Unlocking Apex Legends’ Treasures: How Many Times Can You Get Heirloom Shards?
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The coveted Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends are the golden ticket to unlocking unique and stylish cosmetic items for your favorite Legends. These aren’t just skins; they’re a statement, a symbol of dedication, and a cool way to flex on your opponents (in a friendly way, of course!). But how many times can you actually get your hands on these prized shards? The short answer is: as many times as there are heirlooms you don’t own. Once you’ve unlocked all the available heirlooms, you will no longer receive Heirloom Shards from Apex Packs.
The system is designed to keep players engaged and provide a clear path to obtaining these rare items. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of Heirloom Shards and address some common questions.
Understanding the Heirloom Shard System
The core of obtaining Heirlooms revolves around Apex Packs. Each Apex Pack has approximately a 1% chance of dropping 150 Heirloom Shards, enough to purchase a full Heirloom set. This drop rate might seem low, but Respawn Entertainment, the game’s developer, implemented a pity timer to ensure that players aren’t endlessly unlucky.
The Pity Timer: Your Guarantee
The pity timer is a crucial aspect of the Heirloom Shard system. It guarantees that you will receive Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs. This means that if you open 499 packs without finding shards, the 500th pack will automatically contain them. This bad luck protection resets once you get heirloom shards.
Getting More Heirloom Shards
It’s worth repeating: You can obtain more Heirloom Shards until you unlock all available heirlooms in the game. Once you have every single Heirloom, Apex Packs will no longer drop Heirloom Shards for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Heirloom Shards
Here are some of the most common questions regarding Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends, answered to help you navigate the intricacies of this system:
How rare is getting Heirloom Shards?
The base drop rate for Heirloom Shards is around 1% per Apex Pack. This is significantly rarer than Legendary or Epic items, making Heirloom Sets a true status symbol. It’s all down to luck until you are guaranteed an Heirloom Set by the Pity Timer.
Is an Heirloom guaranteed every 500 packs?
Yes, you are guaranteed to receive Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs. The “pity timer” ensures that no player opens more than 500 packs without obtaining the shards. Once you receive your shards, the counter resets.
What are the odds of getting Heirloom Shards in 100 packs?
With a 1% drop rate per pack, the odds of getting Heirloom Shards within 100 packs are still relatively low. While statistically, you might expect to find shards in one out of every hundred packs, it’s not a certainty. It is possible though!
Does an Event Heirloom reset the 500 pack counter?
No, obtaining an Heirloom through an event (by collecting all event items) does not reset your Apex Pack counter towards the 500-pack guarantee. The counter only resets when you directly receive Heirloom Shards from an Apex Pack.
How many Heirloom Shards do you get per drop?
When you find Heirloom Shards in an Apex Pack, you always receive 150 shards. This is the exact amount required to purchase one full Heirloom set from the Heirloom shop.
Can you buy Heirloom Shards directly?
No, you cannot directly purchase Heirloom Shards. However, you can purchase Apex Packs, which have a chance of containing the shards.
How close am I to getting an Heirloom?
Unfortunately, there’s no in-game way to track your Apex Pack counter. You’ll have to rely on memory or external tracking tools (like spreadsheets or third-party apps, though be cautious with the latter). Remember, every 500 packs opened without receiving Heirloom Shards guarantees a drop.
Do rare Apex Packs count towards the Heirloom counter?
No, rare Apex Packs do not count towards the Heirloom pity timer. The timer is only affected by standard Apex Packs obtained through leveling, battle passes, or direct purchase.
Why am I level 500 with no Heirloom?
Reaching level 500 doesn’t guarantee an Heirloom, but it does provide a significant number of Apex Packs. Reaching level 500 will only reward you with 199 Apex Packs. If you haven’t received Heirloom Shards yet, you are still below the 500 pack threshold and need to open more Apex Packs.
Will I get an Heirloom if I buy 100 packs?
Buying 100 packs increases your chances of getting Heirloom Shards, but it’s not a guarantee. With a 1% drop rate, you might not receive them within those 100 packs. Remember the guarantee is at 500 opened packs with no Heirloom Shards received.
What is the max level in Apex Legends?
The maximum level in Apex Legends is effectively 2000, looping through levels 1-500 four times. This allows players to earn a total of 544 Apex Packs through leveling, significantly increasing their chances of obtaining Heirloom Shards.
Has anyone reached level 2000 in Apex Legends?
Yes, some dedicated players have reached level 2000 in Apex Legends. It requires an immense amount of playtime and dedication.
Does buying an Heirloom reset the 500-pack counter?
Buying an Heirloom from the shop with Heirloom Shards you’ve obtained does reset the 500-pack counter. This is because you’ve essentially “spent” your guaranteed Heirloom Shards, restarting the timer for the next guaranteed drop. Purchasing an Heirloom directly through an event does not reset the 500-pack counter though.
Can you get multiple Heirloom Shards in one Apex Pack?
While technically the 150 Heirloom Shards come in three slots of 50 each, you will only see them activate once per Apex Pack. You won’t get multiple drops in a single pack.
What happens when you own all the Heirlooms?
Once you own every Heirloom available in Apex Legends, you will no longer receive Heirloom Shards from Apex Packs. You will no longer be able to receive Heirloom Shards from packs.
Beyond the Grind: The Value of Heirlooms
While the mechanics of obtaining Heirloom Shards are important, it’s equally crucial to remember the value these items hold within the game. Heirlooms are more than just cosmetic items; they’re symbols of dedication, achievement, and a love for the game. They add a personal touch to your favorite Legend, making the experience even more enjoyable. You can learn more about game design, player engagement, and the psychology behind cosmetic items like heirlooms at places like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of games and learning. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games and learning.
Final Thoughts
Getting Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends is a journey, often requiring patience and a bit of luck. Understanding the drop rates, the pity timer, and the resetting mechanics can help you manage your expectations and make informed decisions about purchasing Apex Packs. Remember, whether you obtain your Heirloom Shards through sheer luck or by reaching the 500-pack guarantee, the reward is a unique and stylish cosmetic item that adds a personal touch to your gameplay. So, keep grinding, keep playing, and may the odds be ever in your favor!