Do Heirloom Shards Reset in Apex Legends? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, Heirloom Shards reset the 500 Apex Pack counter. The “pity timer” that guarantees you Heirloom Shards within 500 packs is reset the moment you receive those Heirloom Shards. This means that after obtaining Heirloom Shards, the counter starts anew, and you’ll have to open up to another 500 packs to be guaranteed another set of Heirloom Shards.
Understanding Heirloom Shards and the Pity Timer
Heirloom Shards are the currency used to purchase Heirloom sets and Prestige Skins in Apex Legends. They are notoriously rare, but the developers at Respawn Entertainment have implemented a system to ensure players eventually receive them – the “pity timer.” This system guarantees that a player will receive 150 Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs, unless they already own all available Heirloom sets and Prestige Skins. Once you receive your Heirloom Shards, this 500 pack counter resets.
The Importance of Knowing Your Pack Count
Understanding how the Heirloom Shard system works is crucial for any Apex Legends player hoping to acquire these coveted cosmetic items. Keeping track of the number of packs you’ve opened since your last Heirloom Shard drop can help you estimate when you’re likely to receive your next set. This knowledge can influence your decision-making regarding purchasing Apex Packs or saving them for a specific event.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Heirloom Shards
How many Heirloom Shards do you need for an Heirloom?
You need 150 Heirloom Shards to purchase one Heirloom set or Prestige Skin from the Mythic Store.
Does buying an Heirloom through an event reset the 500 pack counter?
No, purchasing an Event Heirloom directly does not reset your 500 pack counter. The 500 pack guarantee is only affected when you receive Heirloom Shards from opening Apex Packs.
How many Apex Packs can you get for free in Apex Legends?
The number of free Apex Packs you can obtain varies depending on your player level and whether you purchase Battle Passes. By reaching level 500, you’ll get 199 Apex Packs. Purchasing every Battle Pass will increase this total to 259 Apex Packs. The new level cap in Apex Legends is effectively 2000. The total number of packs you can now earn through leveling up is 544.
What is the drop rate for Heirloom Shards in Apex Packs?
The base drop rate for Heirloom Shards in Apex Packs is incredibly low, approximately 1% or 1 in 500.
Does the type of Apex Pack affect the Heirloom Shard drop rate?
No, the type of Apex Pack does not affect the Heirloom Shard drop rate. Whether it’s a regular Apex Pack, a Battle Pass Apex Pack, or a level-up Apex Pack, the chance of receiving Heirloom Shards remains the same. The only exception is Collection Event Packs, which are not counted towards the 500 pack guarantee.
Can you get Heirloom Shards from Collection Event Packs?
No, Collection Event Packs do not contain Heirloom Shards in the traditional sense. However, completing a Collection Event by purchasing all available items will reward you with the event’s Heirloom item directly, without needing Heirloom Shards. These packs also do not count towards the 500 pack pity timer.
What happens if I own all the Heirlooms and Prestige Skins?
If you own all available Heirloom sets and Prestige Skins, you will not receive Heirloom Shards from Apex Packs until new ones are added to the game. This means the 500 pack guarantee is temporarily suspended.
How do I track how many Apex Packs I’ve opened?
There is no official in-game tracker for the number of Apex Packs you’ve opened. However, you can manually track your packs by keeping a record of your purchases, level-up rewards, and Battle Pass rewards. Several third-party websites and tools offer pack tracking features, but use them at your own risk.
What is the maximum level in Apex Legends?
The maximum level in Apex Legends is effectively 2000. You will be able to loop through levels 1-500 three additional times.
Can you lose Heirloom Shards?
No, Heirloom Shards do not expire and cannot be lost or stolen from your account. They will remain in your account until you choose to spend them.
What is the best Heirloom in Apex Legends?
The “best” Heirloom is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some popular Heirlooms include Loba’s Garra De Alanza, Seer’s Showstoppers, and Wraith’s Hope’s Dusk. Ultimately, the best Heirloom is the one that you enjoy the most.
Do Heirlooms give you an advantage in gameplay?
No, Heirlooms are purely cosmetic items and do not provide any gameplay advantage. They only change the melee animation and the way the Legend holds their weapon when holstered.
Are you guaranteed an Heirloom at level 500 in Apex Legends?
No, reaching level 500 does not guarantee an Heirloom. However, by the time you reach Level 500, you’ll receive 199 Apex Packs which will improve your chances of getting Heirloom Shards, the guarantee remains within 500 packs opened.
Do Rare Apex Packs count towards the Heirloom counter?
No, This only applies to Rare Packs. Heirloom Shards are guaranteed to drop in the next Pack after 499 Packs are opened without finding any, unless all Mythic items are already owned. Heirloom Shards cannot be found in them.
What if I haven’t received Heirloom Shards after opening 500 packs?
According to Respawn: “A player cannot open more than 500 Apex Packs (excludes Collection Event Packs) without receiving Heirloom Shards (assuming the player does not own all of the available Heirloom Sets and Prestige Skins). If you still haven’t received an heirloom I’m afraid it means you haven’t opened enough packs to get an heirloom. I can really only recommend to keep an eye out when you open packs, since when you do hit that 500 pack threshold it will automatically give you one of the heirloom items.
The Psychology of Heirloom Hunting
The allure of Heirlooms in Apex Legends goes beyond their cosmetic appeal. The rarity and the element of chance create a sense of excitement and anticipation, driving players to open more packs in hopes of striking gold. This psychological aspect is a key factor in the game’s monetization strategy, encouraging players to invest in Apex Packs. Understanding this can help you make more informed decisions about your spending habits and approach to obtaining Heirlooms. The Games Learning Society often publishes articles on the learning concepts found in games; you can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
In summary, Heirloom Shards are a coveted currency in Apex Legends, and understanding the mechanics behind their acquisition is essential for any serious player. Remember that obtaining Heirloom Shards resets your 500 Apex Pack counter, so planning and tracking are key. Good luck on your Heirloom hunting adventures!