Unboxing the Mystery: Getting an Heirloom Before 500 Packs in Apex Legends

Yes, you absolutely can get an Heirloom before opening 500 Apex Packs in Apex Legends. Landing an Heirloom before hitting the 500-pack mark is purely based on luck, as each pack has approximately a 1% chance of containing those coveted 150 Heirloom Shards. However, if you’re fortunate enough to snag an Heirloom early, the game’s “pity timer” resets. This means the counter goes back to zero, and you’ll need to open another 500 packs to be guaranteed your next set of Heirloom Shards.

Understanding the Heirloom System in Apex Legends

The Heirloom system in Apex Legends is designed to be both a rare and rewarding experience. These cosmetic items are highly sought after, adding flair and prestige to your favorite Legends. But how does the system really work?

The 500-Pack Guarantee: Bad Luck Protection

Respawn Entertainment implemented a system known as “bad luck protection,” which guarantees that a player will receive Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs. This means that even if you have terrible luck, you’re assured to get your hands on an Heirloom eventually. It’s a safety net to prevent players from endlessly chasing these rare cosmetics.

The Random Factor: Chance Encounters

While the 500-pack guarantee is a comforting safety net, many players obtain Heirloom Shards long before reaching that milestone. Every Apex Pack you open has a small chance (around 1%) of dropping 150 Heirloom Shards. This means that you could get an Heirloom in your first few packs, though the odds are slim.

What Happens After You Get an Heirloom?

This is where the reset comes into play. Once you acquire Heirloom Shards and unlock an Heirloom, the 500-pack counter resets to zero. The guarantee starts anew, meaning you’ll need to open another 500 packs to be assured of getting your next set of Heirloom Shards. Whether you get your first Heirloom on pack number 3 or pack number 499, the reset function operates the same way. This doesn’t mean you can’t get another Heirloom before 500 packs again, it just means you aren’t guaranteed to.

Heirloom Shards vs. Event Heirlooms

It’s crucial to distinguish between Heirloom Shards obtained through Apex Packs and Heirlooms unlocked through specific in-game events. Purchasing an Heirloom directly from an event does not reset your Apex Pack Heirloom counter. The counter is only affected when you unbox Heirloom Shards from regular Apex Packs (either purchased or earned through gameplay).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apex Heirlooms

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of the Heirloom system in Apex Legends:

1. What is the average cost to obtain an heirloom?

While not a direct cost, the average player would need to open 500 Apex Packs to guarantee an Heirloom. If you buy Apex Packs, this could translate to a significant investment. Getting them for free depends on how far you progress in the battle passes and level progression.

2. Do event apex packs count towards the 500-pack guarantee?

Yes, any regular Apex Packs you acquire through events (not event-specific packs) count towards your 500-pack guarantee. The packs must be standard Apex Packs that could potentially contain Heirloom Shards.

3. What happens if I get all the heirlooms?

Once you’ve unlocked every Heirloom available in the game, you will no longer receive Heirloom Shards from Apex Packs until a new Heirloom is released. Apex Packs containing Heirlooms instead contain Apex Coins of equal value.

4. How many apex packs do you get from level 1 to 500?

From level 1 to 500, you receive a total of 199 Apex Packs. Completing all Battle Passes can increase this to 259 packs.

5. Can I track how many apex packs i’ve opened?

Unfortunately, Apex Legends doesn’t provide an in-game tracker for the number of Apex Packs you’ve opened. Many players rely on third-party trackers or manually keeping count.

6. Is it worth buying apex packs for heirlooms?

Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your budget and desire for Heirlooms. Given the low drop rate and the potential cost, it’s generally recommended to approach buying Apex Packs for Heirlooms with caution.

7. How often do new heirlooms get released?

Respawn typically releases new Heirlooms periodically, often coinciding with in-game events or seasonal updates.

8. Is there a way to increase the chance of getting heirloom shards?

There’s no official way to increase the base chance of finding Heirloom Shards in Apex Packs.

9. What happens if I purchase an event heirloom?

If you purchase an Heirloom directly through an event, it does not reset your Apex Pack Heirloom counter. It only resets when you obtain Heirloom Shards from standard Apex Packs.

10. Are heirlooms account bound?

Yes, Heirlooms are account-bound. Once you unlock an Heirloom, it’s available for use on any platform where you access your Apex Legends account.

11. Can I gift heirlooms to other players?

No, Heirlooms cannot be gifted to other players. They are exclusively for use on the account that unlocks them.

12. Do crafting metals affect the heirloom drop rate?

No, crafting metals have no impact on the Heirloom drop rate. The two systems are entirely separate.

13. What’s the best heirloom to get?

This is subjective and depends on personal preference. Factors to consider include the Legend you play most often, the Heirloom’s design, and its animations. However, the most desirable heirloom may vary depending on the player.

14. Can I get heirloom shards from apex packs earned in the firing range?

No, Apex Packs earned in the Firing Range (through Apex tutorials) cannot contain Heirloom Shards.

15. How does the level cap increase affect heirloom acquisition?

With the level cap increased to 2000, players can now earn more Apex Packs through leveling up. This ultimately increases your chances of obtaining Heirloom Shards, but the underlying drop rates remain the same. Remember that one of the main goals of educational games, is to reward you for your hard work. Consider reading this article from Games Learning Society about fun and engaging games.

Final Thoughts

The Apex Legends Heirloom system is a blend of chance and guarantee. While luck plays a significant role in potentially obtaining an Heirloom early, the 500-pack guarantee provides a safety net for those with less favorable luck. Understanding how the system works, including the reset mechanism, is crucial for managing expectations and making informed decisions about purchasing Apex Packs. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the pursuit of Heirlooms adds an extra layer of excitement to the Apex Legends experience.