What Happens If You Get an Heirloom Before 500 Packs in Apex Legends?
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If you’re lucky enough to snag an Heirloom in Apex Legends before opening 500 Apex Packs, congratulations! It means you’ve defied the odds and experienced some serious good fortune. The game’s pity timer mechanism guarantees an Heirloom Shard drop after 500 packs, but getting one sooner simply means you beat the system. Your bad luck protection counter resets to zero once you receive those Heirloom Shards, regardless of how many packs you’ve opened at that point. So, savor the moment and enjoy your shiny new Heirloom, but remember that the journey to the next one starts anew!
Understanding the Heirloom System
The Pity Timer
The pity timer in Apex Legends is designed to prevent players from endlessly opening packs without receiving an Heirloom. It guarantees that you will receive Heirloom Shards by the time you’ve opened 500 Apex Packs. This is crucial to understand, as it provides a safety net for players who might otherwise experience extremely bad luck.
Heirloom Shards and Their Use
Heirloom Shards are the currency used to unlock Heirlooms in the game. Once you acquire 150 Heirloom Shards, you can redeem them for any Heirloom available in the Heirloom Shop. These Heirlooms are unique cosmetic items that add flair to your favorite Legend.
The Reset Mechanism
The key takeaway is that receiving an Heirloom resets your progress towards the pity timer. Whether you get lucky and find Heirloom Shards in your first 10 packs or you have to wait until pack 499, the next set of 500 packs will be another independent journey.
Maximizing Your Chances
Leveling Up
As you level up in Apex Legends, you receive Apex Packs as rewards. The frequency of these packs varies depending on your level range. Pay attention to how many packs you get at each level bracket to estimate how many packs you’ve opened overall.
Battle Pass Rewards
Purchasing and completing the Battle Pass is another way to accumulate Apex Packs. Each Battle Pass season offers several Apex Packs as rewards for completing challenges and progressing through the tiers. This is a steady stream of packs that contributes towards your Heirloom progress.
Events and Special Promotions
Keep an eye out for special events and promotions in Apex Legends, as these often include opportunities to earn additional Apex Packs. Some events may even offer direct paths to earning Heirloom Shards, bypassing the need to rely solely on Apex Pack luck.
Keeping Track of Your Packs
The most reliable way to know how close you are to the pity timer is to keep a record of the Apex Packs you open. This can be done manually, through third-party trackers, or by using tools available within the Apex Legends community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Am I guaranteed an Heirloom every 500 packs?
Yes, the pity timer ensures that you will receive Heirloom Shards by the time you open 500 Apex Packs. This is a guaranteed mechanic to prevent extreme bad luck.
2. Does buying an Heirloom reset my pity timer?
No, purchasing an Heirloom directly with Heirloom Shards does not reset your pity timer. The counter only resets when you receive Heirloom Shards from opening Apex Packs. This is an important distinction to keep in mind.
3. Can I get Heirloom Shards without opening 500 packs?
Absolutely! Many players receive Heirloom Shards before reaching the 500-pack threshold. This is due to the random nature of Apex Pack drops. Getting it early is pure luck.
4. What are the chances of getting an Heirloom at level 500?
At level 500, you will have received a certain number of Apex Packs through leveling up, and possibly more through Battle Passes or events. However, the odds of getting an Heirloom remain consistent at around 1 in 500 per pack until the pity timer kicks in.
5. How many Apex packs do I get at level 300?
Between levels 2 and 300, you get 19 Apex Packs from levels 2-20, and 140 Apex Packs from levels 22-300, totaling 159 Apex Packs.
6. Why am I level 500 with no Heirloom?
Reaching level 500 doesn’t guarantee an Heirloom. While you receive Apex Packs through leveling, it’s not always enough to trigger the pity timer. If you haven’t opened 500 packs, you’re still subject to the random drop rate.
7. Why are Heirlooms so hard to get?
Heirlooms are designed to be rare and prestigious cosmetic items. The low drop rate and the reliance on RNG contribute to their scarcity, making them a coveted status symbol in Apex Legends.
8. What happens after level 500 in Apex?
After reaching level 500 in the first tier, leveling up resets to level 1 of the next tier. There are four tiers of levels (1-500), effectively making the maximum level 2000.
9. Can I sell my Heirloom in Apex?
No, there is no legitimate way to sell or trade Heirlooms in Apex Legends. Selling accounts with Heirlooms is also against the game’s terms of service and can result in a ban.
10. Can you get an Heirloom before 500 packs, and does it reset the counter?
Yes, you can get an Heirloom before 500 packs. Receiving the shards resets your pity timer to zero, regardless of when you acquired them.
11. Should I sell a family Heirloom in real life?
That is a deeply personal decision that depends on your circumstances and sentimental attachment. If you need the money and have no emotional connection to the item, it may be a viable option. However, consider the sentimental value and potential regrets before making a final decision.
12. Who got the first Heirloom in Apex Legends?
Wraith was the first Legend to receive an Heirloom in Apex Legends. Her Kunai knife is iconic and highly sought after by players.
13. What is the best family Heirloom?
The best family Heirloom is subjective and depends on the family’s values and history. Common and cherished Heirlooms include jewelry, photographs, letters, and objects with significant sentimental value.
14. Why are Heirlooms so rare in Apex?
Heirlooms are rare because their drop rate is set very low (less than 1%) and their availability is controlled by Respawn Entertainment. The rarity helps maintain their prestige and desirability within the game.
15. Is anyone level 2000 in Apex?
Yes, some players have reached level 2000 in Apex Legends, which is the maximum level achievable in the game after the level cap was expanded. The Games Learning Society might find the progression and reward systems in games like Apex Legends interesting from a learning perspective. For more on game design and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Heirlooms represent more than just cosmetic items in Apex Legends; they are symbols of dedication, luck, and prestige. Understanding the mechanics behind their acquisition can help you manage your expectations and make informed decisions about your Apex Pack spending. While there is no guaranteed shortcut to obtaining an Heirloom, knowing how the pity timer and drop rates work can at least provide some insight into the journey.