We got to check out Apex Legends' new season 25 update, Prodigy, ahead of launch, and it shows that Respawn Entertainment is fighting for its hit franchise's successTech16:00, 01 May 2025Sparrow is the latest Legend to join the rosterIt's hard to believe that Apex Legends is about to launch its 25th season. The game came out of nowhere with a shadow-drop, captivating fans with its team-based take on battle royale.By the time it launched on Steam (the only platform we have player numbers for) it was certainly popular, but things have (naturally) declined over time. Still, it's perhaps never been more important for Apex Legends to succeed, despite the competition never being stronger.‌So, what is Respawn bringing to Season 25, subtitled Prodigy? While it won't shake the foundations of the now long-running game, it feels like a "greatest hits" package that certainly has me ready to jump back in.‌The Bocek is back, and perfect for SparrowIf you've spent any time in Apex Legends over the last few years, you'll know that there's a fairly familiar formula to each update.There's usually one new weapon, one new Legend or both, and a variety of tweaks to other gameplay elements, a fresh battle pass, and a change to the loot and map rotation.Article continues belowWith Prodigy, it feels like the team is going all out. The new Legend, Sparrow, is all about style, leaning into Apex Legends' most enjoyable feature—its movement.The new Italian character can double jump, use a Tracker Dart to identify enemies, and use energy blasts on up to six targets at once.He's also handy with a bow, making it an ideal time for the Bocek to return with some explosive upgrades. Not only can players now pick up arrows from the environment that have been fires, but you can fire explosive arrows.‌All of this combines to showcase Apex's gunplay (or, uh, archery) with a slick new double-jumping hero that really exemplifies what's so great about the game (if you're good at it, I'm certainly no pro).Arenas is back, and we're delighted to see it return‌One of my favourite modes in Apex Legends has been Arenas, and it returns in Season 25. If you've not tried it, Arenas, pits two teams of three against each other, with players spending cash between rounds to customise their loadouts.Respawn has promised more changes coming, but the most exciting one is Arena: Duels, which will let you go 1v1 against a rival (or friend).Speaking of Rivals, Ranked updates are coming, too. As per EA's press release: "There’s a new Ranked Ladder to climb which won’t pause regular ranked progress. Instead, regular ranked matches will help players advance through the Leaderboard and compete for more rewards, including a new Ranked Dive Trail."‌Finally, Pathfinder is finally, FINALLY, getting a buff. The beloved 'bot is finally getting updates, with Zipline Zen giving an increased damage reduction of 50%, and his Grapple Hook Tactical is getting a variable cooldown.He's also getting a Double Ultimate Charge and a Double Tactical Charge that players can trade for the Variable Grapple Cooldown.Between Pathfinder being more viable, ranked changes, Arenas returning, and the new Legend and returning Bocek bow, it feels like Respawn knows it needs to get things right with Season 25.Article continues belowWe'll be back in the Arena as soon as it drops next week.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌