To find and try out the new Apex Legends feature, players just need to head towards the Market region of the King’s Canyon map. Several Jump Pads are spread around the building, allowing players to hop around at their leisure. It doesn’t require any activation or button press - just stand on it for a boost. Players have also already confirmed that grappling and Wraith’s portals can be used mid-air after using the Jump Pad to create some fun tricks.
Why Respawn added the Jump Pads today is unclear, though a developer has jokingly acknowledged their introduction on Reddit. Players believe it could be a teaser for Octane, the leaked but unreleased Legend coming with the Season 1 content drop. Octane’s leaked abilities show that his ultimate is a deployable Jump Pad, so it could be that Respawn is testing out the item’s functionality on live servers, letting players see if there are any bugs to be found.
It’s also possible that Respawn plans to introduce Jump Pads as more than just an ultimate ability for Octane. Perhaps it’s a hint that Jump Pads will be found in-game soon, or that they’ll be offered as an item to be found like other loot. The way the Jump Pads have handles and are inflatable definitely insinuates a portable nature.
For now, players will have to wait until Respawn is ready to launch Apex Legends’ Season 1 content update to know just what its Jump Pad plans are. Initially rumored to be released March 12, Respawn then released an official statement that it would not be out that day but to expect it “very soon.” Leaks tied to the update imply that it will include Season 1 content including new shop items, the first Battle Pass, and the game’s first post-launch Legend, Octane. Speculation points to a launch as soon as March 19.
Apex Legends is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
