Apex Legends' Crypto Gets Major Balance Changes with Faster Drone Launch

Crypto, the Recon-class legend in Apex Legends, has seen his balance changes in the January 2026 mid-season patch. The Surveillance Drone tactical ability now deploys an aerial camera with a launch time of 0.7 seconds and operates on a 40-second cooldown after destruction.

The drone carries 50 health points that recover when the device is recalled to the player, who must position themselves safely before activation to avoid elimination during reconnaissance operations.

Crypto's passive ability, Neurolink, shares drone vision with all teammates within range and displays nearby enemy squads in a 200-meter radius on champion banners. The January 2026 update incorporated Satellite Imagery into the base kit, granting Crypto long-range Threat Vision while piloting his drone.