Respawn Entertainment pushed multiple updates to Apex Legends in the final week of January 2026. The patches address balance concerns with two of the game's most popular Legends while fixing bugs tied to Octane's reworked kit. Season 27 wraps up on February 3.
January 29 Patch Notes
The latest update went live on January 29 across all platforms. Last gen console players will see it labeled as version 3.02, while current gen users will find version 1.000.116.
Respawn fixed an issue where Octane's Stim Surge would activate on its own during various interactions. The bug had frustrated players since the ability was introduced in his mid season rework.
Crypto also caught a nerf in this patch. His Ultimate charge gain went from 10 to 5, stopping players from chaining his Ult repeatedly.
January 23 Balance Update
Six days earlier, Respawn deployed a larger balance patch. Both Octane and Horizon received nerfs after gaining serious power during Season 27.
Octane's Swift Mend Nerf
Octane's passive healing took a noticeable cut. Maximum healing went from 9 to 6, and minimum healing fell from 3 to 2. These reductions make him squishier after his mid season rework made him harder to kill.
His popularity backs up the concern. Octane currently sits at a 16.5% pick rate, meaning roughly one in six players choose him. The patch notes state his pick rate hasn't fallen to a "healthy" level since the rework, which led to these changes.
Horizon's NEWT Scoot Nerf
Horizon's nerf targets her NEWT Scoot upgrade specifically. Maximum glide time went from 5 seconds to just 2, and top speed fell from 700 to 550. She's now a much easier target in the air.
The studio was happy with Horizon's pick rate, which sits at 4.5% in ninth place. The nerf came because her synergy with Octane was causing problems. The patch notes called the combo "squirrely."
Since NEWT Scoot is an upgrade rather than a core ability, players who prefer the fast fall option won't notice any difference.
Season 27 Context
Both Legends received major attention this season. Horizon's Gravity Lift got buffed at the start, tuned closer to how it worked when she first launched back in Season 7.
Octane got the bigger overhaul at mid season. His rework introduced Stim Surge as a new Tactical and made him much harder to take down. The changes paid off for his popularity, but Respawn now seems to be walking some of that power back.
Octane has been a fan favorite since joining the roster in Season 1. His movement kit made him fun to play, but he'd fallen behind as stronger options entered the game. The mid season rework finally made him competitive again. His spot at the top of the popularity charts may not last long after these nerfs.
Known Issues
Several bugs are still on the radar beyond what's already been patched.
Under Investigation:
- Inactive EVO Harvester keeps its hitbox from the active state
- Caustic's traps are setting off his other traps
- Valkyrie's vision gets blocked when using a shield cell with certain skins
Fixes in Progress:
- Octane's Stim Surge activates on its own during actions that use the left hand
- Mad Maggie's Riot Drill won't attach to Newcastle's Mobile Shield
- FOV settings get ignored when using Stim Surge
- MRVN's screen shows overlapping textures
Multiple Stim Surge bugs on the list show Octane's new ability still needs polish, even as the studio dials back his overall power.
Winter Wipeout Event
The Winter Wipeout Event ended on January 27. It brought changes to Wildcard mode, including HoverBoards, along with winter themed cosmetics. Horizon players could also grab the Apex Stellaris Prestige Skin during the event.
Season 28 Preview
Season 27 ends February 3, and players are already looking ahead. Respawn hasn't shared details about Season 28 yet, but announcements should come soon. With ongoing adjustments to Octane and Horizon, more Legend changes could arrive when the new season launches.
