Apex Legends Season 27 Split 2 launched yesterday (December 16) with rank resets and a fresh battle pass—but major Legend buffs and weapon changes won’t arrive until January 2026. Here’s what actually changed and what’s coming next month.
Table of Contents
Apex Legends Split 2 Launch Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch | Dec 16, 2025 – 10 AM PT / 6 PM UTC |
| Downtime | None |
| Changes | Rank reset + battle pass |
| Balance Patch | Delayed to January 2026 |
| Season End | ~February 3, 2026 |
What Actually Changed
Split 2 arrived with minimal changes since Respawn delayed balance patches to January 2026.
What’s Live:
- Rank reset for all players
- New battle pass with reactive skins
- No Legend/weapon changes until January
For more battle royale coverage, visit our Apex Legends hub and competitive shooter guides.
Why January Delay?
Respawn postponed balance changes to avoid holiday disruptions. Major reworks need extensive testing, and mid-December releases risk creating issues during reduced staffing.
Coming in January 2026:
- Octane overhaul to combat deathball meta
- Multiple Legend balancing changes
- Weapon adjustments (details TBA)
Check the official EA Apex page for announcements as January approaches.
Ranked Changes
Split 2 maintains Season 27’s improved matchmaking. Master/Predator players exclusively face Diamond I+ opponents for fairer high-tier lobbies.
Key Features: MMR-based starting placement, reduced skill gaps, battle pass XP boosters, free pass if you saved coins from Split 1.
For rank climbing strategies, explore our Apex ranked guides and FPS gaming tips.
Battle Pass
Standard pricing: 950 Apex Coins (Premium) or 2,800 (Premium Bundle with 25 instant tiers). Free if you saved coins from Split 1.
Highlights: Reactive weapon skins, Legend cosmetics, XP boosters.
Before Season 28
Season 27 runs until ~February 3, 2026. Expect:
- January balance patch with Legend reworks
- Potential December holiday event
- Ongoing Pagos Olympus map rotation
Visit Respawn’s official site for confirmed event announcements.
FAQs
Q: Will the January balance patch reset ranks again?
A: No, balance patches don’t trigger rank resets. Only seasonal splits reset ranks. Split 2 already reset everyone on December 16, so your rank is safe through January changes. You’ll maintain progress until Season 28 (~February 2026) when full seasonal reset occurs.
Q: Can I still earn Split 1 battle pass rewards?
A: No, Split 1’s pass closed when Split 2 launched December 16. Incomplete rewards are permanently unavailable. However, earned Apex Coins carry over to Split 2’s pass. Split 2 runs until early February 2026—roughly six weeks to complete. Focus on battle pass missions for XP multipliers.
