In the ever-evolving world of Apex Legends, balance changes are the lifeblood of the game. Back in early 2022, as Season 12 loomed on the horizon, players were hungry for any scrap of information about what Respawn Entertainment had in store. Among the most anticipated details were the nerfs and buffs that would reshape the meta. While the official patch notes were still under wraps, a YouTuber named kjannaplays managed to secure an interview with live balance designer John Larson, shedding light on the future of the game. Fast forward to 2026, and that season is a distant memory, but the insights from that interview remain a fascinating glimpse into the developer's philosophy.
During the 20-minute conversation, Larson fielded a barrage of questions about weapons, legends, and what fans could expect in the coming updates. As the man responsible for all balance changes each season, his words carried weight. One of the most significant topics was Gibraltar, the sturdy shield-wielding legend. Larson hinted that changes were coming, stating, “We want to do some rebalancing to [Gibraltar's] kit.” He elaborated that players often pick Gibraltar out of necessity rather than enjoyment, saying, “People pick [Gibraltar] out of necessity, they don't have a lot of fun with him.” This candid admission suggested that the developers were looking to make him more engaging without necessarily gutting his defensive power.
Although Larson didn't confirm whether the Gibraltar tweaks would land in Season 12, leaker ThordanSmash believed a nerf would arrive at the season's start or shortly after. The community buzzed with speculation about what form this rebalancing might take. Would his dome shield be adjusted? Would his gun shield receive a cooldown? The possibilities were endless, and fans debated fiercely.
⚖️ The Spitfire's Departure and the Rampage Question
Beyond legend changes, Larson addressed the weapon sandbox. He confirmed that the Spitfire LMG would be leaving care packages with Season 12, a move that would shift its availability and power. But what would replace it? The community immediately pointed to the Rampage LMG, which had been a hot topic after a nerf originally scheduled for the next season actually went live a few days prior. Larson clarified that no further nerfs were expected for the Rampage just yet, which led ThordanSmash to theorize that it wouldn't make sense for the Rampage to replace the Spitfire in care packages. After all, if it had just been nerfed, why would it be elevated to a care package weapon? This logical deduction kept players guessing about the future of the weapon meta.
Here's a quick summary of the expected changes:
| Legend/Weapon | Expected Change | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Gibraltar | Kit rebalancing | Rumored for Season 12 or shortly after |
| Spitfire LMG | Leaving care packages | Confirmed by dev |
| Rampage LMG | No further nerfs | Already nerfed before Season 12 |
🎮 The Release Date and Beyond
At the time, the release date for Season 12 was expected to be Tuesday, February 8th, 2022, though Respawn Entertainment had yet to officially confirm it. As we now know, that date held true, and Season 12, titled “Defiance,” brought a host of changes, including the introduction of Mad Maggie and a new control mode. But the interview with Larson offered a rare peek behind the curtain, revealing that balance decisions are not made in a vacuum. They are driven by player behavior, fun factor, and a constant tug-of-war between necessity and enjoyment.
Looking back from 2026, it's clear that the developers' willingness to experiment and listen has kept Apex Legends vibrant. Gibraltar has seen numerous adjustments since then, and the weapon meta has shifted countless times. The Spitfire eventually returned to the floor, and the Rampage had its own journey. Yet the core philosophy Larson articulated—that legends should be fun to play, not just effective—remains a guiding principle.
🔍 Key Takeaways from the Interview
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Gibraltar's rework was on the horizon, aiming to make him more enjoyable.
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Spitfire was set to leave care packages, shaking up the loot pool.
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Rampage had already received a nerf, so no further changes were planned.
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The developer's mindset focused on player experience over raw pick rates.
For those who missed it, kjannaplays' full video remains a treasure trove for Apex historians. It captures a moment when the game was on the cusp of a new season, and the community hung on every word from the balance team. As we continue through 2026, with new seasons and legends, that same excitement persists. The more things change, the more they stay the same—Apex Legends remains a dynamic, ever-shifting battlefield where adaptation is key.
So, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, remember that behind every patch note is a designer like John Larson, striving to make the game both fair and fun. And that, ultimately, is what keeps us dropping into the arena year after year.