If you’re a PC gamer looking to jump into the fast-paced, team-based battle royale action of Apex Legends, you’ve probably wondered can you download apex legends on Steam as an alternative to the EA App. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about accessing the game on Valve’s platform, from step-by-step installation steps to common fixes for issues you might run into along the way. We’ll also cover exclusive perks you get for running the game through Steam, and how it stacks up against other PC launch options for Respawn’s hit title.
Can You Download Apex Legends on Steam? Official Availability Breakdown
The short answer is yes, the game has been officially available on Steam since late 2020, after spending its first two years as an exclusive to EA’s own Origin (now EA App) launcher. Apex Legends is 100% free to download and play on Steam, no paid purchase required for the base game. All seasonal content, new legends, maps and limited-time events are identical across both PC launchers, so you don't miss out on anything by picking Steam over the EA App.
Respawn has confirmed full cross-progression between the two PC launchers, as long as you link your existing EA account to your Steam profile when you first launch the game. That means all your existing skins, rank progress, unlocks and in-game currency will carry over seamlessly, no extra work required. The Steam PC player base is also consistently larger than the EA App player base, so you’ll often find faster queue times for less popular game modes, especially during off-peak hours.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download Apex Legends on Steam
The download and setup process for Apex Legends on Steam is straightforward, even for first-time Steam users. Follow these simple steps to get the game up and running in under an hour, depending on your internet speed:
If you already have Apex Legends installed through the EA App, you don’t need to uninstall it to play the Steam version, though you can delete the EA App copy to free up storage space if you don’t plan to use it anymore. Always download the game directly from the official Steam store listing to avoid fake, malware-infected copies posted by third parties. You can also use existing Steam Wallet funds to purchase Apex Coins, battle passes and cosmetic skins directly through the Steam interface, which is a big plus for players who prefer to keep all their gaming purchases in one place.
Common Apex Legends Steam Download Issues and Fixes
While the download process is usually smooth, you might run into occasional issues depending on your internet connection, PC setup or Steam server status. The most common issues are easy to fix with a few simple steps. If your download is stuck at 0% or moving extremely slow, try pausing and resuming the download first, or restarting your Steam client entirely. If that doesn’t work, you can clear your Steam download cache through the “Downloads” section of your Steam settings menu, which often resolves speed issues caused by corrupted temporary files.
If you get a “missing executable” error when you try to launch the game after installation, right click on Apex Legends in your Steam library, select “Properties”, go to the “Installed Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files”. This process will scan your install for corrupted or missing files and replace them automatically, usually fixing the error in 5 to 10 minutes. If you get an EA account linking error, make sure you’re not already logged into an EA account on your default browser before launching the game, and double check that your EA account isn’t already linked to a different Steam profile.
If you run into extended download delays because of server outages or slow internet, you don’t have to sit staring at a progress bar the whole time. Many players pass the time waiting for large game patches to install with quick, casual games that don’t require a big time commitment, and Rummy888 is a popular pick for short play sessions between download waits. You don’t need to uninstall any existing EA App version of Apex Legends to install the Steam version, but you will save storage space if you remove the duplicate install. For more niche issues, you can check the official Apex Legends Steam community forum, where volunteer moderators and experienced players share fixes for less common problems.
Perks of Playing Apex Legends Through Steam vs. Other Launchers
While the core game content is identical across both PC launchers, there are several exclusive perks to playing the Steam version that make it a better pick for most PC gamers. First, you get full access to the Steam overlay, which lets you pull up your friends list, take screenshots, browse community guides and message other players without exiting the game entirely. This is a huge quality of life improvement for players who like to coordinate with teammates or look up build guides mid-match.
Second, the Steam version has native controller support for all popular controller models, including Xbox, PlayStation and Switch Pro controllers, with no extra configuration needed. The launcher automatically maps all controls to match the console version of the game, so you can jump right in if you prefer playing with a controller over mouse and keyboard. You also get access to exclusive Steam achievements, which are separate from EA App achievements for players who like to 100% their game libraries.
Third, the Steam version is fully verified for the Steam Deck, so you can play Apex Legends on the go without any extra configuration or tweaks. The game runs at a stable 60 FPS on the Steam Deck with default settings, and all controls are pre-mapped for the portable device’s built-in controls. You also get access to Steam’s built-in streaming tool, which lets you broadcast your gameplay to friends or the wider Steam community with one click, no extra streaming software required. All Steam versions of Apex Legends support full cross-play and cross-progression with every other platform, including console, mobile and EA App PC versions, so you can play with friends no matter what device they use.
At the end of the day, if you were asking can you download apex legends on Steam, the answer is a resounding yes, and it’s one of the best ways to play the game on PC if you already use Valve’s platform for most of your game library. The setup process is fast and straightforward, you get access to exclusive Steam-specific features, and you don’t lose any of your existing progress as long as you link your accounts correctly. Whether you’re a new player jumping into the Outlands for the first time or a veteran switching over from the EA App, the Steam version of Apex Legends offers a smooth, reliable experience that’s well worth the small time investment to set up.