Being an ape, you naturally are dexterous strong and tough. Gain +1 to the following stats; Strength, dexterity, constitution.

Apes can use their feet as extra hands when necessary, and can even use them for complex tasks similar to their  hands. Alongside this perk, they also have increased senses. Take a +1 to perception. More than anything else they are tough and hard to kill. Apes are durable and resistant to most forms of physical damage.

All these advantages, but their weakness is that they are unable to use magic. (Ask DM about exceptions like; attunement, blood curses, wild-shaping, etc.)

The apes are nomadic usually, and travel through lush forest and mountains. These creatures are the most in tune with their primal side of any race.

Apes can be rather animalistic fighting… since they’re literally apes. When you are significantly damaged during combat, this becomes apparent. When this occurs, you gain access to the special action ‘Chimp mode’, which safe to say does a good job of keeping you alive.

As an added bonus, you can easily befriend an animal-companion of an Ape or Giant Ape. Added to this Apes can understand animal’s body language and mood, though they can’t understand the actual speech behind the noises of the beasts.

Apes have the ability to intimidate other creatures to become dominant over less intelligent creatures than themselves.

At 12th level (granted the target’s intelligence score isn’t over 13), when you roll for intimidation you now become dominant over the target, and can use your bonus action to give it orders. Some orders can be fulfilled automatically for 3 turns (see dm about whether or not your intended command is allowed to do so)

You can also roll two charisma checks and not apply intimidation if you wish to attain a pet rather than become dominant.