Apex Legends Season 22 has introduced significant shifts in the game’s meta, leaving some players thrilled and others frustrated. With major changes affecting long-standing legends and the emergence of new power dynamics, the community is grappling with how these adjustments will impact both casual play and competitive tournaments, such as the upcoming ALGS Split 2 Playoffs. In this article, we’ll dive into these changes and explore what they mean for the future of Apex Legends.
Crypto’s Surprising Comeback
One of the most dramatic shifts this season has been the resurgence of Crypto. Previously considered a niche pick due to his vulnerability while using his drone, Crypto has now climbed to a mid-tier pick, with a 29.4% increase in pick rate. This boost is largely thanks to a new buff that grants him near-invisibility, making him incredibly difficult to detect and counter during competitive play. While many players appreciate this long-awaited improvement, professional players, including ImperialHal, have voiced concerns about how this change could negatively impact the game’s balance in high-level play.
Crypto’s newfound power was demonstrated in a viral clip by ImperialHal, where the difficulty of spotting an invisible Crypto mid-battle was showcased. This buff has sparked debate within the community about whether it is too strong, particularly in professional settings where precision and visibility are crucial.
The Fall of Causic and Mirage
While Crypto rises, other legends have seen their effectiveness diminish. Causic, once a staple in high-level play for his area denial capabilities, has become the least picked legend in higher ranks following recent nerfs. These changes, which now allow players to see through his gas with a health bar indicator, have severely reduced his utility. The pro community, having long advocated for these nerfs, got what they wanted, but the broader player base is now left grappling with a less effective legend.
Mirage, another legend impacted by these changes, has also seen a decline in his viability. The new health bar system has rendered his invisibility during his ultimate almost useless, as players can now easily identify the real Mirage. This, coupled with the fact that his decoys do not benefit from the same invisibility enhancements as Crypto, has pushed Mirage further down the pecking order.
Balancing for Pros vs. Casual Players
The ongoing challenge for Respawn Entertainment is to balance the game for both its professional players and its casual fanbase. The recent changes highlight the tension between these two groups. Pros demand fine-tuned adjustments that cater to high-level play, while casual players often seek a more fun and forgiving experience. This season’s updates have reignited discussions about whether the game needs separate balancing for casual and competitive play.
For instance, the idea of having different metas for ranked and casual modes has been floated. This approach could allow Respawn to maintain the competitive integrity of ALGS events while still offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for the average player. As the community continues to evolve, finding the right balance between these competing interests will be key to Apex Legends’ long-term success.
What’s Next for Apex Legends?
Looking ahead, Respawn has hinted at further experimentation with game modes and balancing strategies. The upcoming Ranked Rumble mode, set to debut on August 20th, will test new gameplay dynamics without the traditional drop ship, offering a glimpse into potential future changes. Additionally, rumors of a new mode that separates casual and competitive balancing could provide a solution to the ongoing meta challenges.
As Season 22 progresses, players will continue to adapt to the new meta, and Respawn will likely make further adjustments based on community feedback and competitive outcomes. Whether these changes will satisfy both pros and casual players remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Apex Legends meta is as dynamic and unpredictable as ever.
