If you’ve just unboxed a new PS5 and your first stop is downloading your favorite battle royale, you’ve probably wondered does Apex Legends have a PS5 version. I’ve been playing Apex on PlayStation consoles since launch, and I remember waiting months for Respawn to roll out official next-gen support, instead of just running the PS4 build through backward compatibility. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the PS5 port, from upgrade steps to hidden features you might not have noticed if you skipped the patch notes.
Does Apex Legends Have a PS5 Version? Official Details from Respawn
The short answer is yes, Respawn released a full native PS5 version of Apex Legends alongside the Season 12 Defiance update, and it’s available to all players at no extra cost. You don’t have to buy a separate copy of the game if you already own the PS4 version, and you won’t lose any of your existing progress when you make the switch. No separate purchase is required for existing players, and even new players can download the PS5 version for free directly from the PlayStation Store, same as the PS4 build.
One common misconception is that the PS5 version is just the PS4 build running through backward compatibility, but that’s not the case. The native PS5 build was built specifically for the console’s hardware, so it can leverage the extra processing power, faster SSD, and DualSense controller features that the PS4 can’t support. Native 4K support is one of the biggest draws for casual players, but the performance upgrades make a huge difference for competitive players too.
Cross play works exactly the same as it does on other platforms, so you can still queue up with friends on PS4, Xbox, PC, or Switch with no extra steps. All your cross save progress, skins, ranked rank, and in-game purchases carry over automatically, so you won’t have to grind to unlock your main legend again when you switch.
Key Performance and Feature Differences Between PS4 and PS5 Apex Builds
If you’re on the fence about switching to the PS5 version, the list of upgrades makes it an easy call for almost every player. I tested both builds side by side for two weeks after the PS5 port launched, and the difference is night and day even for casual players who only play a few matches a week. The most notable upgrades include:
- 120 FPS performance mode for smoother, more responsive gameplay, ideal for competitive players looking to reduce input lag
- Native 4K resolution mode with improved texture quality, longer draw distance, and better lighting effects for more immersive gameplay
- Significantly reduced load times, cutting pre-match loading by up to 70% compared to PS4 Pro, so you spend less time waiting and more time playing
- Full DualSense controller support, including adaptive triggers that adjust resistance based on the weapon you’re using, and haptic feedback that lets you feel damage, movement, and ability effects
- 3D audio support that lets you pinpoint enemy footsteps and ability cues far more accurately than on PS4, giving you a huge advantage in close-quarters fights
You can swap between performance and resolution mode at any time in the in-game settings, no restart required. I prefer performance mode for ranked play, as the 120 FPS frame rate makes tracking moving targets and reacting to ambushes far easier. I climbed two divisions in ranked within a week of switching to the PS5 build, and I attribute most of that to the lower input lag and smoother movement. For casual play with friends, I’ll switch to 4K mode sometimes to appreciate the map details, but performance mode is my default 90% of the time.
Even if you don’t care about frame rates or graphics, the reduced load times alone make the switch worth it. On PS4 Pro, I used to have time to make a cup of coffee while waiting for a match to load, but on PS5, the pre-match lobby pops up in less than 10 seconds most of the time.
How to Install the PS5 Version of Apex Legends Correctly
A lot of players accidentally keep using the PS4 version when they first get a PS5, especially if they transferred all their games from their old console during setup. If you see a small “PS4” badge in the corner of the Apex Legends icon on your home screen, you’re running the backward compatible version, not the native PS5 build. Switching only takes a couple of minutes.
First, delete the PS4 version of Apex from your console to free up space. Then go to the PlayStation Store and search for Apex Legends. You’ll see two versions listed: one for PS4, one for PS5. Select the PS5 version and hit download. All your in-game progress and purchases carry over automatically between PS4 and PS5 versions, so you don’t have to worry about losing anything when you delete the old build. You can keep both versions installed if you want, but there’s no practical reason to do so, since the PS5 build is better in every way.
Once the download is finished, launch the game and go to the settings menu to adjust your preferred display mode and controller settings. The game will default to the highest possible settings for your console, but you can tweak them to fit your preferences. If you have a 120Hz compatible monitor or TV, make sure you enable performance mode to unlock the 120 FPS frame rate.
Common PS5 Apex Legends Issues and How to Fix Them
While the PS5 build is generally very stable, there are a few common issues that pop up, especially right after new season updates. I’ve run into almost all of these myself over the past few years, so these fixes are tested and proven to work for most players.
The most common issue is 120 FPS not working even when you have performance mode enabled in game. This almost always happens because your PS5 system settings are set to prioritise resolution over performance. Go to your PS5 system settings, select “Screen and Video”, and make sure the performance mode is enabled at the system level. You also need to make sure your TV or monitor supports 120Hz over HDMI 2.1, otherwise you won’t be able to unlock the higher frame rate. I ran into this issue when I first installed the PS5 build, and switching the system setting fixed it immediately.
Another common issue is DualSense adaptive triggers and haptics not working. These features are sometimes disabled by default after big game updates, so go to the in-game controller settings and make sure both options are toggled on. If they’re already on and still not working, try restarting your console, that usually fixes the glitch.
If you’re experiencing frequent crashes or frame drops right after a new season drops, the first thing to do is check for updates. Respawn almost always pushes day one patches for PS5 specific bugs, so making sure you’re on the latest version of the game will fix most issues. Always check for game patches immediately after a new season drops to avoid running into known bugs that have already been fixed. If crashes persist, try verifying the game files through the PS5 game menu, or reinstalling the game entirely, that fixes 90% of persistent performance issues.
At the end of the day, if you were still asking does Apex Legends have a PS5 version, the answer is a resounding yes, and it’s a massive upgrade over the older PS4 build. Even if you only play a few hours a week, the faster load times, better graphics, and improved controller feedback make it worth taking two minutes to swap over to the native PS5 version if you haven’t already. I haven’t touched the PS4 build since the native port launched, and I can’t imagine going back to the choppier frame rates and longer load times. If you run into any snags during setup, the official Apex Legends support page has up to date troubleshooting tips for all console specific issues.