Respawn's October 20 update points RX 9070 series players to AMD Adrenalin 26.10.1, which the studios say resolves the reported Apex crash issue.

Respawn points affected Radeon players to a new driver

Respawn posted a short Apex Legends stability update on October 20, 2026, saying AMD had released a new mainline driver that resolves crashes for players with Radeon 9070 series graphics cards. The post links directly to AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.10.1 and tells players to make sure they are on the latest version. This is a PC driver update, not an Apex client patch described with a list of gameplay changes.

The distinction matters when troubleshooting. Respawn's message points to the graphics driver as the remedy for the reported crash issue. It does not say that every Apex crash is fixed, or that all Radeon models were affected. If your system uses a different GPU, do not assume that this particular note applies to your problem. First identify the exact graphics card and compare it with the official post.

AMD's release notes are the authoritative place to review Adrenalin 26.10.1 and check compatibility. Driver support changes over time, and the GPU model, operating system, and current installed version all matter. Use AMD's official support flow rather than downloading driver packages from third-party mirrors.

Check the GPU model before changing anything

Respawn's announcement says “9070 series GPUs,” so Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT owners are the clearest audience for this notice. The update does not provide a full list of affected configurations or reproduce the original crash error. If you own an RX 9070-series card and have experienced the same instability, the official guidance is to update the AMD driver and check whether the issue is resolved in your own setup.

If you are unsure which GPU is installed, Windows Device Manager and AMD Software can display the model name. Laptop configurations can differ from desktop cards, and some systems use hybrid graphics. Confirm the exact hardware before installing a package. AMD's support page can help match a driver to the supported product and operating system; do not pick a version based only on a forum post or a similarly named card.

Players without the affected GPU should not install a driver solely because a headline mentions Apex. A graphics driver can include support for many products, but the release notes may also list known issues or system-specific details. Review those notes and follow the normal backup or restore practices recommended by your operating system and hardware vendor. If the game is stable, there is no claim in Respawn's post that every player must change drivers.

A careful way to apply the driver update

Start by opening AMD's official Adrenalin 26.10.1 release notes and checking that your GPU and Windows version are supported. If the AMD Software application offers the recommended update for your hardware, use that official route. You can also download from AMD's official support page after selecting the graphics product. Avoid unofficial driver sites, repackaged installers, and social media links that do not lead to AMD.

Before installing, close Apex and other demanding applications. Follow AMD's installation prompts and restart the PC if requested. After rebooting, verify that the driver version shown in AMD Software matches the package you intended to install. Then launch Apex through your usual EA app, Steam, or Epic installation and check whether the reported crash still occurs. This is a practical troubleshooting sequence; AMD's own instructions should take priority if they differ.

If the crash continues, note when it occurs, the error message, GPU model, driver version, and whether other games are affected. Check Respawn's Game Info Hub and AMD's known issues for updates. Do not immediately change several launch options, registry keys, or overclock settings at once. Changing one variable at a time makes it easier to identify the cause and reverse a workaround that does not help.

The note is narrow and does not promise a universal performance boost

Respawn's October 20 post is specific: AMD's driver update resolves crashes for 9070 series GPUs in Apex. It does not claim improved frame rates, reduced stutter for every Radeon card, or a change to game graphics settings. Keep expectations tied to the stated stability issue. A driver release can include other changes, but the AMD release notes—not a short game post—are the source for the complete package contents.

The announcement also does not guarantee that every crash on an RX 9070-series system has the same cause. PC instability can come from different drivers, settings, temperatures, background apps, or other hardware. If the update does not solve your issue, that does not prove the official information is false; it may mean your crash is unrelated or that another configuration detail matters. Use AMD or EA support channels for case-specific troubleshooting.

Avoid circulating unverified launch commands as universal fixes. An option that helped one player on an earlier driver could reduce performance or behave differently in the current build. Respawn's current public instruction is to install the latest supported AMD driver. Follow that first, then use official support guidance if instability remains.

Affected PC players have an official next step

For Apex Legends players with Radeon RX 9070-series graphics cards, the key update is Respawn's October 20 note directing them to AMD Adrenalin 26.10.1. The post says the new mainline driver resolves the reported crashes. It is a concise fix announcement, but it gives players a clear official path: confirm the hardware, review AMD's release notes, and update using AMD's supported installer.

Players on other GPU models should treat the note as useful context rather than a required update. Check whether your hardware matches the affected series and whether AMD's package supports your system. If you are already up to date and the game still crashes, capture the details and check current official support posts. The symptoms may have a different cause, and changing unrelated settings can make diagnosis harder.

For the latest version of this story, follow Respawn's Apex Legends announcements and AMD's driver notes. If either company posts a correction or a newer driver, use that later information. This article reflects the October 20 update available as of October 25, 2026. NEXPLAY does not distribute driver installers; use AMD's official website or software for downloads.

QUICK ANSWERS

FAQ

Which Apex crash issue does the update address?

Respawn's October 20 post says AMD's new mainline driver resolves crashes affecting Radeon 9070 series GPUs in Apex.

Which driver does Respawn point players to?

The update links to AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition 26.10.1. Check AMD's official release notes and support page for compatibility and installation details.

Should every Apex player install this driver?

The announcement concerns AMD Radeon 9070 series crash reports. Players should check their GPU model and AMD's compatibility notes before installing a driver.

SOURCES & FURTHER READING

CHECK THE ORIGINALS.

Facts and update details above are based on these official sources. Details can change as the game is updated.

TAGSApex LegendsAMD RadeonRX 9070PC UpdateDriver Fix