As the fifth anniversary of Apex Legends approaches, Respawn Entertainment is gearing up for an exciting new season. The upcoming Season 22, titled Apex Legends: Shockwave, promises to enhance the battle royale experience with a host of new features and a brand-new map. The developers are focused on attracting new players while keeping existing ones engaged for more extended gameplay sessions.
One of the most significant additions in this season is the innovative Revival feature, which will be available in the new Straight Shot Revival mode. This feature allows players to respawn near their teammates after a brief 30-second timer, with unlimited Revivals available until Round 4. The traditional Respawn Beacons and Banners have been removed, streamlining the process of re-entering the game. This change aims to create a more inclusive environment for newcomers and encourage players to take risks and explore the game’s expansive world.
However, dying in the game still comes with its challenges. A teammate’s death can disrupt the team’s strategy for later rounds and force a respawned player to start from scratch in terms of gathering supplies. This dynamic introduces a new layer of strategy, especially for more experienced players, as the Revival mechanic only activates if at least one squad member remains alive. This encourages seasoned players to protect their teammates while also considering the implications of a complete squad wipe.
In addition to the Revival feature, the core battle royale mode will see enhancements to the Battle Sense feature. Players will now see enemy health bars above adversaries’ heads when they inflict damage, and these bars will remain visible as long as the enemy is within line of sight. The enemy highlight feature will also assist players in identifying opponents as they approach, adding a tactical edge during close-quarter combat. However, highlights will not work from long distances, encouraging players to hone their skills in long-range engagements.
The new E-District map is another exciting addition to Season 22, marking the sixth map in the history of Apex Legends. This close-quarters map emphasizes vertical gameplay, allowing players to navigate skyscrapers and explore various landmarks. Notable locations include the Shipyard Arcade, Neon Square—which draws inspiration from Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya Square—Street Market, and the Stadium. The verticality of the E-District map is expected to provide a fresh twist on the usual gameplay dynamics, putting the Unlimited Revival feature to the test.
Players can also anticipate a revamp of moment-to-moment gameplay mechanics. Loot bins will be updated, and the developers are likely to introduce additional changes to enhance the overall player experience. With these updates, Respawn Entertainment aims to create a more engaging and dynamic environment for both new and returning players.
Apex Legends: Shockwave is shaping up to be a game-changing season, packed with features designed to keep players on their toes and encourage a more immersive experience. As the community eagerly awaits the official launch, the anticipation for new gameplay mechanics and the innovative E-District map continues to build.
