Respawn says early matchmaking data looked promising, so its temporary US-West cross-play test now includes Wildcard. Here's what the update changes—and what it doesn't confirm.

Respawn adds Wildcard to an ongoing matchmaking test

Respawn has expanded its temporary Apex Legends matchmaking test to Wildcard. In an October 15 update, EA said early data showed promising effects on queue times and match skill-widths, so the test would also cover Wildcard matchmaking. The expansion went live at 10 a.m. PT on October 16 and applies to all platforms in the US-West region. It is a regional test, not a confirmed global matchmaking change.

The cross-play default began earlier. Respawn's October 6 notice said players in US-West would have cross-play enabled by default as part of the experiment. Console players could opt out by turning off cross-play in settings. The goal stated by the studio was to shorten queues and tighten the range of skill in matches. The October 15 post then added Wildcard after the team reviewed early results.

Respawn says the test is scheduled to run until the current season ends on November 3, 2026. Temporary tests can be adjusted, however, so use the latest in-game notice or EA post if the dates change. Players outside US-West should not assume the same rules apply to them; the official update names a specific region.

Queue time and skill spread are the stated goals

Matchmaking has to balance more than one target. A system that waits for a very narrow skill range can create long queues, while a system that fills a match quickly may place players with a wider range of experience together. Respawn's update describes the test as an attempt to improve queue times and tighten skill-widths. Those are the studio's stated goals, not a guarantee that every individual player will get a faster or more balanced match.

EA's general matchmaking help page explains that Apex uses matchmaking across game modes and that Ranked players can see a lobby's rank range before a match. That context helps clarify why a test can focus on different playlists separately. Wildcard has its own matchmaking population and mode structure, so adding the test there gives Respawn another data set to review. The post does not publish the exact matchmaking formula or the thresholds used to form a lobby.

The update also does not say that the test changes player rank, skill rating, or progression. Cross-play being on by default affects who can be placed into a queue together; it is not itself a ranked reset. If you notice a different queue time, consider the region, time of day, platform population, and playlist before deciding the test caused it. Respawn has not published enough data to isolate every factor.

What US-West players should check in settings

The October 6 notice says the test covers all platforms in US-West and enables cross-play as the default. Respawn specifically says console players can opt out by turning off cross-play in their settings menu. PC players should check the current client options and official update for the controls available to them. Because the experiment is regional and temporary, the setting may not behave the same way outside the affected servers.

A cross-play setting can affect queue size and the pool of players available to a mode. Turning it off may change queue times or who can join a party, but the official notice does not quantify those effects. If you play with friends on another platform, confirm the setting before queuing. If you prefer platform-specific matchmaking, verify the current option in the settings menu rather than relying on an older screenshot or guide.

The test is intended to collect information about queues and match skill-widths. Players can contribute useful feedback by noting the playlist, server region, platform, approximate time, and whether they had cross-play enabled. A single match cannot establish whether a system-wide change works. If Respawn asks for feedback through an official channel, provide clear observations and avoid sharing account details or personal information publicly.

This is not an announcement of permanent global cross-play rules

The most important limitation is scope. EA's October 15 update says Wildcard was added to the test and identifies US-West across platforms. It does not announce that the experiment is live worldwide, nor that cross-play will stay on by default for every player after the current season. Treat it as a test until Respawn publishes a permanent change. A regional experiment can produce useful data without becoming a final policy.

The phrase “promising impacts” is also not a full performance report. Respawn did not include queue-time averages, skill distribution charts, platform breakdowns, or a player survey result in the short update. The wording explains why the test expanded; it does not prove that every lobby is faster or fairer. More detail would be needed to evaluate trade-offs for solo players, premade groups, and each platform population.

If matchmaking feels unusual, check the live status and test notices before concluding that the game has changed permanently. EA's public communication may be updated as data arrives. The earliest post described the original test window and opt-out; the newer October 15 post records the Wildcard expansion. The newest official notice takes priority if a detail is later revised.

The test runs through a busy end-of-season window

The current test adds Wildcard to a US-West experiment that began with cross-play as the default. Respawn says early results looked promising for queue times and skill-widths, and the expansion went live October 16. The test is currently scheduled to continue through the season's November 3 end. For players in the region, it may mean a different cross-play default and a larger set of playlists under evaluation.

If you want to check whether you are affected, confirm your server region and platform, then review cross-play settings and the latest in-game notice. Console players who want to opt out can use the setting described by EA. Players elsewhere should not infer that the test applies to their server. If you compare queue times, keep the playlist and time of day consistent so the comparison is meaningful.

For now, the change is best understood as Respawn gathering live data, not a final solution to Apex matchmaking. The studio has identified its goals but has not posted the full results or a permanent plan. Follow the EA Forums Game Info Hub or the official Steam announcement feed for further updates. Any change after November 3 should be confirmed in a new Respawn notice rather than assumed from the test schedule.

QUICK ANSWERS

FAQ

Where is Apex testing cross-play as the default?

Respawn's update says the temporary test affects all platforms in the US-West servers.

Did the matchmaking test expand to Wildcard?

Yes. EA's October 15 update says the test expanded to Wildcard matchmaking at 10 a.m. PT on October 16.

When does the test end?

The earlier October 6 notice says the test is planned to run until the current season ends on November 3, 2026. Check the latest in-game and official notices for any schedule change.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

CHECK THE ORIGINALS.

Facts and update details above are based on these official sources. Details can change as the game is updated.

TAGSApex LegendsMatchmaking UpdateWildcardCross-PlayUS-West