Apex Legends Season 31: Cipher Brings Ranked Bans and Akimbo Wingman

Apex Legends is preparing to roll out its latest update, titled Cipher, with Season 31 officially launching on November 3rd. According to official patch notes, this season introduces significant mechanical changes to Ranked play, a new weapon configuration for the Wingman, and fresh mid-game map objectives.

Ranked Mode Overhaul

One of the most impactful changes arriving with Cipher is the introduction of Legend Banning for Diamond+ matches. Players in these high-tier lobbies will now have the ability to vote on which Legends are restricted for each match, potentially shifting the established meta. Additionally, the developers are tweaking how Ranked scoring works for wide-skill lobbies. Starting this season, the system will adjust entry costs if a player’s rank significantly deviates from the median rank of their lobby, aiming for fairer progression in varied skill environments.

Akimbo Wingman and Strongholds

Weapon variety is getting a shake-up with the introduction of the Akimbo Wingman. By picking up a second Wingman, players will automatically enter Akimbo mode. This configuration doubles the magazine size and offers a faster rate of fire, though it comes with trade-offs like increased recoil, longer reload times, and a reduced 1.25x headshot multiplier. The weapon has also been reclassified, moving from Sniper Ammo to Heavy Ammo.

Beyond combat changes, new “Stronghold” structures will now appear on the map during the mid-game. These bunker-style locations provide dynamic cover and high-tier loot, including Care Package weapons. To access the rewards, squads must control the surrounding area to capture the structure, which will also grant the capturing team an automatic level-up.

Why it matters

For the player base, Cipher represents a major shift in how both high-level competitive play and mid-game flow are managed. If you’re a Diamond-ranked player or higher, the Legend Banning system will require you to diversify your roster or risk losing your main pick during the selection phase.

Meanwhile, the addition of Strongholds adds a new strategic layer to mid-game rotations. These structures act as contested territory that provides tangible rewards beyond standard loot, such as level-ups. Players should prepare to pivot their mid-game strategies to account for these drops, as controlling a Stronghold could be the difference between a top-tier loadout and being outgunned in the final circles.