New Apex Legends Update Adds Intense 1v1 Duels Mode Focused on Pure Gunplay
Apex Legends' latest update features a 1v1 Duels mode with random loadouts and no abilities, offering fast-paced FPS combat until July 15.
Image via Respawn Entertainment
In the recent update of Apex Legends, they added a new game mode called Duels, which works differently from what players are used to. In this mode, it’s only 1v1, no squads or teammates to help. You go against one player each time. The full lobby has 30 players, but only two fight at once, in short battles.
The weapons and legends you play with are selected randomly, not by you. There is no healing or ability allowed in the first part of this mode, so the match depends on how you move and how accurately you shoot.
Also, the leaderboard gets updated while you're playing, so you always see how many wins you get.
Feels Like Old FPS Games
Duels mode feels like old shooter games from before Apex even existed. People play only with guns and movement, not depending on special powers. That way, it’s more about raw skill than anything else. Some players say it’s more tense this way and kind of refreshing.
But one thing people complain about is the short time before the match begins—you can see the enemy’s outline, which might be unfair, because you already know the location before it starts. It makes it feel not so balanced at the beginning.
When the Mode Came and What’s Coming Next
The mode was released on June 24, and it’s part of the Future Icons event that runs in Apex right now. But the way Duels is now, it’s not going to stay this way always. From July 15, 2025, there will be changes—abilities and healing will be enabled again, making the gameplay more like the original Apex but still in 1v1 form.
How It Plays and What Rewards Are There
Every match gives you random weapons and a legend. Both players in each match have the same loadout, so it’s fair. No matter which legend you get, the battle is mostly about guns only, since tactics do not work in this mode for now. Rounds don’t last long, which means fast action again and again.
Players can also unlock different cosmetic rewards. If you complete the challenges that are part of this event, you get legendary skins for Octane, Rampart, also a Peacekeeper skin. Wattson’s Apex Icon Prestige skin and dive trail are also included if you go far enough in the event.
Why Players Might Want To Play
Just Skill Matters Now
With no abilities to help, players must rely only on how good their shooting is. There’s no second chances if the aim is bad.
Quick Way to Warm Up
Because matches are short and 1v1, this mode is helpful to practice before jumping into main BR matches. It’s less stressful, too.
Something Fresh Mid-Season
Between normal modes and Ranked, Duels is something different. It makes the game not feel boring or the same every day.
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Duels mode gives 1v1 experience with no abilities or heals.
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Random loadout, fair fight every round.
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June 24 – July 15 is the time to play the current version.
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Event rewards include skins for legends and weapons.
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Leaderboard makes it more competitive and repeatable.
So if you like to test your aim and want something not too long, this Duels mode in Apex Legends may be worth trying now before the changes come in middle of July.
