Apex Legends leak claims Legend ban system is coming to ranked mode

Rituraj Halder Published August 4, 2026

Respawn Entertainment could add a Legend ban system to Apex Legends’ ranked mode, according to a recent leak.

The leak comes from Apex Legends insider and dataminer HYPERMYST on X. If it’s true, and the update comes through, it will be one of the most monumental changes that have been implemented to the battle royale, as it will finally let players actively control squad comps as well as meta picks in each lobby. 

What is the Legend ban system in Apex Legends?

In competitive hero shooters and MOBAs like VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege, and League of Legends, a draft ban phase allows competing teams to vote to ban specific characters from being selected during a match. 

While the exact characteristics of the system for Apex Legends haven’t been disclosed by Respawn yet, the usual implications of the ban system suggest that it may let players in a ranked lobby or squad leaders vote prior to character selection to veto a set number of Legends. 

Banned characters would then be locked out for the entire match, forcing all 20 squads in the lobby to adjust their team compositions around the remaining character pool.

How could Legend bans affect ranked lobbies?

If Respawn Entertainment actually implements a character ban system in Apex Legends, it could have some prominent effects on ranked games. For seasons, ranked lobbies have frequently been dominated by meta team compositions, such as mandatory Recon or Controller Legend pick rates for scan intelligence and ring control. 

The ban system could completely loosen the meta’s domination in each ranked game. However, on the positive side of things, it could really help matches avoid overpowered characters from the latest balance patch. 

Nevertheless, if you are a one-Legend player, this would be a good time for you to start practicing with other characters because if your main is a meta pick, high chances are you will never see them in ranked matches again if the ban system is implemented. 

While a Legend ban system introduces added strategic depth, it also presents challenges, such as potentially frustrating casual players with smaller unlocked Legend rosters or increasing pre-match queue times. Nevertheless, if HYPERMYST’s report is real, competitive Apex Legends lobbies are set for a major operational shakeup.