Although Apex Legends is still fresh into Season 8, Respawn appears to already be teasing a new Town Takeover with an unusual loading screen. Town Takeovers act as a way to spotlight various legends. We've seen various ones in the past, featuring Octane, Mirage and, most recently, Pathfinder's mayhem-inducing boxing ring. The news comes just after Respawn announced it would be extending the Anniversary Collection Event due to login errors.
Those booting up the battle royale on Feb 23 were greeted with a never-before-seen loading screen before character selection. The brief animation shows Caustic overlooking Crash Site on the King's Canyon map. However, it seems Respawn was hinting at the Town Takeover long before the loading screen teaser. The location previously prompted commentary from Caustic, who expressed fascination with the toxic changes to the lakes in that area after fuel from the ship leaked into the water after Fuse's Season 8 arrival.
Those traveling to the area between Crash Site and Artillery will now discover a large canister labeled "Biohazard Sample" in the once empty location. Nearby, players can also find a phone, which is presumably the same one Caustic can be spotted fidgeting with in the loading screen.
Interacting with the phone plays a message dictated by the Toxic Trapper. "The erupted gas pocket and fuel have combined to create a gargantuan supply of toxin," Caustic says. "If there was a way to refine it, I could mold it into something spectacular." Caustic's desire to "mold it into something spectacular" suggests changes to the location consistent with a Town Takeover. Not to mention, Respawn has a history of teasing Town Takeovers with small teasers and Easter eggs.
King's Canyon is currently home to four other Town Takeovers, including Octane's Gauntlet, Wraith's Labs, Crypto's Map Room and, of course, Mirage's famous party ship. As Respawn works its way through their catalog of legends, there's always excitement and anticipation for the next Town Takeover. In this case, it seems Caustic is the lucky legend.
Sure, Caustic might be one of Apex Legends' villains. Yes, he started significant drama between Crypto and Wattson. But considering the Toxic Trapper is one of the original characters to debut with Apex Legends, his time in the spotlight is long overdue.