Apex Legends
What Is a Third Party in Apex Legends?
When a squad joins a fight that two other squads already started, attacking both while they are weakened.
What does third party mean in Apex Legends?
A third party is when your squad joins a fight that two other squads are already having. Both teams have used shields, health and abilities on each other, so the third team can take easy knocks and loot. Being third partied is one of the most common ways to lose a fight you were winning.
Why third parties happen so often
- Gunfire is loud: a long fight tells nearby squads exactly where to go.
- Damaged teams are easy targets: after a fight, both squads are low on shields and resources.
- The ring pushes everyone together: as the circle closes, squads meet more often and fights overlap.
How to avoid getting third partied
- End fights quickly: a fast push, or disengaging when the fight drags on, gives others less time to arrive.
- Reset after every fight: heal and swap shields behind cover before looting. See armor swap.
- Watch your surroundings: use scans and your squad’s abilities to spot teams approaching.
- Choose fights near cover: buildings and high ground make it easier to defend against a new team.
Example
Your squad wins a long fight against another team, but two of you are low and a teammate is down. Instead of looting immediately, you revive, heal inside a building and swap shields. A third squad arrives a few seconds later, but you are ready to hold the building.
Third partying on purpose
Many squads look for third parties because they are an efficient way to get kills. The trick is timing: join too early and you fight two healthy teams, too late and the winners have already reset. If you want help with rotations and fight decisions, our Apex Legends coaches can review your games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is third partying unfair?
No. It is a normal part of battle royale strategy, and every squad can do it.
What should I do right after winning a fight?
Revive teammates, heal and fix your shields behind cover, and only then loot. Assume another squad heard the fight.