If you're a PC gamer who prefers keeping all your game libraries in one place instead of jumping between launchers, you've probably asked can you get Apex Legends on Steam at least once. I’ve bounced between Origin and Steam for years for Respawn’s battle royale, so I know how frustrating it is to hunt down clear, up-to-date info on platform access, save transfers, and hidden perks you might miss if you pick the wrong launcher. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from basic availability to common issues that pop up during setup, so you can jump into matches faster without wasting time on technical headaches.
Can You Get Apex Legends on Steam? Core Availability Details
The short answer is yes, Apex Legends has been fully available as a free-to-play title on Steam since late 2020, with full official support from Respawn Entertainment and EA. It’s not a limited or modified port – you get the exact same core game, seasonal content, and matchmaking pool as players on the Origin PC launcher. All seasonal updates drop at the exact same time for both Steam and Origin PC players, so you won't get locked out of new events, battle pass tiers, or limited-time game modes if you pick Steam over Origin.
Crossplay also works seamlessly between Steam players, Origin PC players, and console players on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. You can join lobbies with friends no matter what platform they use, as long as crossplay is enabled in your in-game settings. I switched my main Apex install to Steam two years ago, and I haven't run into any content gaps or feature restrictions compared to my old Origin setup.
Step-by-Step Setup for Apex Legends on Steam
Getting set up takes less than 15 minutes total, as long as you have a stable internet connection. First, open your Steam client and log into your account, then use the top search bar to pull up the official Apex Legends store listing from Respawn Entertainment. Avoid any fan-made or unofficial listings, as those may lead to spam or fake downloads. Click the "Play Game" button to start the download, and note that the current base install size is around 85 GB, so make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive before you start.
Once the download finishes, launching the game will prompt you to link your EA account to your Steam account if you haven't already. You don't have to start over if you previously played Apex on Origin or console, as long as you link the correct EA account associated with your existing save. All your skins, battle pass progress, rank, and in-game currency will carry over automatically, no extra steps required.
Before you start the installation process, run through these quick checks to avoid common errors:
Key Perks of Playing Apex Legends on Steam
For most PC players, Steam is the more convenient option for playing Apex, thanks to a handful of platform-exclusive features that don't exist on Origin. First, full Steam Deck compatibility: If you own a Steam Deck, you can play Apex natively on the device without any extra launcher setup or workarounds, which is a huge plus for gaming on the go. I’ve played full ranked matches on my Steam Deck while traveling, and the performance is just as smooth as my desktop setup when I have a stable internet connection.
Steam's overlay features make it easy to stream matches, take screenshots, and join friends' lobbies with one click, without having to switch out of the game to use separate streaming or communication software. You also get access to Steam achievements for Apex, which many completionist players love, since Origin's achievement system is far less integrated with broader PC gaming ecosystems. If you're a fan of collecting profile customization items, Apex Legends on Steam also has a full set of trading cards you can earn by playing matches, which you can craft into badges for your Steam profile.
Another big perk for busy players is Steam's automatic update feature means you never have to manually launch the client to get the latest patch. Updates will download in the background whenever your PC is on, so you're ready to play the second you log on, no waiting for 10 GB patches to install right before you planned to play with friends. You also get easy access to community content, from custom game mode lobbies to fan-made controller and keyboard configs, shared directly through Steam's workshop and community pages.
Common Steam Apex Legends Issues and Fixes
While the setup process is usually smooth, there are a handful of common issues that pop up for new Steam Apex players, and most are easy to fix on your own. The most common issue is existing save progress not showing up after account linking. That almost always happens if you linked the wrong EA account, so double check that the email associated with your EA account matches the one you used for your original Apex install, whether that was on Origin or console. If you still have issues, you can submit a ticket to EA support to merge accounts, as long as you can prove ownership of both.
Crashes on launch are another frequent complaint, but they're almost always tied to outdated software. First, make sure you have the latest drivers for your NVIDIA or AMD graphics card installed, as old drivers often cause compatibility issues with new game patches. You can also verify the integrity of your game files through Steam to fix corrupted download files that cause crashes – that process takes 5-10 minutes and fixes 90% of common launch errors. If you still have crashes, try turning off any overlays from third-party software like Discord or NVIDIA GeForce Experience, as those can sometimes conflict with the Steam overlay.
The third most common issue is crossplay not working with friends on Origin or console. That usually happens if your EA account privacy settings are set to block friend requests from other platforms, so head to your EA account settings and turn on crossplay visibility to fix that. I ran into this exact issue last season when I switched to a new Steam account, and adjusting the privacy settings fixed it immediately, no support ticket needed.
At the end of the day, if you were wondering can you get Apex Legends on Steam, the answer is a resounding yes, and for most PC players, it's the better option for convenience and extra features. Whether you're a new player just downloading the game for the first time or a long-time veteran looking to switch from Origin, the setup process is quick, and all your progress will carry over without any extra hassle. Just follow the pre-setup checks we listed earlier, and you'll be dropping into Kings Canyon or World's Edge with your friends in no time, no unnecessary technical headaches to slow you down.