Crypto's drone will recall itself after 25 seconds in Apex Legends' next season. Respawn wants players to spend less time flying the drone and more time with their teammates.
Cipher is due November 3. The October 30 designer notes also outline Charged Up, an upgrade that adds 10 seconds to the base timer.
Enemy marks will show through walls for eight seconds. They can remain if the drone is recalled, destroyed or moves out of scan range. The drone will spot and mark enemies on its own, so Crypto does not have to fly it all the time.
Respawn's earlier preview calls this Sentry Mode. The new notes also say Crypto can trigger his EMP blast with his Ultimate button while the drone is stowed. His Ultimate must be ready.
Shorter flight time comes with other changes. Respawn says the drone will handle better and return sooner after being destroyed. Crypto will also gain a speed boost when running toward teammates.
Opponents get a clearer view of the drone, which will be easier to see. It will no longer scan doors or loot bins.
Respawn plans to publish the full patch notes on November 2, a day before Cipher launches.