Vantage has just received a laundry list of buffs in apex legends season 25, and for a moment, it looked like she was finally ready to soar to meta status. We’re talking hitbox improvements, a better tactical, an upgraded ultimate, and much stronger perks. On paper, these buffs should have propelled her into relevance. But here’s the twist — despite a slight bump in pick rate, she’s still not seeing much play at higher ranks.
So what’s going on? Is she just not strong enough? We dove in with a full gameplay test to figure out whether all of these changes were enough to make Vantage truly viable — or if she’s still grounded.
What’s New with Vantage?
Let’s break it down. Here’s what’s been upgraded:
- Hitbox tightened to better match her frame
- Ekko tactical jump buffed with increased range and speed
- Sniper’s Mark Ultimate has new functionality: no laser before the shot, wall hacks post-shot, and an optional gunshield
- Perks offer faster tactical cooldown or stronger sniper uptime, allowing some flexibility depending on your playstyle
The result? She feels smoother to play. Her jumps are higher, her sniper feels sneakier, and she can now track Players through walls for a short time. All great additions. The problem? Everyone else is just still better.
The Good News: She’s Fun (and Useful at Times)
Throughout testing, Vantage proved she has her strengths. Her new ability to climb to extreme heights with Ekko opens up ridiculous angles. When paired with her now-laserless sniper, it means you can hit enemies without them even knowing where you are — it’s genuinely cheeky and very satisfying.
The wallhack-style enemy tracking post-shot is also absurdly strongfor repositioning or initiating pushes, especially when teammates capitalize on it. The upgrades have made her better as a long-range Recon hybrid, no question.
The Bad News: Still a Bit Clunky
Despite all these upgrades, there are still glaring issues. You’ll notice it the second a close-range fight breaks out. Without Movement tools or reliable mid-range pressure, Vantage quickly folds. Yes, her tactical can bail her out, but it’s not enough to let her brawl with the big dogs like Ballistic, Horizon, or Ash.
Another issue is the way her kit is structured around long-range engagements. In a world of 3rd parties and close-range chaos, sniping simply isn’t always viable. The game has evolved — and while Vantage is catching up, she’s not quite there.
A Buffed Recon Legend in the Wrong Meta?
That might be the most accurate way to summarize her current state. She’s much better now. Legitimately improved. But in a season dominated by aggressive, bursty fights, Vantage still can’t hold her own in many high-pressure situations. Her power spikes when you have downtime — when you can scan, poke, and position — not when you’re getting collapsed on by Ash and Alter at the same time.
Verdict: Getting There, But Still Not Meta
Vantage’s Season 25 buffs made her smoother, stronger, and more fun. She’s no longer a forgotten legend — but she’s still not the pick. For casual play and sniping specialists, she’s absolutely worth trying out. But don’t expect her to take over ALGS any time soon.
If Respawn wants to fully commit to making Vantage meta, she may still need:
- Stronger close-range options or better tactical flexibility
- Slight buffs to her sniper’s charge rate or damage
- A more aggressive perk tree that makes her more of a hybrid recon-duelist
For now, she’s a step closer — but still on the outside looking in.
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Source: The Gaming Merchant
Frequently Asked Questions
What buffs did Vantage receive in Season 25?
Vantage received several improvements in Season 25 including a smaller hitbox, better Ekko tactical mobility, a reworked sniper ultimate with a stealthier laser and wall-hack effect, and more impactful perk upgrades such as faster cooldowns and a gunshield option.
Is Vantage viable in high-ranked Apex Legends gameplay?
Not quite yet. While Vantage has seen a slight increase in pick rate, she’s still not common in high-tier ranked or pro play due to her reliance on long-range combat and limited close-range utility. Her kit is stronger, but not dominant in the current meta.
What is the new effect on Vantage’s sniper?
Her Sniper’s Mark no longer shows the laser before the first shot. After firing, the laser activates and allows you to track marked enemies through walls for a short period — turning her sniper into a recon tool as well as a damage threat.
Which Vantage perk should I choose?
If you’re anchoring or playing Support, the tactical cooldown perk is a solid choice. If you’re more aggressive or playing solo, the gunshield perk on her ultimate can help you peek more safely. It depends on your playstyle.
How does the Ekko tactical feel after the buff?
The Ekko jump is faster, travels further, and auto-recalls after use, making it much more responsive and flexible in fights or rotations. It’s one of the best quality-of-life changes in her kit.
Is Vantage meta now?
No, not yet. Despite her buffs, she struggles in Apex’s fast-paced, close-quarters meta. She excels at long-range engagements and recon but lacks the versatility or raw power of top-tier picks like Ash, Horizon, or Ballistic.
