The game development studio Respawn Entertainment is planning significant changes for the Ranked mode in Apex Legends as it transitions from Season 18 to Season 19. This comes after monitoring several issues that impacted gameplay and player rankings in the previous season. Here, we will delve into the various updates that Respawn Entertainment has shared, what they mean for players, and how they reflect the studio’s evolving approach to balancing its popular battle royale game.

Issues Faced in Season 18

Respawn Entertainment spent Season 18 actively improving online functionality and game mechanics. Despite these efforts, the studio identified a series of issues that inhibited players from achieving their “true” rankings at an acceptable pace. One of these issues was a bottleneck in the ranking system’s distribution that led to frustration among players striving to progress in the ranks.

Upcoming Changes in Season 19

In light of the struggles identified in Season 18, Respawn Entertainment has decided to introduce a series of changes designed to enhance player experience in the Ranked mode. Among these changes is the removal of ranking difference restrictions for three-stack premades. This will allow players to team up with their friends more freely, though this comes with the potential drawback of facing higher-level opponents. Additionally, players can expect to see fewer Ladder Point drops after provisional games, thereby aiding progression in the ranks. These changes will be complemented by a more generous bonus system that was previously inhibited by certain constraints.

Player Experience and Matchmaking

Dev Team Update: Ranked October 2023
byu/RSPN_Thieamy inapexlegends

Respawn Entertainment has been closely observing matchmaking mechanics to ensure an optimal experience for players. The studio has released reports that include several noteworthy details about their findings. This includes data-driven insights which support the changes being made to Ranked. Their aim is to create a more balanced playing field where players can achieve ranks that are reflective of their skills and game understanding.

Future Prospects: Season 19 and Beyond

Beyond these changes, Season 19 promises to bring additional updates and gameplay improvements. While Respawn Entertainment has shared several graphs and statistics to provide a snapshot of their current plans, it is evident that these are just the initial steps in a broader strategy. As Season 18 draws to a close, fans can expect Season 19 to be a more refined experience, paving the way for further adjustments in subsequent seasons.

Special Collaborative Events

Aside from changes in Ranked mode, Respawn Entertainment is also planning special events. Notably, a collaboration with artist Post Malone is slated for November 7, 2023. This event will run for two weeks and adds an extra layer of excitement for the Apex Legends community.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming changes in Apex Legends Season 19 reflect Respawn Entertainment’s ongoing commitment to improving gameplay, particularly in the Ranked mode. By taking a data-driven approach and actively seeking to address issues identified in Season 18, the studio is taking significant steps to enhance the player experience. While these are indeed notable changes, they should be viewed as part of a continual process that aims to adapt and refine the game over time.

Also Read: