In early 2022, Apex Legends was preparing to celebrate its third anniversary. Four years later, in 2026, the battle royale has become a seasoned titan of the genre. Yet the history of Wraith's portal glitch from Season 11 remains a cautionary tale. The exploit, which resurfaced in a new form, allowed players to gain an unfair advantage by combining Wraith's Ultimate and Tactical abilities. While Respawn Entertainment has since patched many issues, the incident illustrates how persistent bugs can challenge competitive integrity.
At the time, players discovered that the glitch involving Wraith's portal had returned. In a YouTube video, RossBobSquirrel explained the method. The bug required using her Ultimate, Dimensional Rift, followed by her Tactical, Into the Void. This sequence let players pull out their weapons while still phasing. They could not damage opponents in that state, but they could reduce the time needed to shoot after leaving the ability. The glitch worked on both PC and console versions of Apex Legends.
The steps were precise:
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Activate Wraith's Ultimate, Dimensional Rift.
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Run until about 5% of the portal's length remains.
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Activate the Tactical, Into the Void.
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If timed correctly, remain in the Void after completing the portal.
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Pull out weapons while still phased.
According to RossBobSquirrel, the timing was challenging. The YouTuber also warned others not to try it in actual matches. Respawn Entertainment had recently taken stricter action against exploit users, including those who used punch boosting. The Wraith glitch could result in a suspension. That warning mattered because ranked play and casual lobbies both depend on fair rules.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legend | Wraith |
| Ultimate | Dimensional Rift |
| Tactical | Into the Void |
| Trigger | Activate Ultimate, run until 5% portal length remains, then activate Tactical |
| Effect | Remain phased while pulling out weapons |
| Platforms | PC and console |
| Risk | ⚠️ Potential suspension for exploit use |
This was not the only problem with Wraith's Dimensional Rift. Players also reported that her Ultimate could disappear near walls at the Harvester location on World's Edge. Such bugs frustrated the community because they threatened the competitive integrity of the game. Respawn had to balance new content with fixing old abilities, and Wraith often sat at the center of those struggles.
By 2026, Apex Legends has changed dramatically. New Legends, maps, and seasonal updates have arrived. Respawn has also improved its anti-cheat and exploit detection systems. The game is now available on PC and modern consoles, and its player base continues to debate balance changes. Yet the Wraith portal glitch remains a reminder that even small ability interactions can have large consequences. Exploits can spread quickly through videos and social media, forcing developers to respond fast. When they do not, trust in ranked play and casual matches can erode.
The Season 11 incident also showed how community figures influence behavior. RossBobSquirrel demonstrated the glitch but cautioned against using it. That dual role is common in gaming: creators want to inform players, but they also risk popularizing exploits. Respawn's response to punch boosting signaled that it would punish abuse. The Wraith bug tested that policy. Players who used it risked suspensions, and many chose to avoid it because of the difficult timing.
In 2026, the lesson is clear. Competitive games need constant maintenance. Wraith's portal is a signature ability, and it must work as intended. Bugs that let players phase with weapons, even without dealing damage, can create unfair advantages. They can also damage the reputation of a game that relies on fair play. Respawn has patched many issues over the years, but the Wraith glitch is a notable chapter in Apex Legends history. It will be interesting to see how the developers handle future ability interactions, especially as new Legends push the boundaries of what is possible. For now, players can only hope that such exploits stay in the past.