. Upon landing, they deploy dynamic cover, including up to four indestructible barriers and two Hardlight frames. Squads must control the surrounding zone without enemy contention to build capture progress. Uncaptured Strongholds block Loba’s theft and Alter’s phase breaches. Once fully captured, the structure opens, instantly granting a level up to all living squad members alongside loot containing one Care Package weapon, three gold weapons, three Amps, and two Corrupted attachments.
• Ranked System Updates: Diamond and higher tiers gain a Legend Banning phase where players vote to restrict specific Legends per match. Wide-skill lobbies now feature scoring adjustments that scale entry costs based on how far a player’s rank strays from the median lobby rank.
• Crypto Overhaul: Crypto’s passive speed boost toward squadmates is now part of his base kit, though slightly reduced. His drone switches to a 25-second battery life system instead of infinite uptime, but features faster handling, 360-degree target detection, and a 6-second recall with zero redeployment cooldown. Crypto can actively scan and apply an 8-second tracking mark to enemies in line of sight. Additionally, Crypto can self-deploy his drone and trigger an EMP without manually entering pilot mode, dealing full shield damage and heavy slow with direct line of sight (or 50 damage and light slow through solid objects). Crypto is also completely immune to damage from his own EMP. His Level 2 perk upgrade switches to Got Eyes On You, extending enemy mark durations by 4 seconds.

Why it matters#

Equipping dual Wingmans completely changes close-to-mid-range weapon combat by shifting the high-precision pistol into a rapid-fire Heavy weapon. Meanwhile, Strongholds give mid-game rotations a powerful focal point, forcing squads to fight for guaranteed team level-ups and high-end gear.

Crypto’s rework directly addresses his long-standing issue of being isolated from team pushes while operating his drone. By allowing players to launch non-piloted EMP bursts without self-inflicted shield damage, Crypto can now push aggressively alongside his teammates. Finally, Legend Banning in Diamond-plus Ranked lobbies introduces draft strategy into high-tier competition, giving teams a way to actively shut down overused squad compositions.

What to do next#

• Prepare for Season 31: Get your squad ready ahead of the November 3rd start date, and coordinate alternative Legend picks if your main character gets voted out in Diamond+ Ranked matches.
• Adapt Crypto Tactics: Practice deploying Crypto’s drone on the move and triggering instant EMP strikes during aggressive team engagements rather than staying stationary in pilot view.
• Time Stronghold Rotations: Adjust your map pathing during Round 2 so you can arrive early at Stronghold drop zones and lock down the capture area before rival squads contest it.