If you’re a PC gamer looking to jump into the fast-paced world of Apex Legends, you’ve probably wondered does steam have apex legends as an option for download and play. It’s a fair question, especially if you already keep all your game libraries organized on Steam, or want access to the platform’s built-in social features, controller support, and performance overlay. I’ve been playing Apex on both Origin/EA App and Steam for the past three years, so I’ve got all the details you need to decide if the Steam version is right for you, plus step-by-step tips to get set up without headaches. You won’t have to waste hours troubleshooting account links or download errors if you follow the simple guidance here.
Does Steam Have Apex Legends? Official Availability Breakdown
The short answer is yes, Apex Legends has been fully available as a free-to-play title on Steam since November 2020, when it launched alongside Season 7 of the game. Before that, it was only accessible through EA’s own Origin platform, which frustrated a lot of PC players who preferred to keep all their games in one place. The Steam release was one of the most requested updates for the game in its first year, and it quickly became one of the most played titles on the platform, regularly hitting over 300,000 concurrent players even years after launch.
When you download Apex from Steam, you will still need to have the EA App installed and linked to your Steam account to play, as the game runs on EA’s servers and uses its account system for progression. That said, the linking process only takes a few minutes the first time you launch the game, and you won’t have to repeat it unless you switch Steam accounts. The Steam version of Apex Legends receives the exact same seasonal updates, event content, and balance patches as all other platforms at the same time, so you won’t miss out on any new characters, weapons, or limited-time modes if you choose this version.
Cross-progression is fully enabled across all PC versions of the game, so if you previously played Apex on the EA App, you won’t lose any of your skins, rank progress, unlocked characters, or in-game currency when you switch to Steam. You do not need to repurchase any cosmetic content you already own if you switch from the EA App to the Steam version of the game, as long as you link the same EA account to your Steam profile. The game is available in all regions where Steam operates, except for a small number of countries where Apex Legends is banned entirely by local regulations.
Key Benefits of Playing Apex Legends on Steam
If you’ve been asking does steam have apex legends with extra features that the EA App version doesn’t offer, the answer is a resounding yes. There are a handful of unique perks to playing the Steam version that make it a better pick for many PC players, especially if you already use Steam for most of your game library. I switched to the Steam version two years ago when I bought my Steam Deck, and I haven’t considered switching back to the EA App since.
Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Native Steam Deck support with pre-optimized performance settings for portable play, so you don’t have to mess with graphics configs to get smooth 60 FPS gameplay on the go
- Full Steam Input customization for all controller types, including DualSense, DualShock 4, and Switch Pro controllers, with support for adaptive triggers and custom button mapping without third-party software
- Access to Steam Workshop for custom controller configs and community-made performance profiles that are pre-tweaked for different PC hardware setups
- Automatic cloud saves for your control settings and preference profiles across multiple PCs, so you don’t have to rebuild your layout every time you play on a friend’s device or a new laptop
Another small but nice perk is that Apex Legends has a full set of Steam achievements you can unlock, if you’re someone who likes to 100% the games in your library. You can also earn Steam points for playing Apex that you can use to buy custom profile backgrounds, emoticons, or even discount coupons for other games on the platform.
Common Issues With the Steam Version of Apex Legends (And How to Fix Them)
One of the most common questions new players have after learning does steam have apex legends is why they run into launch errors that don’t pop up on the EA App version. Most of these issues are simple to fix, and you won’t need to reinstall the entire game to get it working. I’ve run into almost all of these errors myself over the years, so I’ve got tested fixes for every common problem.
The most frequent issue is the “you do not own this game” error that pops up when you try to launch Apex from Steam. This almost always happens because your EA App is either outdated, or your EA account is not properly linked to your Steam profile. The fix is simple: first, open the EA App separately and install any pending updates, then log out of both your Steam and EA accounts, and log back in. Launch Apex from Steam again, and you should be prompted to re-link your accounts if the connection was broken. Most launch errors with the Steam version of Apex are caused by an outdated or unlinked EA App, so always check your account connection first before reinstalling the entire game.
Another common issue is random stutters or frame drops that don’t happen when you run the EA App version of the game. This is usually caused by the Steam overlay conflicting with other in-game overlays, like the EA App overlay or an NVIDIA GeForce Experience overlay. To fix this, disable any extra overlays you don’t use, or turn off the Steam overlay specifically for Apex in your game properties. You can also try clearing your Steam download cache if you’re noticing slow download speeds or corrupted game files that cause crashes mid-match.
If you’re having trouble joining crossplay lobbies with friends on console or other PC platforms, double-check that crossplay is enabled in your Apex in-game settings, and that your Steam privacy settings allow you to join games with players outside of your friends list. You should also make sure that your EA account privacy settings don’t block cross-platform play, as that’s another common culprit for lobby join errors.
Should You Play Apex Legends on Steam or the EA App?
At the end of the day, the choice between the Steam and EA App versions of Apex comes down to your personal preference and existing setup. There’s no wrong choice, but one will probably fit your needs better than the other depending on how you play PC games.
Pick the Steam version if you already keep most of your game library on Steam, use a Steam Deck, rely on custom controller setups, or want access to Steam’s social and streaming features. It’s also the better pick if you often play on multiple PCs, thanks to the cloud save feature for control settings. I use the Steam version exclusively now because I play Apex on my Steam Deck when I’m traveling, and on my desktop PC when I’m at home, and the cloud saves make switching between the two completely seamless.
Pick the EA App version if you only play EA games, don’t use Steam at all, or have had issues with Steam’s overlay causing performance problems on your specific hardware setup. You won’t miss out on any in-game content, and the gameplay experience is identical for the most part. There is no difference in ranked matchmaking, lobby wait times, or in-game content between the Steam and EA App versions of Apex Legends, so you don’t have to worry about being at a competitive disadvantage no matter which one you choose.
You can even have both versions installed on the same PC if you want to test them out, though you won’t really notice a difference in gameplay unless you rely on the unique features of one platform or the other. Crossplay works between both PC versions, so you can still play with all your friends no matter which version they use.
At the end of the day, the answer to does steam have apex legends is a resounding yes, and it’s a solid option for any PC player who prefers the Steam ecosystem. Whether you’re a new player just downloading the game for the first time, or a long-time fan looking to switch from the EA App for better controller support or Steam Deck compatibility, the setup process is quick and painless as long as you link your accounts correctly. Don’t overthink the choice between platforms, both versions offer the same fast, chaotic Apex gameplay you know and love, so pick whichever one fits your existing setup best. Once you’re set up, you’ll be dropping into World’s Edge or Storm Point with your squad in no time.