Apex Legends players, brace yourselves for a significant shake-up in the game's Ranked ladder. The developers have announced a hard reset for Master+ players in NA, EUW, EUNE, BR, LAN, and TR regions, aiming to address the volatility and inconsistencies that have plagued the Apex ladder since the January reset. This move, while disruptive, is a bold attempt to restore ladder integrity and create a more satisfying climbing experience.
The Issues and the Reset
The Apex team acknowledges that their matchmaking adjustments this year, aimed at improving the Ranked experience, led to unintended consequences. Players reported a rollercoaster of LP gains and losses, with some patches causing drastic fluctuations of +10/-30LP and others +-20LP. This volatility undermined the ladder's integrity, making the climb feel unfair and inconsistent. The goal of the reset is to provide a fresh start, ensuring that players' current ranks and MMRs are reset to Master 0LP when Patch 26.9 is released at the beginning of Season 2.
Player Feedback and Priorities
The decision to implement a hard reset was influenced by player feedback. The majority of surveyed Apex players emphasized the importance of ladder integrity, even if it meant a temporary dip in matchmaking quality. This reset is a direct response to the desire for a fair and balanced climbing experience, where players can progress without the fear of being matched against significantly higher-ranked opponents.
Ladder LP Gains and Cutoffs
To address the grind associated with the ladder, the developers plan to increase LP gains and losses to a baseline of +-30 LP. This adjustment aims to make the climb more manageable while still requiring effort to reach the top. The LP gain range is expected to be between +35/-25 LP and +25/-35 LP, ensuring a balanced challenge. Additionally, the minimum LP cutoffs for Challenger and Grandmaster will be raised to 800 LP and 400 LP, respectively, reducing the impact of early-season winstreaks.
Apex Tier Ranked Rewards
The reset also impacts the rewards system. With a shorter Season and the reset, players might find it harder to reclaim their peak rank. The developers plan to distribute Season 1 rewards as usual and use Season 3 as a final rewards pass for Season 2. Players who reach higher ranks in Season 3 will receive those rewards for both seasons, ensuring a fair and rewarding experience.
Looking Ahead
The Apex team believes that this reset is a necessary step to stabilize the ladder and improve the overall Ranked experience. They emphasize that other regions have not faced the same level of instability, and this reset is a rare but necessary measure. The developers appreciate the feedback and understanding from the player community, and they are committed to making the game more enjoyable and fair for all.
In conclusion, the hard reset is a bold move to address the Apex ladder's challenges, and it reflects the developers' dedication to player satisfaction. As the game evolves, the focus on ladder integrity and a balanced climbing experience will undoubtedly contribute to a more engaging and rewarding gaming environment for Apex Legends players.
