reddeadplace.com – Apex Legends is a fast-paced, team-based battle royale game that stands out for its unique characters, smooth gameplay, and strategic depth. If you’re new to the game, jumping into Apex Legends might feel overwhelming due to its variety of mechanics and characters. This beginner’s guide will help you get a solid start, understand the basics, and begin building your skills to become a competitive player. Let’s dive in!
1. Understanding the Basics
Apex Legends drops players into a three-person squad (or sometimes in duos or solo events) onto a large map where the goal is to be the last squad standing. Here are some key points to get started:
- Select Your Legend: In Apex Legends, each character, known as a “Legend,” has unique abilities. Legends are divided into classes such as Offensive, Defensive, Recon, and Support. Choose a Legend that suits your preferred play style; for instance, Lifeline can heal the team, while Wraith is great for stealthy, fast movements.
- Mastering Abilities: Each Legend has three abilities—Tactical, Passive, and Ultimate. The Tactical ability has a short cooldown and can be used often (e.g., Pathfinder’s grappling hook), while the Ultimate is a powerful move that charges over time (e.g., Gibraltar’s defensive bombardment). Learn your Legend’s abilities to use them effectively in battle.
- Teamwork is Key: Unlike some other battle royale games, teamwork is essential in Apex Legends. Communication, coordination, and watching each other’s backs are crucial. Use the game’s advanced ping system to mark locations, alert teammates to enemies, and call out loot—this way, even if you’re not using a microphone, you can still stay connected.
2. Dropping In: Landing Smart
Choosing the right place to start your game can make a big difference. Here’s what you need to know:
- Avoid Hot Zones (Initially): As a beginner, it’s best to avoid “hot zones” or high-tier loot areas where many teams land. Landing in less populated areas can give you time to collect weapons, armor, and attachments without getting into immediate fights.
- Work with Your Jumpmaster: One player will be the “Jumpmaster,” controlling the squad’s landing location. Stick with the team as splitting up too early can lead to being outnumbered by opponents. If you want to land in a specific place, you can always ping the area and suggest it to the Jumpmaster.
- Loot Efficiently: Quickly scan buildings for weapons, ammo, armor, and other supplies, and prioritize grabbing armor and a weapon as soon as you land. Pay attention to the loot tiers (e.g., purple is better than blue or white) to know which items to prioritize.
3. Mastering Combat and Weapons
Apex Legends offers a variety of weapons, each with different handling, recoil, and effectiveness. Here’s how to improve your combat skills:
- Try Out Different Weapons: Apex has a wide range of guns, from assault rifles like the R-301 to snipers like the Longbow. Spend some time in the Firing Range to test out different guns and find ones that suit your style. Remember, every weapon has unique recoil patterns, so practicing will help you control them better.
- Use Attachments Wisely: Attachments like scopes, stocks, and extended magazines can dramatically improve a weapon’s performance. Attach whatever fits to your weapons early on and upgrade when you find better attachments. However, if your gun is fully equipped, keep an eye out for spare attachments for your teammates.
- Aim for Headshots: Headshots do significantly more damage in Apex Legends, so aim high when possible. Aim practice in the Firing Range will also help improve your accuracy under pressure.
- Don’t Underestimate Melee: When ammo runs out, a well-timed melee punch can do a surprising amount of damage. Use it as a last resort or to disorient enemies in close quarters.
4. Using the Ping System for Communication
Apex Legends has one of the most intuitive ping systems in gaming, allowing you to communicate efficiently with your squad. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Ping Loot and Enemies: Double-tap the ping button to mark enemies, or single-tap to indicate loot, potential threats, or locations. This way, your teammates will know where to go and what to avoid without verbal communication.
- Request Items: If you need a specific item (like ammo or a particular weapon), you can ping it from your inventory screen. Teammates will see your request, making it easy for them to share or drop items if they find them.
- Contextual Pings: Use the ping wheel to access quick commands like “Looting here,” “Defending this area,” or “Watching here.” These help communicate strategy in-game.
5. Movement is Key
In Apex Legends, movement is a big part of staying alive. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Sliding and Sprinting: Sliding down hills is faster than running and makes you a harder target. Sprint and slide often to move quickly and avoid gunfire, and experiment with sliding out of a sprint to maintain momentum.
- Use the Environment: The game’s vertical environment can work to your advantage. Legends like Pathfinder and Horizon can access high ground more easily, and you can use buildings, rocks, and cliffs to reposition during combat.
- Keep Moving: Unlike some battle royales, staying in one place is often a bad idea in Apex Legends. Always be on the move, and avoid staying stationary in open areas. This not only makes you harder to hit but also allows you to scout for enemies and loot.
6. Managing the Ring and Health
In Apex Legends, a shrinking ring gradually limits the playable area, damaging players caught outside. Here are tips to stay safe and manage your health:
- Watch the Ring Timer: The ring shrinks at timed intervals, and you can see the next safe zone on your map. Keep an eye on it, especially if you’re far from the next zone.
- Use Medkits and Shields: Health and shields are crucial. Keep syringes and medkits handy, as well as shield cells and batteries. Manage these resources carefully, especially when moving into the late game where taking cover and healing can decide matches.
- Armor Swapping: Instead of wasting time recharging shields, swap out for fresh armor from loot bins or fallen enemies when you’re low. This can be a lifesaver in hectic battles.
7. Strategies for the Endgame
As the match progresses, only a few squads will remain. Here’s how to prepare:
- Stay Near Cover: As the ring closes, fights become more intense. Position yourself near cover or high ground to have an advantage, and avoid running through open areas.
- Use Your Abilities Wisely: Save your Legend’s ultimate abilities for crucial moments, like during the last few squad fights or when reviving teammates. An ultimate like Bangalore’s smoke barrage can obscure enemies’ vision, while Bloodhound’s tracking ability gives you an upper hand.
- Be Patient: In the final circles, patience is key. Rushing in can be dangerous, as other squads might be waiting for an easy third-party (clean-up) kill. Wait for the right moment and let other teams fight each other if you’re at a positional disadvantage.
Final Thoughts
Starting off in Apex Legends can be daunting, but with practice, you’ll get better at understanding its mechanics, map layouts, and Legend abilities. Keep experimenting with different Legends, stay aware of your surroundings, and communicate effectively with your team. With time and practice, you’ll start climbing the ranks and securing victories in no time. Good luck, and see you in the arena!
