Apex Legends, the popular battle royale game developed by Respawn Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts (EA), has been a favorite among gamers since its release in 2019. Initially available on Origin, the game’s inclusion on Steam in 2020 expanded its reach to a broader audience. However, for players who have already downloaded and installed Apex Legends on their computers, the question of whether they need to download it again on Steam arises. This article aims to provide a detailed and engaging exploration of this query, offering insights into the process, benefits, and considerations involved in downloading Apex Legends on Steam.
Understanding the Basics of Apex Legends on Steam
Before diving into the specifics of whether you need to download Apex Legends again on Steam, it’s essential to understand the basics of how the game is integrated with the Steam platform. Steam, a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, offers a vast library of games, including Apex Legends, to its users. The inclusion of Apex Legends on Steam means that players can now access the game directly through their Steam client, leveraging Steam’s features such as community tools, cloud saves, and friend lists.
Initial Download and Installation on Origin
For players who initially downloaded and installed Apex Legends through EA’s Origin platform, the game’s files are stored on their computer. The Origin client manages updates, patches, and any additional content downloads for the game. If you’re considering switching to the Steam version, you might wonder if your existing installation can be transferred or if you need to start from scratch.
Compatibility and Transferability
An important point to consider is the compatibility and transferability of your existing Apex Legends installation from Origin to Steam. Unfortunately, due to differences in how each platform handles game files and saves, you cannot directly transfer your Origin installation to Steam. Each platform has its own way of managing game data, making a direct transfer impractical.
The Download Process on Steam
If you decide to play Apex Legends on Steam, you will indeed need to download the game again. This process involves several steps, including creating or logging into your Steam account, searching for Apex Legends in the Steam store, and initiating the download. The download size of Apex Legends can vary depending on the updates and additional content available at the time of download, but it generally requires a significant amount of disk space.
Benefits of Downloading Apex Legends on Steam
While downloading Apex Legends again on Steam might seem inconvenient, there are several benefits to consider. Steam’s community features allow for easier matchmaking and communication with friends. Additionally, Steam Cloud enables you to access your game saves from any computer, providing greater flexibility. For players invested in the Steam ecosystem, having Apex Legends integrated into their Steam library can enhance their overall gaming experience.
Performance and Updates
Another aspect to consider is the performance and update process of Apex Legends on Steam. Steam’s automatic update feature ensures that your game is always up-to-date, which is crucial for maintaining a smooth and secure gaming experience. In terms of performance, the game’s requirements remain the same across both Origin and Steam, so you can expect similar gameplay performance provided your computer meets the system requirements.
Considerations for Existing Players
For existing Apex Legends players, the decision to download the game on Steam involves several considerations. If you have a large library of games on Steam and prefer the Steam interface, downloading Apex Legends on Steam might be the better choice. However, if you’re deeply invested in the Origin ecosystem and have all your EA games managed through Origin, sticking with your current setup might be more convenient.
Managing Disk Space
A practical consideration for downloading Apex Legends on Steam is managing disk space. Given the game’s size, ensuring you have enough free space on your computer is essential. Regularly cleaning up unused game files and managing your disk space can help in maintaining a healthy gaming environment.
Conclusion on Downloading Apex Legends on Steam
In conclusion, if you’re an Apex Legends player considering playing the game on Steam, you will need to download it again. While this might require some time and disk space, the benefits of integration with the Steam ecosystem, including community features and cloud saves, can enhance your gaming experience. By understanding the process, benefits, and considerations involved, you can make an informed decision that suits your gaming preferences and needs.
Given the information above, here is a summary of key points in a table format:
| Platform | Download Requirement | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Yes, a new download is required | Integration with Steam community and features, cloud saves |
| Origin | No, if you already have the game | Management of EA games, existing library and saves |
Ultimately, whether or not to download Apex Legends again on Steam depends on your individual gaming setup and preferences. By weighing the pros and cons and considering your specific situation, you can decide the best approach for enjoying Apex Legends and other games within your preferred gaming ecosystem.
Do I need to download Apex Legends again if I already have it installed on my computer?
If you already have Apex Legends installed on your computer, you may not need to download it again to play on Steam. However, this depends on the specific circumstances of your installation. If you have the Origin version of Apex Legends installed, you can link your Origin account to your Steam account and access the game through Steam without needing to re-download it. This is because the game files are the same across both platforms, and Steam can recognize the existing installation.
To link your Origin account to your Steam account, you will need to launch Apex Legends on Steam and follow the prompts to connect your accounts. Once your accounts are linked, you should be able to play the game on Steam without needing to re-download it. However, if you have a different version of Apex Legends installed, such as a disc-based copy or a version from a different digital storefront, you may need to download the Steam version separately. It’s also worth noting that if you have any mods or custom content installed, you may need to reinstall or reconfigure these when switching to the Steam version.
How do I transfer my Apex Legends progress from Origin to Steam?
Transferring your Apex Legends progress from Origin to Steam is a relatively straightforward process. To do so, you will need to link your Origin account to your Steam account, as mentioned earlier. Once your accounts are linked, your progress should be automatically transferred to the Steam version of the game. This includes your player level, cosmetics, and other progress-related items. However, it’s worth noting that some items, such as certain event rewards or limited-time cosmetics, may not be transferred.
To ensure a smooth transfer of your progress, make sure that you are using the same EA account (the account associated with your Origin login) when linking your accounts. You should also ensure that your game is up to date on both Origin and Steam, as any discrepancies in version numbers may cause issues with progress transfer. If you encounter any issues with progress transfer, you can contact EA support for assistance. They should be able to help you resolve any problems and ensure that your progress is transferred correctly.
Can I play Apex Legends on Steam with my friends who play on Origin?
Yes, you can play Apex Legends on Steam with your friends who play on Origin. Apex Legends features cross-play between different platforms, including Origin, Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. This means that you can play with friends regardless of which platform they are using, as long as you are all playing the same version of the game. To play with friends on different platforms, you will need to add them to your friends list using their EA account ID or username.
To add friends from Origin to your Steam friends list, you will need to launch Apex Legends on Steam and navigate to the friends menu. From there, you can search for your friends using their EA account ID or username, and add them to your list. Once you have added your friends, you can join their games or invite them to play with you, regardless of which platform they are using. Keep in mind that some features, such as party chat or matchmaking, may not work seamlessly across different platforms, but you should still be able to play together without any major issues.
Do I need to purchase Apex Legends again on Steam if I already own it on Origin?
No, you do not need to purchase Apex Legends again on Steam if you already own it on Origin. As long as you link your Origin account to your Steam account, you should be able to access the game on Steam without needing to make a separate purchase. This is because the game is the same across both platforms, and your ownership of the game is tied to your EA account, not the specific platform you purchased it on.
To access Apex Legends on Steam without making a separate purchase, simply link your Origin account to your Steam account and launch the game. You should be able to play the game on Steam without any issues, and your progress should be transferred automatically. If you encounter any issues with accessing the game on Steam, you can contact EA support for assistance. They should be able to help you resolve any problems and ensure that you can play the game on Steam without needing to make a separate purchase.
How do I link my Origin account to my Steam account?
To link your Origin account to your Steam account, you will need to launch Apex Legends on Steam and follow the prompts to connect your accounts. This will typically involve logging in to your EA account (the account associated with your Origin login) and authorizing Steam to access your account information. Once you have authorized Steam to access your account, your Origin account will be linked to your Steam account, and you should be able to access Apex Legends on Steam without needing to re-download it.
To initiate the account linking process, launch Apex Legends on Steam and click on the “Link Account” button. You will be prompted to log in to your EA account and authorize Steam to access your account information. Once you have completed this process, your accounts will be linked, and you should be able to play Apex Legends on Steam with your existing progress. If you encounter any issues with the account linking process, you can contact EA support for assistance. They should be able to help you resolve any problems and ensure that your accounts are linked correctly.
Will my Apex Legends cosmetics and progress be transferred to Steam?
Yes, your Apex Legends cosmetics and progress should be transferred to Steam when you link your Origin account to your Steam account. This includes your player level, cosmetics, and other progress-related items. However, as mentioned earlier, some items, such as certain event rewards or limited-time cosmetics, may not be transferred. To ensure that your cosmetics and progress are transferred correctly, make sure that you are using the same EA account when linking your accounts, and that your game is up to date on both Origin and Steam.
If you encounter any issues with cosmetics or progress transfer, you can contact EA support for assistance. They should be able to help you resolve any problems and ensure that your cosmetics and progress are transferred correctly. It’s also worth noting that some cosmetics may not be available on Steam, or may be available through different means, such as purchases or rewards. If you have any questions about specific cosmetics or progress items, you can check the Apex Legends website or contact EA support for more information.