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Apex Legends Season 18 has players buzzing about the steep difficulty spike in Ranked Mode. With the introduction of new gameplay elements and more aggressive competition, many players, even veterans, are finding it challenging to climb the ranks. This article breaks down why Apex Legends ranked mode might feel harder this season and explores the contributing factors, such as cheating, player behavior, and evolving game mechanics.
Has Ranked Gotten Tougher in Season 18?
In Apex Legends Season 18, also known as the “Shockwave” season, many long-time players are reporting that ranked mode feels harder than ever. For example, a player who reached Masters Rank in previous seasons after playing around 500 games is now struggling to even break out of Diamond 4. After logging an astonishing 1,200 games this season in solo queue, they are still hard stuck in Diamond.
The discrepancy in performance between past seasons and Season 18 is stark. In Season 12, 502 ranked games with 700 kills and 20 wins were enough to reach Masters. Similarly, in Season 14, playing 645 games with 36 wins secured a Master’s rank. However, in Season 18, despite racking up 57 wins and placing in the top five 330 times across 1,200 games, this player has struggled to break into higher ranks, often fluctuating between Diamond 4 and Platinum 1.
The difference? A combination of cheaters, tougher competition, and evolving game mechanics.
The Rise of Cheaters in Apex Legends Ranked
One of the most significant factors contributing to the difficulty spike in Apex Legends ranked is the rampant issue of cheaters. In Season 18, players have reported encountering cheaters more frequently, especially in higher ranks. Aimbots, wall hacks, and even new “floating mid-air” hacks have been plaguing the competitive environment, making legitimate progression feel frustratingly out of reach.
For example, during one match, a player encountered an opponent using an obvious aimbot and floating mid-air, an unfair advantage that completely undermines the core mechanics of the game. Despite multiple reports, many cheaters remain active in the ranked ladder, making it difficult for regular players to advance without dealing with unfair losses.
The rise of cheaters creates a toxic environment where even skilled players struggle to achieve consistent results. And while Respawn Entertainment works to address these issues, the sheer volume of cheaters currently impacting ranked games has made Season 18 one of the most frustrating seasons to date.
Why Solo Queue is More Challenging This Season
Another factor that has increased the difficulty in ranked this season is the high number of solo queue players. Solo queuing in Apex Legends has always been challenging, but it seems especially tough in Season 18. With the current matchmaking system, players are often placed against well-coordinated pre-made teams, which puts solo players at a significant disadvantage.
The evolving dynamics of ranked gameplay, such as more aggressive pushes from experienced teams and frequent third-party engagements, make it harder for solo players to thrive. While the game rewards team play and synergy, solo players are left with random teammates, and often communication gaps make it difficult to secure wins.
Despite this, solo players have recorded impressive feats this season, with some still managing to achieve a solid win rate. For instance, the player mentioned earlier had a 4.67% win rate in Season 18, which is in line with their win rates from previous seasons (3.98% in Season 12 and 5.5% in Season 14). However, the number of cheaters and off-drop losses has hindered more consistent success.
Adapting to the Evolving Meta in Apex Legends
The meta in Apex Legends shifts each season as new weapons, Legends, and gameplay strategies emerge. In Season 18, the meta has become faster-paced and more aggressive, with certain Legends and weapons dominating ranked matches. Learning to adapt to these changes is crucial for any player hoping to rank up in Apex.
Some players have found success by switching their primary Legends to better suit the current meta. For instance, Legends like Mad Maggie and Vantage have been gaining popularity due to their mobility and ability to counter aggressive pushes. Additionally, understanding how to leverage weapons like the Sentinel or Craver can make a significant difference in high-stakes ranked matches.
While ranked has undoubtedly become more difficult, players can still thrive by staying updated on the meta and experimenting with different strategies. For tips on adapting to the current meta and optimizing your gameplay, check out Apex Legends meta strategies.
FAQs on Apex Legends Ranked Difficulty in Season 18
- Why is ranked harder in Season 18?
Season 18 has seen an increase in cheaters, more aggressive gameplay, and tougher competition. These factors make it harder for players to progress in the ranked ladder. - Is solo queue more difficult in Season 18?
Yes, solo queue has become more challenging due to frequent third-party engagements and matchmaking often pitting solo players against coordinated pre-made teams. - Why are there more cheaters in Apex Legends Season 18?
Cheating has become more rampant in Season 18, with players using aimbots, wall hacks, and even floating mid-air hacks. This has contributed to the difficulty in ranked. - What’s the best strategy for ranking up in Season 18?
Adapting to the evolving meta and choosing Legends that excel in the current environment, such as Mad Maggie and Vantage, can help improve your chances of ranking up. - How can I avoid cheaters in ranked?
While it’s impossible to completely avoid cheaters, playing at off-peak hours or switching servers might reduce the frequency of encountering them.
Source : Apex Legends
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