EA Releases Apex Legends Cipher Gameplay Trailer Highlighting Crypto Updates and Dual Wingmans

What changed#

Electronic Arts and Respawn Entertainment have showcased the gameplay trailer for Apex Legends: Cipher, focusing heavily on reconnaissance, tactical overhauls, and expanded weaponry.

The update introduces several key changes to the legend roster and combat systems:

• Crypto Firmware Upgrade: Crypto receives a tactical shift centered on a new battery-powered Surveillance Drone. This upgraded drone automatically tags targets on sight to gather real-time intelligence for the team. Additionally, Crypto’s EMP Ultimate has been rewired to alter its battle effect.
• Akimbo Wingman: Players can now dual-wield the Wingman pistol. This Akimbo configuration effectively doubles total firepower when engaging enemy squads.
• Loot Strongholds: The map introduces raid-able Strongholds, giving squads designated high-risk objective locations to secure major loot.
• Legend Reboots: Both Revenant and Lifeline feature rebooted kits designed to give teams a fresh advantage during combat encounters.

Why it matters#

The core theme highlighted in the Cipher trailer is that information, rather than pure gunplay, serves as the primary advantage in the arena. By equipping Crypto with a drone that marks targets visually while operating on a battery system, intelligence gathering becomes more central to squad coordination. The rewired EMP Ultimate further emphasizes tactical disruption during skirmishes.

At the same time, gunplay dynamics receive a significant shift with the addition of the dual Akimbo Wingman option. Carrying two Wingmans dramatically increases immediate burst potential in close-quarters combat.

Map pacing is also influenced by the introduction of Strongholds. These locations act as high-value objective points where teams must weigh the risk of raiding for major loot against potential ambushes from rival squads. Together with the kit overhauls for Lifeline and Revenant, squad combat strategies are poised for noticeable adjustments.

Because the brief trailer announcement focuses on high-level highlights, detailed technical numbers—such as exact drone battery duration, damage stats for the dual Wingmans, or specific mechanics for the rebooted legends—have not been detailed in this initial reveal.

What to do next#

Players interested in watching the full video preview and finding further updates can visit EA’s official site at http://x.ea.com/apxl/cipher. Ahead of the release, squads should consider how Crypto’s automatic sight-tagging drone and the reworked abilities for Lifeline and Revenant will fit into their combat strategies.