One of Apex Legends’ most popular holiday game modes could be making a comeback this December. According to a new leak, Winter Express is reportedly returning to the game, but it might look a little different this time around.
The fan-favorite limited-time mode has been a holiday tradition for years, and its potential return could give players something exciting to look forward to during the festive season.
In Brief
- Winter Express is reportedly returning to Apex Legends in December 2026.
- The popular holiday LTM could feature a completely new format this year.
- Winter Express last appeared during the Winter’s Haunt event in December 2024.
- Respawn Entertainment has yet to officially confirm the mode’s return or reveal any gameplay changes.
Apex Legends Winter Express May Return in December 2026
According to Apex Legends leaker Osatou, Winter Express could finally make its return in December 2026.
The leaker shared the information on November 12, suggesting that the beloved holiday mode is coming back with a new format.
However, the leak doesn’t provide specific details about what the updated version will include.
It’s currently unclear whether Respawn plans to change the traditional train-capturing mechanics, introduce new gameplay features, or completely rework the mode.
What Is Winter Express in Apex Legends?
Winter Express is one of Apex Legends’ most recognizable limited-time modes, first introduced during the Holo-Day Bash event in December 2019.
Unlike the traditional battle royale experience, Winter Express focuses on fast-paced combat between three squads fighting for control of a moving train on World’s Edge.
The classic mode features:
- Three squads of three players competing against each other.
- Train capture objectives where teams must secure the train or eliminate their opponents.
- Round-based gameplay with players respawning between rounds.
- Preselected loadouts that let players jump straight into combat.
- Fast-paced fights centered around the train and its surrounding stations.
The mode quickly became a holiday favorite thanks to its chaotic close-range fights and unique objective-based gameplay.
Winter Express last returned during the Winter’s Haunt event on December 17, 2024, featuring access to all Legends and weapons.
However, the mode was absent from the 2025 holiday celebrations, which instead featured the Merry Mayhem event with a winter-themed Olympus map in Wildcard.
What Could Change in the New Winter Express Format?
The most interesting part of the latest leak is the suggestion that Winter Express will return with a new format.
Respawn has experimented with different limited-time modes and gameplay mechanics over the years, particularly through the introduction of Wildcard.
This raises questions about whether the upcoming version of Winter Express could incorporate some of those newer systems.
Changes to the train capture mechanics, weapon loadouts, or overall match structure are all possibilities. However, none of these features have been confirmed or specifically detailed in the leak.
Hopefully, the new format retains the chaotic train battles that made Winter Express so popular in the first place.
When Is Winter Express Returning to Apex Legends?
According to the leak, Winter Express is expected to return sometime in December 2026.
An exact release date has yet to be revealed.
Respawn Entertainment also hasn’t officially announced its holiday event plans for December, so the rumored return should be treated as unconfirmed until the developer shares more information.
With December approaching, players might not have to wait much longer to learn whether the Winter Express train is finally coming back to World’s Edge.
