Catalyst: First trans legend in Apex Legends

As always, a new Apex Legends season means that a new legend is expected to join the game. With the upcoming Apex Season 15, Respawn Entertainment has now officially announced Catalyst as the new character coming to Apex. Here’s everything we know about her so far, including her potential abilities.

Catalyst is expected to be a defensive Legend, capable of manipulating the battlefield. She is the first transgender character in Apex Legends and the second queer Legend to join the game. The first is the non-binary Bloodhound, who was introduced back in Season Zero. 

Catalyst gameplay and lore

First revealed back in April 2021, Catalyst is coming to Apex Legends on November 1 along with a brand new map, and a new gifting feature. More will be added with the Eclipse update.

The new character’s skills are based on building and are nicknamed “creative builder”. The new video in Respawn Entertainment’s Stories From The Outlands titled Last Hope features Catalyst discussing the challenges of her transformation and the sacrifices her loved ones had made for her along the way. Catalyst’s real name is Tressa Smith, and the legend is officially described as an “experienced terraformer and defensive conjurer who uses her remarkable control of ferrofluid to manipulate the battlefield.”

There are no official details on her abilities yet, but there are indications that she is a defensive character who can fortify buildings and structures. Here are her abilities, according to the leaks:

• Passive: Boost – Standing near your ferrofluid structures, doors, and other Legend items will buff their integrity and allow them to absorb significantly more damage.
• Tactical: Ferro Shot – On impact, the shot creates a ramp of hardened ferrofluid that can be extended with subsequent shots. Can also be used to create platforms on walls (max 3 structures).
• Ultimate: Iron Tower – Ferro-liquid rises from below, pushing you up while creating a tall, solid pillar beneath you.

Margo

In the video, we also meet Tressa’s friend Margo, who is trying to sabotage Hammond Robotics. Margo and Tressa try to sneak into a Hammond Robotics warehouse but are caught. Margo then explodes and Tressa reveals that she doesn’t really know what happened to her. There’s a chance Margo is still alive, but fans will have to wait for more information to emerge.