Apex Legends orientation matches: What are they and how to complete them

There's no more trial by fire for beginners.

Image via Respawn Entertainment

Starting up a new Apex Legends account means starting at the bottom: ranks, skins, you name it. And it also means you’ll have to play some orientation matches before you can do much else.

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If you’re an experienced Apex player, battling for glory in the Outlands can be quick and easy. But it can also be a jarring experience for players diving into the game for the first time as they often face off against veteran players.

For this reason, Respawn introduced orientation matches for beginners in Season 16. But what are orientation matches, and how do you complete them?

What are orientation matches in Apex Legends?

Orientation matches are matches that new accounts must complete before jumping into a standard battle royale match. They feature a mix of AI bots and new players. These matches are designed to help new players understand how matches work and provide a foundation for the game.

There are also great resources like beginner guides that new players can use to improve. As new players experience orientation matches and become more familiar with the ins and outs of Apex, there is a way for them to move to full lobbies with real people.

Tip:

Matches have 20 squads, with four squads potentially being real players.

A screenshot from the in-game Apex Legends lobby shows greyed-out playlists. Only the orientation match option can be selected.
New players will only be able to select training, Firing Range, and orientation matches. Screenshot by Dot Esports

How to complete orientation matches in Apex Legends

Before a new player can participate in an orientation match, they must complete the tutorial mode. Bloodhound and Pathfinder will show players how to move around the map, equip weapons, and use their abilities in this tutorial. After completing the tutorial, all players need to do is queue up for an orientation match in the main menu.

As for what’s different about them compared to normal matches, orientation matches typically include beginners. Sixteen of the 20 squads will likely be bots to make for a more relaxed learning experience.

What ranks can play together in Apex Legends orientation matches?

New players can team up with their experienced friends of all ranks, regardless of whether they’re Bronze, Platinum, or even Predator-ranked players. Their opponents, however, will most likely be beginners or bots.

A screengrab of Apex Legends characters, Mirage, Gibraltar, and Ash
Screengrab via Respawn Entertainment

How many orientation matches are there in Apex Legends?

Players must win a match or place in the top five several times to complete orientation matches. Orientation matches also conclude after a certain amount of games have been played without a win or top five, so beginners will graduate quickly from orientation matches by placing well.

If you’re an absolute beginner to Apex, these new orientation matches may make joining in on the fun easier.

Can you get badges from orientation matches in Apex Legends?

You cannot earn badges in orientation matches because, if allowed, it would become an easy way for veteran players to farm new ones to earn cosmetics. It’s a design by choice to make things easier for newcomers.


So, there you have it. You know everything you need about Apex Legends’ orientation matches. Good luck!

Author
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Hayley Andrews
Hayley Andrews is a staff writer for Dot Esports with a dual degree in business and human resource management. After discovering her passion for creative writing and gaming, she now writes about MOBAs, MMOs, and cozy games.
Author
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Alex Tsiaoussidis
Staff Writer for Dot Esports. I am a passionate gamer with years of experience covering all things gaming, esports, and streaming. I have extra love for Dota 2, Pokémon, and Apex Legends.
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Justin-Ivan Labilles
Freelance Writer for Dot Esports covering Apex Legends, League of Legends, and VALORANT. Justin has played video games throughout all of his life, starting his esports writing career in 2022 at The Game Haus. When he's not spectating matches, he can easily be found grinding the ranked ladder.
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Nadine Manske
Nadine is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She covers VALORANT and Overwatch with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region and marginalized genders in esports. Before joining Dot Esports as a freelance writer, she interned at Gen.G Esports and the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her favorite Pokémon is Quagsire.