Ranked-Only Packet Loss When Shield Icon Appears – Request for Investigation

Hello EA Support Team,

I’m experiencing a persistent connection issue that occurs only in Ranked matches in Apex Legends. This problem does not occur in regular (unranked) games. I’ve been having this issue for almost 2 years now.

Specifically, the issue happens when the shield icon appears next to my ping in-game during Ranked matches. When that shield icon is present, I experience packet loss, connection instability, and degraded gameplay. When the shield icon is not present—or when playing unranked modes—the game runs normally with no packet loss.

To rule out local causes, I’ve completed extensive troubleshooting:

• Multiple Ethernet cable replacements

• Console upgrade (PS5)

• Modem upgrade and replacement

• ISP technician visit with signal and line checks

• Coaxial line replacement and signal optimization

• Port forwarding enabled and disabled

• UPnP tested on and off

• IPv6 tested on and off

• DNS changes (ISP, Google, Quad9)

• Wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile hotspot testing

The issue persists only in Ranked and only when the shield icon is present, even across different networks (including mobile hotspot). This strongly suggests the problem is related to Ranked server routing, traffic management, or anti-DDoS / protection systems, rather than my local network or ISP.

I’m requesting help with:

1. Confirmation of what the shield icon indicates in Ranked matches

2. Whether my connection, IP range, or routing path may be affected by Apex Legends’ DDoS or traffic mitigation systems. My ISP is Xfinity/Concast

3. Review of Ranked server routing or congestion affecting my region

4. Share what if there is anything that can be done on my end to resolve the issue.

I can provide timestamps, server IDs, match IDs, and additional diagnostics if needed.

Thank you for your time and assistance. I appreciate any help in identifying and resolving this Ranked-only issue.