Apex Legends may be heading toward one of its most controversial Ranked experiments yet, and ImperialHal is not fully sold on the idea. Following a recent leak claiming that Respawn is testing a solo-only queue for Diamond, Masters, and Apex Predator players in the Ranked Ladder, the longtime Apex pro shared his thoughts on why forcing the change could hurt the player base.
According to Apex leaker HYPERMYST, the reported test would disable party queueing at the highest ranks, meaning Diamond, Masters, and Predator players would have to queue alone instead of entering matches with premade teammates. Respawn has not officially confirmed the feature yet, so for now, this should still be treated as a reported test rather than a guaranteed Ranked change.
ImperialHal Says Forced Solo Queue Could Be “Detrimental”
ImperialHal responded to the leak by saying that a solo-only system could be “pretty detrimental to the player base” if it were enforced after Apex Legends had gone seven years without that kind of restriction.
His concern is easy to understand. Apex Legends has always been built around squad play, coordinated fights, legend synergy, rotations, and communication. Forcing top-ranked players to queue alone would be a massive shift, especially for players who have spent years grinding Ranked with trusted teammates.
ImperialHal did not completely reject the idea, though. He said that a separate Ranked playlist for solo queue could be cool, adding that giving players options would be the best route.
Solo-Only Ranked Leak Is Dividing Apex Players
The reported change has already split the Apex community because both sides have a fair argument. Diamonds and above can feel brutal when a solo player is matched against coordinated three-stacks. A solo player with random teammates often has to deal with weaker comms, inconsistent rotations, and less reliable team fighting compared to a premade squad.
If everyone is forced to queue alone, the Ranked Ladder could feel more even. Individual decision-making, mechanical skill, adaptability, and in-game awareness would matter more than simply having a well-practiced squad.
But the other side of the argument is just as strong. Apex is not a traditional solo-focused shooter. It is a team-based battle royale where squad chemistry is part of the skill ceiling. Removing premade squads from the highest levels could make Ranked feel less like Apex for many competitive players.
A Separate Solo Queue Playlist May Be the Best Compromise
ImperialHal’s suggestion of a separate playlist may be the most reasonable middle ground. Instead of forcing every Diamond, Masters, and Predator player into solo queue, Respawn could allow players to choose between traditional Ranked and solo-only Ranked Ladder.
A forced change could create backlash, especially among high-ranked players who have built their entire Ranked routine around premade squads. But an optional playlist could let Respawn test the waters without completely disrupting the existing Ranked ecosystem.
A separate solo queue playlist feels like the safer path. It would give players more control, protect the team-based identity of Apex, and still let Respawn explore whether solo-only competition has a real place at the top of Ranked.
