The game developers have an exciting surprise prepared for Apex Legends players, arriving just in time for the holidays. Enthusiasts of this game's super-slick movement can rejoice to learn that an innovative traversal feature is being implemented when the Amped season launches on Nov. 4.
Introducing Mantle Boosting
Named "Mantle Boosting" by the developers, this ability provides gamers a burst of propulsion when scaling obstacles. According to lead battle royale designer the design lead, this technique was previously been a feature of Apex Legends for quite a while, often called as "mantle jumping." But it's no easy feat for the average player, and is mainly used by competitive players in Ranked Mode or tournaments. This season, the team simplifies the process for players of all skill levels to execute these tricky movement boosts.
"Mantle Boosts have been in Apex for a while, but the movement requires skill to perform and gamers would never know it's possible without external guides," the designer explains. "Now including a Mantle Boost indicator so players can clearly identify the timing to activate the high-octane movement ability, making accessible the mechanic and introducing new ways to compete for more players."
The Reasoning Behind Opening Up Advanced Mechanics
Why make a previously obscure movement quirk available to all players? Principal designer Josh Mohan says developers aims for players to experience empowerment — even those who are new.
"[The playerbase] performs advanced techniques like super-gliding and tap-strafes, and we examined at other games, looked at what our players execute, and we wondered, 'How can we extend some of this power to more players?'" Mohan explains. "Since currently, certain techniques are kind of janky to access — it requires to change controls and hit one-frame windows. So we said, 'What if we make a more official version?'"
The Amped Update Emphasis on Mobility
Mobility is primarily the central theme in this season, with characters the gravity mage, Rampart, and the aerial combatant all getting enhancements to maintain them in motion. The cooldown period on her tactical ability is shorter, and the Gravity Lift will propel players into the air faster than it used to. Rampart's Amped Cover now include overhead protection and capability to grant movement bonuses to those nearby. However the spotlight is on the high-flying Valkyrie who's getting significant improvements now, with various adjustments implemented to make her more potent, faster, and more lethal.
"In my opinion many agree that her moment is here," states character developer Ian Holstead. "Certainly that she's been top-tier previously, but due to the addition of new Legends, mobility perks, and Evac Towers, it felt like she's not very relevant in current the game. This presented an ideal chance for the team to revisit a bunch of aspects [of her kit] and sort of bring her back to former prominence."
Valkyrie's Upgrades
To restore her competitive status in current strategies, the developer notes the team assessed each of her abilities and implemented significant changes. Her VTOL Jets received improvements, increasing velocity while airborne, and the jets themselves now recharge three times faster, allowing her to remain longer in the air. She can no longer take damage from her ultimate ability, which was enhanced to tag opponents who take damage from it. Her squad redeploy skill — which lifts teammates skyward for redeployment or retreat — requires reduced delay to fire up. She's also getting some new perk choices that users can choose to conserve resources, widen the area of her rockets, or accelerate her ultimate takeoff time.
"Her jet pack fulfills that jet-fighter fantasy," he comments.
Olympus Improvements
Even the game's only floating arena, this location, receives a mobility-focused overhaul, with an extensive redesign that opens up bottlenecks and renders claiming the high ground a bit less daunting. Respawn state Apex Legends Season 27 is all about giving players the tools they need to compete in the competition.
"Essentially, we were looking at Apex's fundamental nature as a fast-paced FPS," says lead Legend designer Josh Mohan.
Apex Legends Season 27: Amped launches November 4th at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST.
