Respawn Entertainment has introduced a sweeping update with the Apex Legends mid-season 23 patch, focusing on significant buffs for Loba and Mirage while addressing weapon meta concerns. These changes aim to shake up gameplay dynamics and improve the overall balance.
Loba Buffs and Changes
Loba, often considered a niche pick, has received a host of improvements to her abilities and upgrades to enhance her offensive and supportive potential:
- Tactical Ability:
- Gains a second charge.
- Reduced toss and recovery time for her bracelet.
- Ultimate Ability (Black Market):
- Now available immediately after drop.
- Deployment time increased.
- Can now be packed up remotely.
- Shield Cells, Syringes, and Ally Banners can be collected without consuming a “use.”
- Can now access Explosive Holds and Vaults on King’s Canyon without destroying the Black Market.
- Upgrades:
- Level 2:
- Wolf’s Claws: Provides a speed boost after teleporting.
- Shopping Spree: Allows the squad to grab three items each from the Black Market.
- Level 3:
- Brand New Bag: Grants the squad Gold Backpacks.
- Escape Artist: Restores 50 shields after teleporting (interrupted by damage).
- Level 2:
These updates enhance Loba’s offensive capability while maintaining her utility as a support Legend. However, the changes may further cement her reputation as a “ratting” character in ranked matches.
Mirage Buffs and Changes
Mirage has been repositioned as a versatile “jack-of-all-trades” Legend with the following enhancements:
- Passive Ability:
- Can cloak while using healing items.
- Gains increased movement speed after reviving an ally while cloaked.
- Upgrades:
- Ability to scan bamboozled enemies or access all class-specific bins, beacons, and consoles.
- This flexibility makes Mirage a valuable utility pick for Ranked matches, although his impact on professional play remains uncertain.
Weapon Meta Overhaul
The mid-season update includes changes to popular weapons, introducing a new Accelerated Weapon mechanic and rebalancing other armaments:
- Accelerated Weapon Mechanic:
- Default hop-up included.
- Generates additional EVO and Ultimate charge when dealing damage or securing a knock.
- Applies to Nemesis, G7 Scout, and CAR SMG.
- Charge Rifle:
- Gains automatic fire capability with the Select Fire hop-up.
- Reduced damage in automatic mode (60% of normal damage).
- Other improvements include extended mag compatibility and reduced recoil.
- Shotgun Adjustments:
- Mastiff: Reduced medium-range effectiveness; widened blast pattern.
- Peacekeeper: Improved projectile speed and choke consistency for longer-range utility.
- Other Weapon Updates:
- RE-45: Damage increased from 12 to 13.
- Nemesis: Benefits from the Accelerated Weapon mechanic, further cementing its role as a top-tier option.
Impact on the Meta
The update promises to create a more dynamic meta:
- Loba: Gains viability in both offensive and defensive situations, especially in end-game scenarios.
- Mirage: Potential to carve a niche as a versatile support Legend, though his popularity in high-level play remains uncertain.
- Weapons: The Mastiff’s nerfs shift the spotlight to the Peacekeeper for long-range engagements, while the Charge Rifle’s new mechanics introduce a fresh approach to sniping.
Conclusion
The Apex Legends mid-season patch brings exciting changes that aim to redefine gameplay strategies. With buffs to underutilized Legends and adjustments to weapon balance, players can expect a revitalized experience.
The introduction of new mechanics and updates to existing tools ensure this patch will have a lasting impact on the current meta.
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