If you’re just dipping your toes into the world of Apex Legends, one of the first questions you probably have is how the game’s multiplayer structure works. If you’re asking does Apex Legends have squads, the short answer is a definitive yes — squad-based play is actually the core foundation of the entire game, dating back to its original launch. Unlike many other battle royales that prioritize solo play as a default, Apex was built from the ground up for coordinated team play, with legend abilities, map design, and loot distribution all tailored to groups of players working together. This guide will walk you through every squad mode available, how to build a strong team, and tips to win more matches whether you’re queuing with friends or going solo into squad lobbies.
Does Apex Legends Have Squads? All Available Team Play Modes
Respawn Entertainment has added multiple squad-focused modes over the years, so you can pick the option that fits your group size and play style best. The vast majority of casual and competitive playlists use a squad structure, so you’ll never be short of options if you want to play with others. Some modes are permanent fixtures, while others rotate in and out every few weeks as part of seasonal events.
- Casual Trios: The original default Apex mode, where three players team up to fight 19 other three-person squads for the champion spot. There are no rank or level restrictions for grouping, so you can queue with friends of any skill level without limitations.
- Casual Duos: A two-person squad mode added a year after launch, perfect if you only have one friend available to play, or prefer a tighter, more flexible team dynamic. The lobby size is adjusted slightly to account for smaller squads, so you’ll still face plenty of competition.
- Ranked Squads (Trios/Duos): The competitive ranked playlist follows the same squad structure as casual modes, with separate ranked ladders for trios and duos. You earn RP for top placements and kills, and climb from Bronze all the way up to the elite Apex Predator rank. There are some rank restrictions for grouping to keep matches fair, so you won’t be able to queue with a Predator friend if you’re still in Bronze.
- Limited-Time Squad Modes: Respawn regularly adds rotating squad-based modes, from 9v9 Control capture point matches to 3v3 Arena round-based fights, to fast-paced Team Deathmatch. These modes use squad sizes ranging from 2 to 9 players, so you can try new play styles without jumping into battle royale lobbies.
You also have the option to select the no-fill setting when queuing for any squad mode, which lets you enter the lobby as a solo player against full squads if you’re looking for an extra challenge. It’s a popular pick for experienced players who want to practice their mechanical skills without relying on teammates.
How to Build an Optimal Apex Legends Squad
Picking the right team setup can make a huge difference in how many matches you win, but you don’t have to stick to the meta to find success. The best squads balance play styles and communication, not just popular legend picks.
Role balance is more important than picking meta legends. You don’t need an exact meta composition, but having a mix of offensive, defensive, and support/recon abilities will make it much easier to handle different scenarios. For example, a team with Wraith for aggressive pushes, Gibraltar for team defense, and Bloodhound for recon will have answers for almost every fight, even if none of those legends are top of the current tier list.
You also want to make sure your team’s skill levels are roughly aligned, especially if you’re playing ranked. Queuing with a friend who’s 10 ranks lower than you will pull you into much harder lobbies than you’d face alone, and it’ll be frustrating for both of you if you’re constantly getting outplayed by higher-skill teams. If you do want to play with a lower-skill friend, stick to casual lobbies first until they get more comfortable with the game.
Don’t sleep on communication tools either. Even if you don’t want to use full voice chat, having a quick way to call out enemy positions or loot will make your team way more coordinated. The in-game ping system works great for this, but if you’re playing with regular teammates, a Discord call will make it even easier to stay on the same page.
Can You Play Apex Squads Without Pre-Made Teammates?
You don’t have to have a group of friends available to enjoy squad play in Apex Legends, and thousands of players queue solo for squad modes every day. The game’s matchmaking system will pair you with two other random solo players, and you don’t need to talk to them to have a good match.
The in-game ping system is one of the most well-designed communication tools in any multiplayer game, and it lets you mark enemies, loot, safe locations, and even call for heals or revives without saying a word. Most regular solo queue players are used to using pings, so you can coordinate full fights without ever turning on your mic.
If you don’t want to be paired with random teammates at all, you can use the no-fill squad option to enter trios or duos lobbies alone. This is a great way to practice your mechanical skills, because you’ll be outnumbered in almost every fight. It’s not recommended for new players, though, as you’ll face full coordinated squads most of the time.
One thing to keep in mind when solo queuing squads is that you shouldn’t expect random teammates to follow your every call. If you notice your teammates are sticking together and using pings, you can work with them, but if they’re running off alone and dying early, just adjust your play style to match. You don’t have to throw your own match to save a teammate who’s not willing to work with the team.
Top Tips for Winning More Squad Matches in Apex Legends
Even if you’re playing with a great team, small mistakes can cost you matches that you should have won. These simple tips will help you cut down on unnecessary losses and climb ranks faster, no matter what squad mode you’re playing.
Always share loot with your team first before you hoard extra supplies. If you have 10 shield cells and your teammate only has 2, drop a few for them. If you find a gold shield you don’t need, ping it for your support legend who can get more use out of it. A fully kitted team is way stronger than one player with all the best loot.
Call out third parties immediately when you hear or see another team approaching during a fight. Third parties are one of the most common reasons teams lose fights they should win, so even a quick ping of the approaching team will give your squad time to prepare or disengage.
Never push a fight until all your teammates are revived, healed, and fully kitted. It’s tempting to run after a knocked enemy to get a kill, but if you push alone while your teammates are still looting, you’ll likely get knocked and lose the fight for your whole team. I’ve made this mistake dozens of times, and it’s almost never worth the single kill to risk the entire match.
Finally, prioritize reviving your teammates over finishing knocked enemies. A knocked enemy can’t hurt you unless their teammate picks them up, but a full three-person squad will always beat a two-person squad, even if you have one extra kill under your belt. If you have a chance to revive a teammate, take it before you finish off the other team.
If you came into this guide wondering does Apex Legends have squads, you now know that squad play is not just an option, it’s the best way to experience everything Apex has to offer. Whether you’re queuing with your oldest friends for casual trios, climbing the ranked ladder with a dedicated stack, or testing your skills solo queuing against full squads, there’s a squad mode that fits your play style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different legend compositions and modes to find what works best for you, and remember that having fun with your team is always more important than getting a win.