Apex Legends Season 16 is changing how character classes work. Starting with Season 16, the playable legends will be divided into five different classes, each with its own perks. If you’re a new player, however, you’ll only have access to four of the five classes from the start. You’ll have to buy into Controller.
The five new classes are Assault, Recon, Skirmisher, Support, and Controller. There are 23 playable legends in Apex Legends, but new accounts only start with six: Wraith, Pathfinder, Bloodhound, Gibraltar, Bangalore, and Lifeline. Wraith and Pathfinder are both Skirmishers, Bloodhound is Recon, Bangalore is Assault, and Gibraltar and Lifeline are Support. That means if you want to play as a Controller, you’ll have to buy one.
Controllers specialize in area set-up and denial, possessing abilities that allow them to lock down and fortify a position so their squad can bunker down to heal, prepare an ambush, or plan their next move. These legends are also the only ones who can access the brand-new Ring Consoles, granting them information on the size and location of the next ring. There are four Controllers as of Season 16: Caustic, Wattson, Rampart, and Catalyst.