Apex Legends Loses 70% of Steam Players

Apex Legends Faces 70% Player Drop on Steam: Can It Recover Its Rank?

Apex Legends, once a dominant force in the battle royale scene, saw a staggering 70% decline in its Steam player base during 2024. From an impressive high of 470,696 players in February to just 140,830 by December, the drop in active players has set off alarm bells for EA and Respawn Entertainment. This decline raises critical questions about what went wrong and how the game can recover and boost its rank among competitors.

Apex's 2024 Player Decline

Apex Legends reached its peak popularity on Steam in February 2023, drawing 624,473 players. However, by the end of 2024, its numbers plummeted to just over 122,000 active players, marking its steepest decline yet. While 120,000 concurrent players might be respectable for most live-service games, for a title of Apex's caliber, losing 70% of its player base in a year is a glaring issue. This trend likely extends to console platforms as well, exacerbating the problem.

Monetizing Apex Legends Was a Mistake

One of the primary culprits for Apex Legends’ declining rank is its monetization strategy. EA’s aggressive push to monetize the game alienated a large portion of its player base. Changes to the battle pass structure, coupled with a surge of microtransaction-heavy collection events—12 in 2024 alone—have led to growing frustration among fans.

The introduction of items like the “relic grenade” symbolizes what many perceive as a desperate cash grab. For loyal players, these tactics feel less like rewarding engagement and more like exploiting their dedication. If Apex wants to boost its player retention, it must rethink its monetization approach to focus on value rather than profit-driven mechanics.

The Apex Legends Content Drought

Another key factor in Apex Legends' decline was the lack of fresh content throughout 2024. The game introduced only one new legend, a single battle royale map, and no new weapons. Compared to competitors like Marvel Rivals, which releases multiple heroes and maps each season, Apex felt stagnant. Seasons blended together, offering little to excite players or keep them coming back.

For a game that once thrived on innovation and dynamic updates, this content drought was a severe blow. To recover its previous player count on Steam, Apex must prioritize consistent, high-quality updates that reignite interest among players.

EA Recognizes Their Mistake In October 2024, EA acknowledged the challenges facing Apex Legends, highlighting the need for systemic changes to drive growth. While they praised the game's strong core mechanics and loyal fanbase, they admitted that the current strategy wasn’t yielding the desired monetization boost. EA emphasized their commitment to retention and content expansion, signaling potential improvements for 2025.

However, words alone won’t be enough. Players need to see tangible changes that address their concerns, from more engaging seasonal content to less predatory monetization practices.

Fortnite vs. Marvel Rivals vs. Apex Legends

Competitors like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals have consistently increased in player count by delivering regular updates, introducing diverse content, and maintaining strong community engagement. Apex must take a page from their playbook, balancing innovation with player-centric strategies.

Expanding the roster of legends, introducing creative new maps, and offering rewarding gameplay systems could help Apex regain its footing. Additionally, reducing the frequency and cost of microtransactions would rebuild trust with its community.

The Path to Recovery

Despite its challenges, Apex Legends is far from dead. The game still boasts a dedicated player base and remains a favorite for its polished mechanics and competitive gameplay. However, to climb back up the ranks, it must address the issues that drove players away in 2024.

By focusing on boosting player engagement through meaningful updates and fair monetization, Apex Legends can rebuild its reputation and reclaim its status as a top-tier battle royale. If EA and Respawn can pivot effectively, 2025 could mark the beginning of a comeback for this beloved title.

Stay tuned for updates as Apex Legends navigates its next chapter, and don’t forget to grind your rank while there’s still time!

 

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