The Apex Developers Responded

Summary

In a recent AMA, Respawn Entertainment shed light on key aspects of Lifeline’s rework in *Apex Legends*, detailing her new Glide ability, the inspiration behind her updated kit, and the future of the support class. Developers discussed their approach to balancing Legends, including Lifeline’s increased power and the potential for more reworks. They also explained the reasoning behind class-wide buffs, upcoming adjustments, and how player feedback influences changes. While the support class is stronger now, future nerfs and buffs are expected, offering insights into Respawn's evolving vision for *Apex Legends*.

Takeaways

• 😀 Glide ability was inspired by Lifeline's interactions with Doc and designed to help her keep up with aggressive teammates.
• 😀 Respawn has no immediate plans for additional reworks but is always evaluating underperforming Legends for possible adjustments.
• 😀 Support class buffs have made Lifeline, Newcastle, and Gibby stronger, but some Legends like Loba and Mirage are underperforming and will see changes in the future.
• 😀 Lifeline's visual rework aimed to give her a fresh identity and reflect her new role and abilities in the game.
• 😀 Developers intentionally release new Legends with stronger abilities to allow players to experiment, then adjust the balance based on data and feedback.
• 😀 The current power of support perks may be toned down as the season progresses to maintain long-term balance in the game.
• 😀 Lifeline's Halo ultimate provides invulnerability to create a safe healing zone for teammates, with no immediate plans for changes despite concerns about its power.
• 😀 Developers experimented with several ultimate concepts for Lifeline, including one that would boop enemies out of a zone, but settled on the current Halo ability.
• 😀 A user asked about the lack of a countdown or status bar for Lifeline's Glide passive, but Respawn preferred using audio, VFX, and animations for feedback.
• 😀 The developers explained that changes to the support class were designed to give it a stronger identity, but it won't remain overpowered forever as they aim for a healthy game balance.

Q & A

Why did Respawn decide to add the Glide ability to Lifeline's kit?

The Glide ability was inspired by Lifeline's interactions with Doc in various trailers and lore segments. It was designed to help Lifeline keep up with aggressive teammates, adding a dynamic mobility option to her support role.

Are there any plans for further reworks of other Legends in Apex Legends?

Currently, Respawn has no set plans for additional Legend reworks. However, they are always evaluating ways to improve underperforming Legends or those whose fantasy is not fully realized, with changes possibly being made based on performance and community feedback.

Was the late release of Lifeline Reborn's trailer intentional?

Yes, the late release of Lifeline Reborn's trailer was intentional. It was meant to mirror the surprise release of the original Apex Legends and maintain the sense of a 'shadow drop' for players to experience the new update in a more exciting way.

Why is there no UI element like a countdown for Lifeline's Glide passive?

Respawn discussed adding a UI countdown but ultimately chose not to clutter the HUD with additional information. Instead, they rely on VFX, animations, and audio cues to convey the Glide’s range, allowing players to feel out the ability through gameplay.

What are Respawn's thoughts on the current Bat Pack perk for Lifeline?

The Bat Pack is considered by many players to be a staple pick, providing extra healing items for better survivability. While it’s a popular choice, Respawn continues to evaluate all perks and could make changes to improve the overall balance of Lifeline's kit.

Will the strong buffs given to the support class, particularly Lifeline, last forever?

No, while the support class is currently enjoying strong buffs, Respawn intends to scale back these changes after some time. The goal is to keep the support class in a healthy and balanced state, with adjustments possibly occurring mid-season to avoid overpowering them.

How does Respawn approach the balancing of Legends in terms of overpowered abilities?

Respawn prefers to launch Legends with stronger abilities to allow players to experiment and have fun. This approach helps the community discover a Legend’s full potential before any adjustments are made to rein in overpowered aspects. This ensures the character is given a fair chance to shine before balance changes are implemented.

Why did Respawn decide to change Lifeline’s appearance during her rework?

Lifeline’s appearance was updated to reflect her new abilities and narrative. Similar to other Legend reworks, this change was designed to give her a fresh look and match the new energy and purpose that the developers wanted her to have in the game.

What do the developers think about support Legends healing in the ring, especially with the double Med heals?

Respawn is aware of the potential for support Legends to exploit healing in the ring, particularly with the double Med heals. They have added cooldowns and other measures to prevent this from being overly advantageous and are monitoring the issue for future adjustments.

What were some of the prototypes that didn't make it into Lifeline's final rework?

One prototype for Lifeline’s ultimate involved a device that would push enemies out of its zone, but it led to frustrating interactions. The developers decided to use the current Halo ability, which provides a safer and more balanced way for Lifeline to help her team, with her other abilities complementing this defensive focus.