An upcoming event in Apex Legends will introduce a brand-new Heat Shield item to the game. The popular free-to-play battle royale released in 2019 and has continued to receive ample post-launch content since then. The game takes place in the universe of the Titanfall series of first-person shooters (and lifts many of its mechanics), with developer Respawn Entertainment is responsible for the development of both games.
Apex Legends recently entered into its eighth season, which launched along with a host of new content on February 2. Season 8, titled Mayhem, introduced a new offensive hero named Fuse, who specializes in explosive weaponry. The new season also added more obligatory legendary skins, as well as the new 30-30 Repeater lever-action rifle, which can be charged to deal more damage per shot. The new Obliterated King's Canyon map gives players new locations and points of interests to play around with. A gameplay trailer was also recently shown for Apex Legends' Nintendo Switch port, with that handheld hybrid port set to release on March 9.
Publisher EA has revealed that the Ring Fury Escalation Event, set to begin on March 9 as part of Season 8, will introduce a new Heat Shield item to the game. Ring Fury will add Ring Flares to the map, which slowly expand and damage any player caught within them. However, a new Heat Shield item is also being added to the game which creates a large protective dome (similar to Gibraltar's) when used and takes up a newly-added Survival Slot. The barrier protects players inside from the Ring Flares, as well as speeding up the use of healing items and revives. EA also confirms that Heat Shields will remain in the game as general ground loot even after the Ring Fury Escalation Event is over.
Along with brand new content, Season 8 of Apex Legends also added some changes to older content. The character Wraith, in particular, received nerfs in the update which have drastically decreased her popularity. Wraith has been consistently considered the most popular Apex Legends character, but Respawn Entertainment recently increased the size of her hitbox to make it easier for other characters to hit her. This seemingly simple nerf has led to Wraith dropping from the most popular character in the game down to the fourth-most popular.
As a decently popular battle royale, Apex Legends' frequent updates are what the game lives and dies by. EA and Respawn Entertainment are able to keep the game's playerbase loyal and happy by adding new content that is fun, unique and innovative. While the Heat Shield item may not seem groundbreaking, the unique mechanics at work in the Ring Fury Escalation Event will put an exciting twist on typical Apex Legends gameplay when it begins on March 9.
Apex Legends is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and it will launch on Nintendo Switch on March 9, 2021.
Source: EA