After weeks of speculation, Respawn has finally lifted the lid on Apex Legends Season One. Known as “Wild Frontier,” it’s the first major change the battle royale phenomenon has seen in its short life. It introduces a host of new content, as well as the first new legend to join the roster, the heavily-rumored Octane. The whole thing kicks off on March 19, 2019.
Starting off with the new legend, the description of Octane lines up with the earlier leak. A true adrenaline junkie with cybernetic legs, he’s always looking for the next thrill. He’s got plenty of tricks up his sleeves to help him become the next Apex Champion. Using the “Adrenaline Junkie” ability, Octane will sacrifice some of his health for a temporary boost in speed. However, he’s got an unlimited Stimpack that allows him to regenerate health whenever needed. Finally, his ultimate ability summons a launch pad that will give everyone on his squad some extra height.
Of course, a new season means a new Battle Pass. As rumored, it will cost 950 Apex coins. By purchasing the pass, you will gain an exclusive reward each time you level up. Getting the pass also gives you three exclusive skins for Lifeline, Mirage, and Wraith. Similar to other battle passes, working your way through the Season One pass will earn you enough credit to purchase the next pass.
That’s not the only Battle Pass you can get your hands on, however. The Battle Pass Bundle will automatically earn you the first 25 levels, giving you a massive head start! That will cost 2,800 Apex Coins.
However, even if you don’t want to purchase the battle pass, Season One of Apex Legends will have something for you. All players can get a new skin for Octane, five Apex Packs, and 18 stat tracks throughout the season. The new season will also correspond with a major update, tweaking each of the Legends.
[Source: PlayStation Blog]
Apex Legends Launch Tips
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Medic Required
Save us, Lifeline!
Support classes aren’t usually particularly popular, but they are a necessity for squads that hope to win. Apex Legends lists two players as support characters: Lifeline and Pathfinder. But really, Lifeline is a true support character, featuring a tactical ability which deploys a healing droid and an ultimate ability that calls in a drop pod full of defensive gear. You can only happen upon so many health packs and shield recharges out in the field, but nearly continuous access to a healing drone is guaranteed to increase your chances of success. Since character selection is random each match, if you’re the last person to choose and your team doesn’t yet have Lifeline selected, it’s in your best interest to give your squad a literal lifeline. You’ll be thankful you did.
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Stick Together
Squad Up
The team that stays together, wins together. Apex Legends places a heavy emphasis on teams. Characters will even say things to each other if the team is too spread out. You don’t have to stay on top of one another, and indeed in the case of an unexpected ambush it is better to not be too close to each other as the threat of a squad wipe becomes very real. But if your squad mates are too far away when you’re in desperate need of some healing, then you’ll feel especially vulnerable.
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Choose the Right Drop Point
"This Place Looks Promising..."
As with most battle royale games, there is something of a pre-game in Apex Legends. Squads launch out of VTOL craft and jetpack down to wherever they would like to start the fight. While it is tempting to glide on over to one of the many large buildings featured in Kings Canyon, it’s also tempting for other squads to land there. Don’t forget that you start every match essentially unarmed, so if another player reaches the large shiny building ahead of your squad, you may be in for an early death.
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Communicate
Communication...Rules the Nation
Team-based games obviously require teamwork. Communication is vital for any amount of teamwork. For those of you without a mic or playing in an area/at a time that limits your verbal communications options, don’t forget the ping system. Apex Legends features a simple, yet robust system triggered by pressing or holding R1. See some body armor or a flatline rifle early in the match? Just point at the item and tap R1 to point it out to your teammates. The same goes for enemies, respawn points, and more. Squads have won using only the ping system, and with practice, you can too.
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Know When to Back Out
Live to Fight Another Minute
This is perhaps one of the hardest things to do in a game like Apex Legends. If your squad is ambushed, and one or more of your teammates is taken out, your initial reaction may be to rush to their aid. But sometimes, and especially if you’re not sure where exactly the enemy is firing from, it may be best to creep back a ways. Wait until the heat dies down, then go to your fallen ally. Assuming they have only been knocked down, it’s easy to revive them. At the very least, you can secure their revival. You’ll need to stay wary, though, as the enemy may assume you’re using this exact tactic, and they may be using your ally’s death marker as bait.
