Can You Get Heirloom Shards Twice (or More!) in Apex Legends? A Deep Dive
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Yes, absolutely! You can get Heirloom Shards multiple times in Apex Legends, as long as you don’t already own all of the available Heirlooms and Prestige Skins. The game employs a “pity timer” system guaranteeing you Heirloom Shards within a certain number of Apex Packs. Once you’ve claimed an Heirloom, the counter resets, giving you another shot at obtaining more Shards. Let’s break down the specifics of how this system works and answer some common questions surrounding Apex Legends Heirlooms.
How Heirloom Shards Work: The Core Mechanics
Apex Legends’ Heirloom system is designed to be both rare and rewarding. Heirloom Shards are a special type of in-game currency that can be redeemed for Heirloom sets (unique cosmetic items themed around specific Legends) or Prestige Skins. Here’s what you need to know:
- Drop Rate: The base drop rate for Heirloom Shards in Apex Packs is approximately 1%. This means that, statistically, you have a very small chance of finding them in any given pack.
- Pity Timer: Respawn Entertainment implemented a pity timer to ensure that no player goes without Heirloom Shards indefinitely. This timer guarantees that you will receive 150 Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs opened (excluding Collection Event Packs if you obtained an Heirloom directly from the event).
- Resetting the Counter: Once you receive Heirloom Shards and use them to unlock an Heirloom or Prestige Skin, the pity timer resets to zero. This means you have another full cycle of up to 500 Apex Packs before another guaranteed drop.
- Heirloom Pool: The availability of Heirloom Shards is directly tied to the number of Heirlooms and Prestige Skins you already own. If you possess all of the Heirlooms and Prestige Skins released in the game, you will not receive any more Heirloom Shards from Apex Packs until a new one is introduced.
- Event Heirlooms: Collection Events often offer Heirlooms for direct purchase by unlocking all items within the event. Obtaining an Heirloom this way does not reset your Apex Pack pity timer.
Understanding the RNG and Your Chances
The Random Number Generator (RNG) plays a significant role in the Apex Legends’ loot system, including Heirloom Shard drops. Each Apex Pack is essentially a gamble, with a small chance of hitting the Heirloom jackpot. This can be frustrating, but understanding the system can help manage expectations:
- Independent Rolls: Every Apex Pack you open is an independent event. This means that your chances of finding Heirloom Shards are the same regardless of whether you’ve just opened 100 packs or are approaching the 500-pack pity timer.
- No Guarantees (Before 500): While it’s possible to get Heirloom Shards before opening 500 packs, it’s entirely based on luck. Don’t expect to get one early; the 1% drop rate is quite low.
- Counting Packs: Since you’re guaranteed an Heirloom within 500 packs, many players keep track of the number of packs they’ve opened since their last Heirloom Shard drop. This provides a sense of progress and helps manage expectations.
FAQs About Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends
Let’s address some of the most frequently asked questions about Heirloom Shards to further clarify the system.
How many Heirloom Shards do I need for an Heirloom?
You need 150 Heirloom Shards to purchase an Heirloom set or Prestige Skin from the Heirloom Shop.
Can I get two sets of Heirloom Shards in a row?
Yes, it’s possible, although very rare. Since each pack has a small chance of containing Heirloom Shards, it’s theoretically possible to get them back-to-back, though it’s highly unlikely due to the low drop rate. Remember that all possibilities are possible every single time you open a pack.
Does opening an Heirloom during an event reset my 500-pack counter?
No, obtaining an Heirloom by completing a Collection Event does not reset your 500-pack counter. The counter only resets when you open an Apex Pack and receive Heirloom Shards.
What happens if I reach level 500? Do I still get Apex Packs?
Yes, you continue to receive Apex Packs after reaching level 500, although less frequently. You now loop through levels 1-500 three additional times, ultimately earning a total of 544 Apex Packs through leveling.
How many Apex Packs can I earn in total?
With the expanded level system, you can earn a total of 544 Apex Packs through leveling. This essentially guarantees that you will get more than one Heirloom through the pity timer system as you progress through the levels.
Can I lose Heirloom Shards?
No, Heirloom Shards do not expire. Once you have them, they will remain in your account until you choose to spend them.
What should I spend my Heirloom Shards on?
That’s entirely up to you! Consider which Legend you play most often or which Heirloom has the coolest animations or lore. Remember to consider if you’d prefer a Prestige Skin instead of an heirloom. Both cost 150 heirloom shards.
Is there a way to increase my chances of getting Heirloom Shards?
Unfortunately, no. The drop rate is fixed, and there are no in-game methods to increase it. The only way to improve your chances is to open more Apex Packs.
Do Collection Event Packs count towards the 500-pack pity timer?
No, Collection Event Packs do not count towards the 500-pack pity timer. Only standard Apex Packs contribute to the counter.
How do I know how many Apex Packs I’ve opened?
Apex Legends doesn’t provide a built-in tracker, but you can estimate based on your level and purchases. You can also use online trackers or spreadsheets to manually track your Apex Pack openings.
What was the first Heirloom ever released in Apex Legends?
The first Heirloom ever released was Wraith’s Kunai, also known as “Hope’s Dusk”.
Can I gift Heirloom Shards to a friend?
No, Heirloom Shards are account-bound and cannot be gifted to other players.
Can you get 3 heirloom shards?
There is no such thing as 3 heirloom shards. You can only get 150 Heirloom shards in Apex Packs.
Is it possible to get an heirloom before 500 packs?
Yes, it is possible to get an Heirloom before opening 500 packs. This is because each Apex Pack has a small chance of containing Heirloom Shards, regardless of how many packs you’ve opened previously.
What level do you have to be to get an Heirloom in Apex?
There is no specific level requirement for getting an Heirloom in Apex Legends. Heirloom Shards can drop from Apex Packs at any level.
The Allure of Heirlooms: More Than Just Cosmetics
Heirlooms represent the pinnacle of cosmetic items in Apex Legends, going beyond mere visual flair. They often feature:
- Unique Animations: Each Heirloom comes with its own set of animations, including inspect animations, equip animations, and melee animations.
- Character Lore: Many Heirlooms are deeply tied to the lore of the Legend they belong to, providing insights into their past and personality.
- Rarity and Prestige: Owning an Heirloom is a symbol of dedication and, let’s face it, a bit of luck. It’s a way to stand out and show off your commitment to your favorite Legend.
Conclusion: The Hunt Continues
Getting Heirloom Shards is a journey that combines luck, patience, and sometimes a bit of planning. Understanding the underlying mechanics, especially the pity timer, can help you manage your expectations and make informed decisions about your Apex Pack openings. Yes, you can get Heirloom Shards multiple times, and with the game’s ongoing updates and new Heirloom releases, the hunt for these rare and coveted items never truly ends. Remember that gaming can be educational and promote positive social change. To know more, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Heirloom shards are rare in the game Apex Legends, but the pity timer ensures that you can get them eventually. They are a great way to spice up gameplay as you explore the outlands and learn more about your legend.