Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment’s acclaimed battle royale, has always been at the forefront of dynamic gameplay. However, the Season 19 update, particularly for the Storm Point map, brought significant changes that have sparked both intrigue and debate within the community.
One of the most notable alterations was the removal of IMC Armories and their player-versus-environment (PvE) features.
Understanding the IMC Armory Decision
MichaelAOS, a senior level designer at Respawn, addressed this hot topic in a Reddit-hosted AMA on November 22. He explained that the decision stemmed from the observation that players were increasingly gravitating towards these armories, engaging more in PvE mechanics than the intended player-versus-player (PvP) battles. This trend was reducing team-on-team interactions, a core aspect of the Apex Legends experience.
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The Original Intent and Outcome
Initially, IMC Armories in Storm Point were unique points of interest (POIs). Teams entering an armory faced timed challenges against IMC Spectres, earning rewards based on their performance. This feature, while innovative, inadvertently promoted a gameplay style where teams would camp in these armories, gaining significant loot and shield advantages.
This imbalance led to frustration among players who felt that the risk-reward ratio was skewed heavily in favor of those occupying the armories.
Respawn’s Philosophy and Response
MichaelAOS emphasized Respawn’s commitment to adding elements that enhance the game’s sandbox rather than serving as mere novelties. The feedback from both casual and competitive players was instrumental in guiding the update.
By removing the armories, the developers aim to encourage teams to explore the map more organically, engaging in exciting POIs designed for player interactions.
No more Evac from Command! 🎛️🗼
I see TSM and MST either leaving their POIs or back to Valk if this does not change🙃 pic.twitter.com/2hvbPLol9e— DZ Privacy (@Privacy_Pleas) October 31, 2023
Upcoming Mid-Season Changes
The AMA session also shed light on potential mid-season updates. With the armories’ removal, several Tridents (vehicles for rapid map traversal) were also taken out. However, MichaelAOS confirmed that additional Tridents would be reintroduced at specific POIs, such as Barometer.
Another significant change involved Evac Towers, especially their placement restrictions at elevated POIs like the Command Center. This alteration, while unintentional, had been a side effect of bug fixing. The mid-season patch aims to address this, potentially restoring some of the Evac Towers’ functionalities.
A Future Aligned with Player Feedback
Respawn’s decisions and forthcoming updates reflect a deep understanding of and response to the Apex Legends community’s needs. As the game evolves, it continues to balance innovation with the core elements that make the battle royale experience engaging and fair for all players.
The mid-season patch is highly anticipated, promising to further refine and enhance the strategic possibilities in Apex Legends.