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Support Legends Dominate Pick Rates
Season 23 has seen unprecedented changes in Legend pick rates. According to the latest stats:
- Lifeline: Up 152%
- Newcastle: Up 159%
- Gibraltar: Up nearly 300%
These figures underscore the massive shift in gameplay dynamics, where support Legends are now essential for any competitive team composition.
What Buffs Did Support Legends Receive?
The support class buffs are game-changing. Notable enhancements include:
- Gibraltar: Dome Shield cooldown reduced to 17 seconds, making it invulnerable to Crypto’s EMP and Maggie’s wrecking ball.
- Newcastle: Increased movement speed while reviving, repositionable mobile shield, and boosted shield recovery.
- Lifeline: New movement abilities allow her to hover and provide mid-air support, making her a hybrid movement-support Legend.
These changes are designed to make support Legends more versatile and impactful in team play. However, their dominance has raised concerns about meta diversity.
Respawn’s Intentional Imbalance
Respawn’s lead designer, Devon Maguire, has openly admitted to releasing new updates with a deliberate degree of imbalance to create excitement. “You go a little overboard… to make sure it stands out,” Maguire said. This strategy ensures that new or buffed Legends capture player interest, but it also risks alienating players when balance issues arise.
A similar approach was seen with the Mozambique when its akimbo mode turned it from a meme weapon to a dominant force. The support class now mirrors this trend, with its collective buffs redefining gameplay dynamics.
Are Movement Legends Losing Relevance?
While support Legends flourish, movement-focused Legends like Horizon and Pathfinder have seen a decline. Horizon’s pick rate, for example, has dropped by 40%. Players are questioning whether this shift away from mobility-oriented metas is sustainable, especially as support stacks dominate competitive play.
Major Changes to the Support Class
In addition to individual Legend buffs, the support class as a whole has received significant upgrades:
- Faster revive times (25% boost).
- Healing items like syringes and medkits provide double the healing amount.
- Support Legends now move at full speed while healing.
- Successful revives grant health regeneration to teammates.
These changes effectively grant support Legends the benefits of previous gold items like the knockdown shield, further cementing their importance in the current meta.
New Rift Relics Add to the Meta
Another significant addition this season is the introduction of Rift Relics. These gameplay elements offer buffs to movement, weaponry, or even provide overpowered weapons, further amplifying the impact of support-heavy team compositions.
What Does the Future Hold?
The rise of support Legends has undoubtedly reshaped Apex Legends’ meta. While this fresh approach has brought new strategies and excitement, it risks becoming repetitive if players continue to rely on the same few Legends. Many hope Respawn will introduce adjustments to restore balance, especially for overlooked classes like skirmishers.
Frequently Asked Questions Alegends.gg About Apex Legends Meta Shake-Up
What is the current Apex Legends meta?
The current Apex Legends meta focuses heavily on support Legends, such as Lifeline, Newcastle, and Gibraltar, due to recent buffs that make them essential for team composition.
Why are support Legends dominating the meta?
Support Legends dominate the meta due to significant buffs, including faster revive times, better healing capabilities, and enhanced survivability, making them more impactful in battles.
What changes did Newcastle and Lifeline receive?
Newcastle received mobility and revive speed buffs, while Lifeline gained movement capabilities, turning her into a hybrid movement-support Legend.
Are movement Legends still viable?
Movement Legends like Horizon and Pathfinder have seen reduced pick rates in Season 23 as players favor the utility and survivability of support Legends.
What is Respawn’s strategy for balancing Legends?
Respawn intentionally releases new or updated Legends with slight imbalances to create excitement and engage players, tweaking them later as needed.
Can the meta shift in future updates?
The meta could shift if Respawn introduces buffs to overlooked classes like skirmishers or adjusts the current dominance of support Legends.
Source : ThordanSmash
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