Apex Legends is set to see its usual mid-season update drop later today in the form of Aftershock.

Not only does it bring a bunch of much-needed updates to the abilities of existing Legends, but it also adds a bunch of exciting new Wildcards to experiment with.

If you’re looking to jump into the new update as soon as it lands in Apex Legends, here’s what time it’s set to drop in the UK as well as some top-lines from the patch notes.

Apex Legends Aftershock event start time

The Apex Legends Aftershock event is set to start later today, March 31, 2026, at 6pm GMT.

Here’s that time converted into a few other regions:

What’s new in Apex Legends Aftershock?

The headline updates include a brand new Wildcard ability called ‘Vortex Shield’. This lets players catch bullets fired at them before launching them right back with a will-timed button press.

However, this shield isn’t infinite and drains with each use. Vortex Shield can be recharged by collecting EVO.

There’s also a new EMP Blast ability that can stun enemies if you’re caught in a pinch.

On top of that, there are nine other new Wild Cards to play around with. Here’s all of them listed:

• Bigger and Better: Greatly increases the size of the Vortex Shield, speeds up deploy and stow time
• Duck and Cover: Increases the Vortex Shield’s protective area but disables return fire
• Energy Efficient: EMP Blast costs 50% energy (two uses per charge)
• Sonic Boom: Upgrades the EMP Blast damage and adds knockback
• Static Charge: EMP Battery remains fully charged even when used
• Extra Juice: Revives grant EMP Battery charge
• Background Process: Adds passive EMP Battery charging that increases while sprinting
• Kinetic Converter: Increases movement speed based on EMP Battery charge percentage
• Heat Signature: Spend EMP Battery charge to highlight enemies through walls

Have you ever dreamed of firing the Hemlock rifle in full auto? Now you can as the Hemlock Breach AR is now part of the loot pool.

Of course, there are plenty of new cosmetic items to enjoy in the reward shop too, if you’re so inclined.

For the rest of the Apex Legends Aftershock patch notes, check them out on the official EA blog.

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