Forum Discussion

3 years ago

Single Shield Game Mode?

How would you all feel about a "Single Shield" game mode? Essentially there would be no shields to pick up and no shield swapping. You have to level up your own shield, and once you reach the red sh...

gameplay discussion

clydeakatony

3 years ago

@reconzero And that's why I think it would be a cool limited time game mode. To push people to either be a little more aggressive, or to punish the people that hide until they can 3rd party the last team. Also, it will change the way people fight. It will force them to use a more tactical approach vs just winning a 1v1 and swapping the dead shield. Ultimately I feel it would completely change the gameplay and be even more competitive than it already is.

reconzero

Seasoned Ace

3 years ago

@clydeakatony

Why is it desirable to push people to be more aggressive? Is the game too slowly paced as it is? Is there something inherently offensive in the strategy of cool dropping, edging the circle, waiting for a third party opportunity, winning by placing more import on strategy than endless, high-risk gunplay?

I agree that it would suggest the opportunity for a more tactical approach to engagement, but I disagree that it would actually produce more tactically-minded players. It would probably produce more frustration and quitting amongst the "drop hot, die, repeat" players. Who, unless I miss my guess, are just about everyone below high platinum.

Lastly, do shields work this way in arenas? I feel like I should already know the answer to that question, but I've never been in that game mode and I never will be. Is arenas the place that is intended to produce the action and mindset you're trying to achieve?

clydeakatony
3 years ago
@reconzero
As we all know, the game is nowhere near slow paced. The game is good as is, and I was thinking more so as an alternative game mode. I know it would not be for everyone, but at the same time I do not think players would be forced to be more aggressive. They would still be able to play the cool drop wait it out style, but they might end up in a final team fight where they have lower shields. Proper timing will still give them the upper hand as the teams that just finished will have to replenish their shields rather than swap off the people they killed.
I could definitely see many of the drop hot and die players not being on board. However it does not change the game that much in that aspect. Those players can still play as they would, and it would eliminate the priority of dropping on a better shield so you can take more damage. Instead, it should make people think of a way to take less damage. And ultimately, if they learn to take less damage, they will become better players. At least that's how I think it works. If I had to guess, I'd say there is about a 60/40 split for players that like early action vs early looting.
In arenas, you get a bigger shield as the rounds progress. If I remember properly you are able to shield swap off a dead body, but I am not certain. However, Arenas is essentially a completely different game. There are a couple different games that I prefer for that playstyle, but I play Apex specifically for their BR.
I see now that this game mode I'm suggesting would essentially be awarding players that are doing more in the game. I could even see an alternative where you are still able to shield swap and use the replicator to upgrade, but no shields spawn on the ground. That would allow players that have killed higher shield players to then take their higher shield, as an award.
- reconzero
  Seasoned Ace
  3 years ago
  @clydeakatony
  
  I can definitely see where you're headed here. I think in the end it's an idea that nudges the game a little more toward skill and little away from luck, and that's probably not a bad thing. Except in the sense that I've grown accustomed to the luck/skill balance as it is, and I've adapted to it fairly effectively, and am generally resistant to change. But as an ltm (especially one that I don't have to play!) you may be on to something good.