With Apex Legends Season 31 (Cipher), which starts November 3, 2026, Crypto's drone works differently. It comes back on its own after 25 seconds, the fire button is now used to mark enemies while you pilot, the EMP is triggered with new controls, and the drone no longer highlights loot bins or doors. It isn't a bug: these changes are described in EA's patch notes. This guide helps you recognize each new behavior and adapt the way you play.
Problem
- Crypto's drone recalls itself after about 25 seconds of piloting.
- While piloting the drone, pressing fire places a mark above an enemy.
- You no longer know how to trigger the EMP.
- The drone no longer shows loot bins or doors.
- The EMP sometimes deals only 50 shield damage.
- The "Ally.MoveTo( )" and "Hackathon" Upgrades are no longer offered as before.
What changed according to EA
| Item | Season 31 (Cipher) |
|---|---|
| Drone duration | 25-second battery (previously no limit), then automatic recall |
| After a recall | 6-second recall time, then redeploy with no cooldown |
| Fire button while piloting | Marks enemies |
| EMP while piloting | Ultimate button on PC; weapon swap button on console |
| Scan zone | 360 degrees (previously the camera view), no loot bins or doors |
| Ally.MoveTo( ) (speed boost towards teammates) | Integrated into the base kit (previously a level 2 Upgrade), speed boost slightly reduced |
EA explains that it wants Crypto to spend less time in his drone and stay with his team more.
Step 1: make sure the game is up to date
When to use it: you're reading this guide before or right after the season launch and you don't see any change.
Suggested solution
- Fully close Apex Legends, then let your platform (Steam, EA app, Epic Games, PlayStation, Xbox or Switch 2) download the Season 31 update.
- Restart the game and check that the home screen shows the Cipher season.
Expected result: the new behaviors described below apply. If they don't appear even though the season has started, the update is probably not installed.
Step 2: manage the 25-second battery
When to use it: the drone comes back on its own while you were scouting.
Suggested solution
- Treat each drone flight as a short action: spot a team, mark, then come back.
- Once the battery is empty, the drone is recalled automatically. The recall takes 6 seconds.
- You can then redeploy the drone right away, without waiting for a cooldown.
- According to the Designer's Notes, the drone also becomes available again faster after being destroyed.
- If you want more piloting time, choose the level 3 Upgrade Charged Up, which adds 10 seconds to the battery.
Expected result: the automatic recall no longer catches you off guard. You know when the drone will come back and you can launch it again immediately.
Good to know: according to EA, the drone moves faster and handles better, but it is also more visible to enemies.
Step 3: use marking with the fire button
When to use it: an icon appears above an enemy when you press fire with the drone.
Suggested solution
- While piloting, the fire button is now used to manually mark enemies within the drone's zone.
- Enemies within the drone's line of sight can be scanned and marked. The marking ability has a 4-second cooldown.
- According to the Designer's Notes, the drone also tries to automatically mark the enemies it finds while it's deployed.
- The mark lasts 8 seconds, and it stays visible even if the drone is recalled or destroyed. According to EA, it can be seen through geometry.
- An enemy who is already marked can't be marked a second time.
Expected result: you can flag a team for your teammates, then return to your character without losing the information.
Step 4: trigger the EMP with the new controls
When to use it: you can no longer fire the EMP, or you want to fire it without entering the drone.
Suggested solution
EA describes three ways to trigger the EMP:
- The drone is stowed and your Ultimate is ready: press the Ultimate button. Crypto deploys the drone, which triggers the EMP after a short delay.
- The drone is already deployed on the map: press the Ultimate button. The EMP triggers on that drone.
- You are piloting the drone: on PC, press the Ultimate key set in your controls. On console, press the weapon swap button (the patch notes mention the Y button).
Expected result: the EMP triggers in all three situations. Crypto takes no damage from his own EMP.
If it doesn't work: check in the game's control settings which key is assigned to the Ultimate and to weapon swap, especially if you have changed your controls.
Step 5: place the EMP so it deals full damage
When to use it: the EMP hits enemies but removes little shield.
Suggested solution
- Damage now depends on the line of sight between the drone and the enemies hit.
- With line of sight: full shield damage and a heavier slow.
- Without line of sight (a wall or obstacle between the drone and the enemy): 50 shield damage and a lighter slow.
- So position the drone where it can see the enemy team directly before triggering the EMP, for example by flying into the building or around the obstacle.
Expected result: your EMPs deal full damage more often.
Step 6: choose the new Upgrades
When to use it: you're looking for "Ally.MoveTo( )" or "Hackathon" among the Upgrades.
Suggested solution
- Level 2: "Ally.MoveTo( )" (speed boost towards teammates) is now part of the base kit. It is replaced by Got Eyes On You: enemies remain marked for 4 seconds longer.
- Level 3: "Hackathon" (faster drone recharge) is removed. It is replaced by Charged Up: 10 more seconds of battery.
- Choose Got Eyes On You if you want your marks to last longer, and Charged Up if you need more piloting time.
Expected result: you find the current Upgrades and know what each one does.
Special cases
| Situation | What to know |
|---|---|
| You used the drone to look for loot bins | The scan no longer detects loot bins or doors. EA says it wants to reduce visual clutter. |
| You run towards teammates faster than before without any Upgrade | That's normal: the former "Ally.MoveTo( )" is integrated into the base kit, with a slightly reduced speed boost. |
| You're playing in the Olympus Boxing Ring | According to the notes, Crypto can no longer use weapons there (bug fix). |
| You play Diamond+ Ranked | Crypto can be banned by the vote at the start of the match. See our guide to Season 31 Ranked. |
Final check
- ☐ The Season 31 update is installed.
- ☐ The drone is redeployed right after an automatic recall.
- ☐ The fire button is used to mark, and the Ultimate (or weapon swap on console) for the EMP.
- ☐ The EMP is triggered with line of sight on enemies.
- ☐ The chosen Upgrade matches your style: Got Eyes On You or Charged Up.
Sources
- EA: Apex Legends: Cipher Patch Notes (November 2, 2026)
- EA: Cipher Designer's Notes (October 30, 2026)
Still having the problem?
Reply in this topic with your platform, whether you play with a controller or keyboard and mouse, whether you have changed your controls, and what exactly happens when you press the Ultimate button while piloting the drone. Never post your EA ID, email address or password.