Always Be Closing is a limited-time game mode in Apex Legends that brings a fresh, fast-paced twist to the Battle Royale experience. With a continuously shrinking ring and high-stakes close-quarters combat, Players are pushed to think on their feet and adjust strategies in real time. This mode eliminates the chance for prolonged looting or camping, challenging both new and veteran players to rely on skill, teamwork, and rapid decision-making. As the ring relentlessly closes in, every move counts and every second is an opportunity to secure victory.
The Rush for Survival: A New Kind of Apex Action
The Always Be Closing mode was introduced during the Grand Soirée Arcade event on January 20, 2020. Its premise is simple yet effective – the playable area consistently shrinks, ensuring that players are never far from conflict. This game mode redefines the conventional Apex Legends experience by revamping the ring mechanic found in standard battle royale matches. The constant pressure provided by the continuously closing ring forces all players into high-intensity encounters throughout the match.
This mode has several notable differences from the classic gameplay:
- The ring shrinks continuously throughout the entire match instead of closing in intervals
- Players must remain constantly on the move to avoid taking ring damage
- The gameplay pace is significantly faster than the standard mode
These aspects make Always Be Closing a thrilling and relentless race against time where every slight misstep can be the end of your game.
Core Mechanics that Redefine the Battlefield
The most defining characteristic of Always Be Closing is its dynamic ring mechanic. In traditional Apex Legends matches, the ring closes in timed stages to gradually force encounters. However, Always Be Closing introduces a continuously shrinking ring that never gives players a moment to settle. This mechanism shifts the focus from long, strategic planning to rapid decision-making and agility. Here are some core components of this game mode:
- Constant Ring Contraction: Unlike the static intervals in the regular game mode, the ring here continuously contracts, ensuring that players are always confronted with new challenges.
- High-Pressure Environment: With less time to search for equipment or plan complex maneuvers, players are thrust into direct combat situations sooner than they usually would be.
- Emphasis on Movement and Positioning: Quick reflexes, accurate movement, and keen awareness of the continuously shifting map are essential to avoid damage and secure advantageous positions.
When combined, these mechanics encourage players to adopt aggressive tactics while still valuing teamwork and precise coordination.
Team Coordination and Tactical Mastery
One of the hallmarks of Always Be Closing is its demand for solid team communication and coordination. Since players have less time to prepare or find the perfect loadout, every decision made in the heat of battle can tip the scales between victory and defeat. Some strategic aspects include:
- Real-Time Communication: Teams must constantly share vital information about enemy positions, available resources, and safe zones to navigate the continuous threat of the closing ring.
- Resource Sharing: Given the limited time for looting, critical resources might need to be divided efficiently among squad members to maximize combat effectiveness.
- Calculated Movement: Understanding when to engage, when to retreat, and how to maneuver as a unit is imperative as thering changes the layout of the battlefield every moment.
This intense, action-packed environment takes the stress out of long, drawn-out planning sessions and replaces them with quick tactical decisions that hinge on seamless teamwork.
The Evolved Phase: Always Be Closing Evolved
In August 2020, Respawn Entertainment took the mode one step further by launching Always Be Closing Evolved during Season 5. This evolved version introduced several modifications that amplified the inherent excitement of the original mode. Key differences in this version include:
- Players start the match with a Mozambique shotgun and an Evo Shield, meaning they are combat-ready from the moment they drop.
- The game mode ran from August 11 to August 18, 2020, intensifying the fast-paced gameplay with immediate action.
- The rapid access to weapons and shield provided a fiery start, reducing the downtime typically associated with looting.
The immediate access to fighting gear ensured that players had to rely on their reflexes and situational awareness without the luxury of extended preparation time. The evolved mode further cemented Always Be Closing as a favorite among those looking for a high-energy, no-holds-barred combat experience in Apex Legends.
Gear Up for Victory: A How-To Guide for Always Be Closing
Winning in Always Be Closing takes more than quick reflexes; it is about mastering the unique challenges presented by a continuously closing ring and adapting your tactics accordingly. Here are some practical steps to improve your chances of success:
Stay Mobile and Keep Track of the Ring
The constant threat of the disappearing circle makes mobility the most critical aspect of survival. Follow these steps:
- Frequently check the ring position on your mini-map to plan your route effectively.
- Avoid settling in one location, even for a brief moment, as this can make you vulnerable to ambushes.
- Make calculated dashes instead of long sprints to conserve stamina while still staying ahead of the ring.
Prepare for Quick Engagements
Since you may find yourself in immediate close-quarters combat, follow these key pointers:
- Practice your aim under pressure by using the firing range to simulate rapid target switching.
- Learn to use your weapons in short bursts for accuracy, especially when combat happens in confined spaces.
- Be prepared to instantly switch between movement and combat mode to adapt to fast-changing scenarios.
Optimize Your Loadout Under Pressure
Limited looting time means you must make fast decisions about your gear. Consider these strategies:
- Familiarize yourself with different weapon types and their effective ranges to pick the best option quickly.
- Always be on the lookout for high-value loot spots along your planned escape routes.
- Coordinate with your team to share resources immediately when a pick-up occurs.
Maintain Team Communication at All Times
In Always Be Closing, teamwork is essential. Here are ways to ensure your squad stays coordinated:
- Keep communication clear and concise, giving immediate updates on enemy encounters.
- Share real-time information on ring movement and potential safe zones to avoid getting caught off guard.
- Assign specific roles, for example having one player act as the lookout or designate a leader to navigate through the ring.
Embrace Adaptive Strategies
The unpredictable nature of the game mode means you must be flexible. Adapt your strategies with these tips:
- Do not rely solely on one game plan – be prepared to change tactics when the situation demands it.
- Analyze your opponents quickly to determine whether aggression or evasion is the smarter choice.
- Use the verticality of the map to your advantage by taking high ground when possible and by cutting off enemy escape routes.
By implementing these strategies, you can improve your chances of survival and turn the quick-paced chaos of Always Be Closing into an opportunity for strategic brilliance.
Community Impressions and the Culture of Fast-Paced Combat
Since its inception, Always Be Closing has earned high praise from the Apex Legends community. Players have shared numerous experiences about the intense adrenaline rush that comes from being in constant motion. The mode has inspired a new set of tactics and conversations within the community. Some notable community insights include:
- Enthusiasts have noted that the game mode effectively reduces camping tendencies, a common criticism of traditional battle royale gameplay.
- Many players credit the mode for strengthening team bonds by forcing collaboration and immediate problem-solving.
- The ever-present threat of the closing ring has led to innovative gameplay strategies that are now being adapted into regular matches.
This continuous evolution of gameplay and team dynamics has sparked excitement across multiple forums and social media platforms, solidifying Always Be Closing as a beloved and transformative addition to the Apex Legends arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Always Be Closing in Apex Legends
What exactly is Always Be Closing in Apex Legends?
Always Be Closing is a limited-time game mode that redefines the conventional battle royale experience. In this mode, the ring continuously shrinks, forcing players into closer combat situations with little time for looting or camping. This creates a fast-paced, dynamic, and high-pressure gameplay environment that tests a player’s agility and teamwork.
How does the ring mechanic differ from regular gameplay?
Unlike the standard Apex Legends mode where the ring closes in timed intervals, Always Be Closing features a ring that shrinks continuously throughout the match. This constant contraction leaves no room for complacency and requires players to be in constant motion to avoid taking damage.
Will I need a different strategy when playing Always Be Closing?
Yes, the continuous ring contraction means that traditional strategies are less effective. You will need to focus on rapid decision-making, highly coordinated team play, and quick resource management. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and keeping a flexible strategy are critical to success.
What kind of gear should I prioritize in Always Be Closing?
Due to the limited time available for looting, it is important to know your preferred loadouts beforehand. Quick-access weapons, healing items, and Movement-enhancing equipment should be your priorities. In the evolved version, players begin with a Mozambique Shotgun and an Evo Shield, intensifying the need for immediate combat readiness.
How important is team coordination in this mode?
Team coordination is extremely important in Always Be Closing. Since the ring continuously forces you closer to opponents, effective communication and teamwork can make the difference between winning and being overwhelmed. Make sure your team clearly divides roles, shares resources, and stays updated on the ring’s movement.
Can beginners compete effectively in Always Be Closing?
While the mode is designed to be challenging, beginners can still enjoy it by focusing on learning the mechanics and adapting to its fast pace. Teaming up with more experienced players and regularly practicing movement and combat scenarios can greatly help new players gain confidence.
What are the primary challenges new players may face?
New players might struggle with the intense pace and the requirement to constantly keep moving. Additionally, the limited time for looting can be daunting. However, with practice, focusing on agility, and coordinating with teammates, these challenges can be overcome.
How does the evolved version differ from the original Always Be Closing?
Always Be Closing Evolved was introduced in August 2020 during Season 5. In this version, players began with a Mozambique shotgun and an Evo Shield, which accelerated the onset of combat. The evolved version was designed to further challenge players by reducing preparation time and intensifying the fast-paced action even more than the original mode.
Is there a specific map or set of maps for Always Be Closing?
The mode uses the same maps as standard Apex Legends matches. However, the continuous ring contraction creates a unique gameplay experience on each map by changing the environment dynamics in real time. Adaptability to different map layouts is essential to excel in this mode.
What feedback has the community provided about Always Be Closing?
The community has largely responded with enthusiasm. Players have praised the mode for reducing passive gameplay styles such as camping and for promoting active, aggressive engagements. This has led to tactical innovations that many believe should influence the future evolution of Apex Legends gameplay.
Source: staycation
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