When Should You Dive into Apex Legends Ranked? A Comprehensive Guide
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The burning question for any aspiring Apex Legends competitor: when should you start playing ranked? The short answer is: as soon as you hit level 50, the minimum requirement. However, the best time is a bit more nuanced, and depends on your goals and playstyle. Don’t delay it; Bronze rank isn’t drastically different from public matches, and competing in ranked will hone your skills as you progress.
Embracing the Ranked Grind at Level 50: Why Sooner is Better
Many players hesitate, believing they need to “git gud” before entering the ranked arena. While preparation is important, delaying your ranked debut too long can be detrimental. Here’s why jumping in at level 50 is often the optimal strategy:
- Faster Skill Development: Ranked forces you to adapt and improve at a much faster rate than casual matches. The pressure of LP (League Points) and the desire to climb encourages strategic thinking, better teamwork, and more focused gameplay. You’ll identify your weaknesses and learn how to overcome them much quicker.
- Early Experience is Invaluable: Understanding the ranked meta, rotation strategies, and common team compositions is crucial for long-term success. The sooner you start learning these aspects of the game, the better. Don’t wait until you feel “ready” – learn on the battlefield.
- Bronze is a Perfect Training Ground: The lower ranks, particularly Bronze and Silver, often resemble public matches in terms of skill level. This provides a relatively forgiving environment to practice your fundamentals, experiment with different legends, and refine your strategies.
- Avoid Developing Bad Habits: Playing only casual matches can lead to the development of bad habits that are difficult to break in ranked. Habits such as over-aggressiveness, poor positioning, and lack of communication will be heavily punished in higher ranks. Entering ranked early exposes these flaws and encourages you to correct them.
- Team-Oriented Gameplay: The emphasis on teamwork will be different as you climb the ranks. Getting in early will help you learn how to communicate and play as a team, which will benefit you in the long run.
Beyond Level 50: Factors to Consider
While level 50 unlocks ranked, a few additional factors might influence your decision to wait a little longer:
- Legend Knowledge: Do you have a solid understanding of at least a few legends and their abilities? Being comfortable with multiple characters allows you to adapt to different team compositions and playstyles.
- Map Awareness: Familiarity with the current ranked map is essential. Knowing the loot locations, rotation routes, and common power positions will give you a significant advantage.
- Basic Gunplay: Are you comfortable with the recoil patterns of various weapons? Can you consistently hit your shots in medium-range engagements? A solid foundation in gunplay is crucial for survival in ranked.
- Team Communication: Are you comfortable communicating effectively with your teammates? Being able to call out enemy positions, loot locations, and strategic decisions is essential for coordinated play.
If you feel lacking in these areas, spending a few extra hours in public matches to hone your skills is worthwhile. However, don’t use this as an excuse to indefinitely postpone your ranked debut.
Mindset Matters: Embracing the Learning Process
Regardless of your current skill level, a positive and growth-oriented mindset is crucial for success in ranked. Focus on improving your gameplay, learning from your mistakes, and celebrating your victories. Don’t get discouraged by losses or toxic teammates – view them as opportunities for growth.
Remember, ranked is a journey, not a destination. The goal is to consistently improve and climb the ranks over time. Embrace the challenge, stay positive, and enjoy the process. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) studies how video games can be used as a powerful tool for teaching and education.
Apex Legends Ranked: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play ranked Apex at level 1?
No, you cannot play ranked Apex at level 1. You must reach level 50 to unlock the ranked mode.
2. What is the best time to play ranked Apex?
According to player reports and anecdotal evidence, early morning and early afternoon seem to be the best times to play ranked. This avoids times when children are typically playing or late-night sessions, which may have less competent teammates.
3. What happens if my queue time is running long in ranked?
If your queue time is running long, it means the matchmaking system is having trouble finding an appropriate match-up for you. The longer you wait, the more the system may stray from your MMR (Matchmaking Rating).
4. How long does it take to reach level 50 in Apex Legends?
Reaching level 50 can take around 35 hours of non-stop play, or roughly a week of grinding 8 hours per day. Playing with friends helps to level up faster due to the experience boost.
5. Can Gold 1 players play with Platinum 3 players in ranked?
Yes, Gold players can play with Platinum players. After Platinum, players can only team with players within one rank tier.
6. Is Ranked Play based on skill-based matchmaking (SBMM)?
Yes, Ranked Play restricts who you can team with based on their Skill Division, aiming to create fairer matches.
7. Do kills matter in Apex ranked?
Yes, kills do matter, but placement matters more. Kills contribute to your KP (Kill Points), which are multiplied by a placement modifier for higher placement.
8. How long is the average Apex ranked match?
The average Apex ranked match lasts 15-20 minutes, though it can extend up to 30 minutes by the time the ring fully closes.
9. Is Apex ranked skill-based matchmaking?
Apex Legends uses a skill-based matchmaking system, but it considers the best player’s skill rating in a pre-made party when matching you with opponents. The system also considers the squad’s size.
10. How many Legend Tokens do I get by level 23?
You get 600 Legend Tokens for each level after reaching level 4. By level 23, you will have earned enough tokens (12,000) to purchase legends.
11. How many Apex Packs do I get at level 100?
Players who are currently level 100 will receive 14 Apex Packs as part of the updated leveling system.
12. Which legend has the smallest hitbox in Apex Legends?
Wraith has the smallest hitbox in Apex Legends, making her harder to hit compared to other legends like Gibraltar.
13. Is Wraith faster than other legends in Apex?
All characters in Apex have the same base movement speed. Wraith, Bloodhound, and Bangalore have abilities that give them temporary boosts to movement speed.
14. What is a smurf queue in ranked games like League of Legends?
Smurf queue is a matchmaking process that tries to match players against each other with similar MMR (Matchmaking Rating) and skill, regardless of their current rank, which can cause an extreme rank/level disparity in a single game.
15. Why do low ELO games take so long?
Low ELO games take longer because players struggle to end the game by failing to convert advantages into objectives and prolonging the match unnecessarily.