Respawn has answered some of the biggest questions surrounding Apex Legends’ Wildcard mode, including complaints about Crafters, repetitive landing spots, badge progression, and the future of limited-time modes.
The October 14 Reddit AMA featured Lead Technical Designer Jeff Wright and Senior Technical Game Designer RSPN_Danja. Their responses explain why Wildcard receives so much attention, what the team wants to preserve, and which player suggestions remain open for exploration.
In brief:
- Respawn acknowledges complaints about Crafters and players repeatedly fighting in the same central locations.
- Older standalone LTMs remain possible, while popular Wildcard events could return with improvements.
- The developers recognize concerns about badge value and see potential for Wildcard-specific achievements.
- More players are choosing Wildcard as their main Apex experience than Respawn expected, although the team shared no population figures.
Respawn Acknowledges Wildcard’s Crafter Problems
One of the clearest responses concerned the decision to make players visit Crafters to acquire Wild Cards.
Jeff Wright explained that the original design assumed the power offered by those perks would motivate players to seek them out. However, the team recognizes the drawbacks of that approach and acknowledges that it conflicts with what players want to do during a match.
That addresses a familiar frustration, as stopping to collect perks can interrupt Wildcard’s constant fighting.
Wildcard Has More Dedicated Players Than Respawn Expected
Wright declined to share specific popularity figures, but said more players have made Wildcard their main mode than the team anticipated.
So, that obviously gives some context to its continued support. Wildcard has developed an audience that primarily experiences Apex through the mode, rather than treating it as an occasional break from Battle Royale.
However, Respawn did not provide percentages comparing Wildcard with Pubs or Ranked. The response should not be read as confirmation that it has overtaken either playlist.
Older Apex Legends LTMs Are Still Possible
RSPN_Danja described Wildcard as the home of Apex’s experimentation and LTMs, while keeping the door open for previous standalone modes.
Those returns are evaluated individually, alongside plans for Wildcard’s development. In another reply, the developer explained that holiday events and the core Wildcard experience are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Decisions depend on the event concept and how far it moves away from normal Wildcard.
Wright also said returning content would be reviewed for improvements so it could work well in modern Apex. Another response expressed openness to exploring an LTM idea when the timing and setting are right.
These comments leave room for older experiences to return, but they do not establish a specific returning mode or release date.
Popular Wildcard Events Could Return With Changes
Respawn is also open to bringing back successful Wildcard LTMs.
RSPN_Danja specifically mentioned that the Power Trip event was well received, while noting that the team could improve it compared with its first appearance. Players should expect that approach when mechanics or features return.
The developer also playfully referenced “Small Fry,” although the reply did not announce a scheduled comeback for that modifier.
Respawn Knows Players Keep Landing in the Same Places
Repeated fights around the same central locations were another issue raised during the AMA.
RSPN_Danja acknowledged the problem, explaining that Wildcard’s intense cycle of repeated engagements is part of its appeal. At the same time, the developer recognized the dominant pattern of players dropping into central areas and staying there to fight.
Different Respawn Systems Are Open for Exploration
The team was receptive to changing how players return to combat.
RSPN_Danja said Wildcard’s respawn method has remained fairly consistent across its events and LTMs. Finding different ways to reunite players with teammates or send them into new fights is something the developers could explore.
This was an expression of interest rather than an announcement of a replacement system.
Wildcard Badges Remain an Important Discussion
Several replies addressed badge progression and what achievements should mean in Wildcard.
RSPN_Danja acknowledged that some badges lose value when they can be earned across different parts of the game. The developer also pointed to an opportunity for unique Wildcard badges.
In a separate response, the team described badge value within the mode as an important area of exploration and said a player’s suggestion was possible.
The visible replies do not confirm new badge requirements, a separate badge collection, or changes to existing rewards.
Respawn Explains Why Wildcard Still Includes Looting
Respawn deliberately kept looting because it wants Wildcard to retain key parts of the Battle Royale formula.
According to RSPN_Danja, that helps newer and casual players learn the basic gameplay loop. Those skills can then carry over into Pubs or Ranked.
Even with its faster pace and repeated respawns, Wildcard is designed to retain that connection to the wider Apex experience.
Wildcard Is for Experimentation, but Has Different Balance Needs
RSPN_Danja explained that Wildcard’s different rules make it a poor fit for testing some Legend and weapon balance feedback intended for Pubs or Ranked.
Respawn is happy to explore new mechanics there, while its balance specialists assess the traditional Battle Royale modes separately.
The developer also said the team wants to avoid Wildcard-specific Legend and weapon tuning, with an exception for weapons exclusive to the mode. Evolving Wildcard while preserving its core appeal remains a delicate process.
More Perk Choices Fit Wildcard’s Direction
Players suggested features including later-round Legend upgrades, round-start modifier selection, and access to other classes’ perks.
RSPN_Danja said those ideas align with Wildcard’s ability to offer meaningful choices throughout a match, but explicitly stopped short of promising their inclusion.
In another reply, the developer highlighted Wild Cards themselves as a favorite part of the experience. Changing playstyles and experimenting with different perks each match are things the team enjoys building around.
Mixtape Has Not Been Forgotten
Respawn also addressed why Wildcard has received so much attention compared with Mixtape.
RSPN_Danja described Wildcard as a relatively young addition that still needs iteration. Mixtape, by comparison, is a more established offering, but remains on the team’s radar.
The response offered reassurance without announcing a specific Mixtape update.
Respawn Wants Events to Preserve Wildcard’s Core Appeal
RSPN_Danja said the popularity of core Wildcard influences how events are designed. The team wants to preserve the parts players enjoy while adding stronger twists through unique weapons and equipment.
Wright and Danja also thanked players for their support and expressed enthusiasm for future content, without sharing concrete details.
Finally, Wright named the Buster Rifle as a personal favorite, adding: “Always a big fan of Giant Laser Goes BRRRR.”
