Key Highlights:
- Apex Legends Season 22 “Shockwave” introduces a new map and major gameplay changes.
- No new Legend, but significant updates to existing characters and game mechanics.
- E-District, a cyberpunk-themed map, and Revival mode are the main additions.
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Apex Legends Shocks Players with Massive Season 22 Update
Apex Legends is about to receive one of its most significant updates yet with Season 22, codenamed “Shockwave”.
While there’s no new Legend joining the roster this time, the upcoming season is set to revolutionise the game with a slew of changes that touch nearly every aspect of the battle royale experience.
Check out the brand new Shockwave trailer released an hour ago as of this writing below:
New Map: Welcome to E-District
The star of the show is undoubtedly E-District, a brand-new battle royale map described as a “cyberpunk playground”.
This night-time arena promises to shake up the gameplay with its emphasis on vertical combat.
Despite the nocturnal setting, the developers have assured players that visibility won’t be an issue, with the map being well-lit to keep the action clear and intense.
E-District introduces several notable points of interest (POIs) that are sure to become hotspots for action:
- Street Market: Prepare for intense close-quarters combat in this densely packed area.
- Neon Square: Taking inspiration from Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing, this area promises to be a visual spectacle.
- Stadium: An old Prowler racing track repurposed into a residential community.
- The Lotus: High-end luxury apartments for those who like their firefights with a side of opulence.
The map also features a new movement mechanic called Gravity Launchers, similar to the Gravity Cannons on Storm Point, adding a new dimension to player mobility.
Revival Mode: A Second Chance at Victory
Taking a page from other battle royales, Apex Legends is introducing Revival mode.
This new game type, which will initially be available as a trios takeover, gives players multiple chances to get back into the fight.
When you’re eliminated, a respawn timer begins. As long as one teammate remains alive, you’ll have the opportunity to rejoin the battle.
Interestingly, dealing damage and scoring knockdowns will speed up your respawn time, encouraging aggressive play even after death.
However, don’t get too comfortable – in the final rings, the revival feature will be disabled, ensuring intense endgame scenarios.
This has basically copied the recent Fortnite Reload mode, but who’s complaining.
Major Gameplay Changes
Season 22 isn’t just about new content; it’s also bringing significant changes to core gameplay mechanics:
- Aim Assist Adjustment: In a move that’s sure to spark debate, aim assist for controllers on PC in crossplay lobbies is being reduced by 25%.
The developers acknowledged that the current implementation was too strong and needed balancing.
- Battle Sense: This feature, previously limited to certain modes, is now coming to core Battle Royale. It includes enemy health bars and close-range enemy highlights, although long-range highlighting will not be implemented.
There’s also a new “Health Sense” feature that shows enemy health bars when in line of sight. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, these features can be toggled off.
- Weapon Overhaul: Several weapons are receiving significant changes:
- Akimbo wielding for Mozambique and P2020 pistols
- New Gun Shield hop-up for LMGs
- Shotgun damage per pellet increased, but fewer pellets fired
- Light ammo capacity increased across the board
- Legend Updates: While specific changes weren’t detailed, Rampart, Wattson, Vantage, and Crypto are all set to receive balance adjustments. Additionally, Controller and Recon class Legends are getting general updates to their abilities.
- Looting Improvements: Deathbox layouts are being rearranged for easier navigation. Mid-match, all open loot bins will reset, giving players a second chance at finding gear.
New Rare Gold Bins and a single Mythic Bin per match will offer high-tier loot, adding a new strategic element to matches.
Ranked Rumble is undergoing changes. There will be two Ranked Rumble events per season, each determining rank based on a player’s top ten matches. Regular ranked play will be paused during these events.
The ranked system is being adjusted to improve the start of seasons and matchmaking quality. A new map will be available for two weeks. Changes to rank point values are coming, with a focus on smoother season starts and more competitive matches. Players who place 15th or higher in matches will no longer lose rank points.
New Player Experience and Bot Royale
Respawn is also focusing on improving the new player experience. A welcome pass and special challenges will be introduced to help newcomers learn the ropes.
Additionally, the orientation matches are being replaced with “Bot Royale”, a smaller, faster version of the battle royale where all enemies are AI-controlled.
This mode will allow new players to practice with any Legend without the overwhelming pressure of real human opponents.
Backlash from the battle pass changes recently forced Respawn to reverse their initial model. This huge release of content looks like their way of making up for it.
With all these changes, Season 22 Shockwave is shaping up to be one of the most transformative updates in Apex Legends‘ history.
From the neon-lit streets of E-District to the fundamental shifts in gameplay mechanics, there’s something new for veterans and newcomers equally to discover.
The full patch notes, with more detailed information on all these changes, will be released closer to the season’s launch on August 6th.
Until then, Legends, it’s time to prepare for a whole new energy in the Apex Games.