Intro
You want to hear more in Apex Legends so you can react faster and make better decisions. Recent changes in the game can change how encounters feel. This post breaks down what the update is, what to listen for, and practical steps you can take on PC to improve in game awareness.
Apex Legends: Matchmaking Test Results - 09/30/2026 is the official note about the matchmaking test. For a fully localized version of this post, please visit here. Source: https://steamstore a.akamaihd.net/news/externalpost/steam_community_announcements/1845383656378422
What the update changes and why it matters for your audio
The core fact to carry into your setup is that the update is about matchmaking tests. Those tests affect who you play against and the match pace. When matchmaking changes the flow of matches you will notice differences in how often fights start and at what distances.
That shift changes the soundscape. Fewer long range skirmishes and more close quarters gunfights mean footsteps and close range cues become more valuable. Conversely, more open matches put emphasis on range cues and subtle distant sounds.
You do not need to change everything. Small, targeted audio tweaks will make the biggest difference depending on the mix of engagement distances you face after these tests.
Tweak your headset EQ for the ranges that matter
First decide if you need to emphasize close range or long range cues based on your recent matches. If most fights are close then boost presence in the upper midrange where footsteps and weapon handling sit. If fights are more distant then lift the lower mid treble and lower treble to make distant shots and movement more audible.
Use small boosts and cuts. Start with 2 to 4 dB adjustments to narrow bands. Listen for clarity rather than loudness. If anything becomes harsh or masks other sounds, back off.
Keep your bass controlled. Excess low end can mask footsteps and positional cues. Reduce sub bass content if you feel explosions or gun bass are drowning out movement.
Set sound device and in game options to preserve cues
On PC use a consistent output device and sample rate. Avoid switching between devices mid session. Use the Windows sound control panel to set your headset to the highest stable sample rate your device supports and keep it there.
In Apex go for settings that prioritize localization and clarity. If you want more detail on general audio settings for Apex Legends see this guide:Best Audio Settings for Apex Legends (Hear Footsteps Earlier & Improve Awareness). That post covers baseline in game options that help position cues.
Disable any global effects on your sound card or Windows enhancements that add reverb or widen the stereo image. Those effects can smear position information and reduce how well you can localize sounds in a match influenced by the matchmaking tests.
Train your ears with focused listening drills
Spend a portion of warm up time on listening drills. Load a practice area or a single player match and listen only for footsteps and weapon fire. Try to determine distance then direction before committing to movement.
Vary the distance in your drills. Practice identifying near versus far steps and gunshots. This trains you to adapt when the update pushes more close or long range fights your way.
Record what you hear. Keep short notes on when footsteps were easy or hard to hear, and which settings were in use. Over a week you will see patterns that match the matchmaking changes.
Use a personalized EQ to cut through the noise
One of the most reliable ways to improve awareness is with a personalized EQ tailored to your hearing and your headset. A tuned profile brings forward the frequencies that matter to you without making the rest of the game unpleasant.
Peter is our free Windows AI audio engineer app that builds a personalized headset EQ profile. Use it to get a starting point that accounts for your headphone response and your hearing. Then apply the small adjustments from the EQ and settings steps above to match the current flow of matches after the test.
Practical routine to keep you hearing more
1. Check how your last few matches felt. Were fights closer or further apart? That tells you whether to bias your EQ toward presence or distance.
2. Load your baseline profile. Use a neutral or personalized profile from Peter if you have it, then make 2 to 4 dB tweaks in the target bands.
3. Turn off global sound enhancements and set your device to a stable sample rate.
4. Warm up with focused listening drills for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Track changes. If you find footsteps are still masked by bass or explosions, reduce the low end. If distant shots are hard to place, lift the lower treble slightly and retrain with drills.
Conclusion
The matchmaking test results published on 09/30/2026 change who you meet and how fights start. That affects what sounds matter most. Make small, targeted audio adjustments, train with listening drills, and use a personalized EQ to hear more.
Keep your routine simple and repeatable. Over time you will tune your setup to fit the new match flow and regain the edge in awareness.
Want these Apex Legends settings dialed in for your exact headset?
Peter is our free AI audio engineer. Tell him your headset and how you play, and he builds a personalized EQ profile from our competitive tuning methodology, then applies it for you.
Get Peter free →Free download for Windows 10 & 11.