You’re about to see Apex Legends shift its pace with the Winter Wipeout event, a limited-time update that adds hoverboards and seasonal gameplay changes. The event introduces new movement options that affect rotations, combat positioning, and how you approach fights across the map.
As you jump in, you’ll notice the focus on speed and control through hoverboard mechanics, along with event-specific challenges and rewards. These additions arrive alongside balance updates and new Wildcard elements that shape how each match plays out during the event window.
Apex Legends Winter Wipeout event release date
You can play the Winter Wipeout event from January 6 through January 27, with access active across the full window.
| Detail | What you get |
|---|---|
| Playlist | Wildcard on Olympus |
| Starting gear | Hoverboard in your Survival slot |
| Respawns | You keep the hoverboard |
Apex Legends hoverboards
You gain a new movement tool that prioritizes speed, angles, and positioning. You equip the hoverboard as a survival item and keep your weapons ready while moving faster across the map.
You can chain actions to build momentum and pressure opponents. Timing and direction matter, especially when you link tricks to earn better EVO progress and maintain velocity through terrain changes.
Core hoverboard actions
| Feature | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Midair Boost | Jump again while airborne to adjust height or direction. |
| Surface Riding | Skim along walls at speed, then leap off to extend movement. |
| Drop Acceleration | Convert long falls into extra forward speed on landing. |
| Zipline Momentum | Attach to ziplines for faster travel, then launch off with a boost. |
| Trick Chains | String moves together to increase EVO gains. |
| Impact Attacks | Collide with enemies to deal damage and push them back; higher speed hits harder. |
| Momentum Slides | Slide to keep speed and carve tighter downhill turns. |
| Board Disruption | Hit riders hard enough to knock them off their boards. |
You control fights by choosing when to engage, disengage, or reposition at speed.
Horizon gets Apex Stellaris prestige skin
You unlock Horizon’s Apex Stellaris prestige skin alongside a new finisher animation during the Winter Wipeout event. The cosmetic sits within a broader lineup that also delivers legendary looks for Bloodhound, Alter, Fuse, Mad Maggie, Gibraltar, and Newcastle, each paired with themed weapons.
You can obtain event cosmetics through multiple paths:
- Apex Coins
- Crafting Metals
- Winter Wipeout event packs
Each event pack grants one event item plus two standard items and avoids duplicate Winter Wipeout drops, giving you predictable progress toward Horizon’s prestige rewards.
Apex Legends Winter Wipeout rewards
You earn Glint by completing event challenges, with a daily cap of 1,750. Spend it in the in-game shop on Winter Wipeout items.
Notable rewards include:
- Epic Wattson skin
- Winter Wipeout event packs
- Legendary character skins available for a limited time
New Apex Legends Wild Cards
You gain three fresh modifiers that change how each fight unfolds, while several familiar options stay active. These Wild Cards push you to adjust aim, positioning, and team timing without altering core rules.
New additions
| Wild Card | What it changes for you |
|---|---|
| Brain Freeze | Precise headshots hit harder and apply a heavy slow to targets. |
| Love Potion | Using healing items also restores health to nearby squadmates. |
| Protective Launch | Riding a jump pad triggers a brief shield recharge. |
Still in rotation: Go-Go Ammo, Fast Draw, Burning Rubber, Speedy Charge, Stowed Reload, Extra Zippy, The Quick and the Dead, Get Up and Go, Drone Support, and Smoke Out.
Apex Legends patch notes: Octane, Crypto, and Newcastle
You see focused Legend tuning aimed at moment-to-moment play. Octane benefits from sturdier self-sustain, a redesigned Stim that feels smoother, and mobility that rewards aggressive timing.
- Octane: improved healing, refined Stim behavior, stronger movement flow
- Crypto: enhanced passive value and a more impactful tactical
- Newcastle: faster baseline actions that make revives more dependable
