The Most Underrated Legend in Apex Legends: Wattson Deserves Your Attention

Wattson is, without a doubt, the most underrated legend in Apex Legends. Despite her lower pick rate and perceived complexity, her strategic potential, defensive prowess, and ability to control space are unmatched. Players who learn to master her kit will find her to be an absolute force, particularly in competitive and coordinated play. She’s not just a static defender; she’s a proactive strategist who can turn the tide of battle.

Why Wattson is Underrated

Many players overlook Wattson due to her perceived passive playstyle. In a game dominated by movement legends and aggressive pushes, setting up defenses might seem counterintuitive. However, this is where most players misunderstand her. Wattson isn’t just about camping in a building. She’s about controlling the flow of combat, dictating where enemies can and cannot go, and creating safe zones for her team.

Her kit is meticulously designed for area denial and fortification:

• Tactical Ability: Perimeter Security. Wattson places connectable fences that damage and slow enemies. These aren’t just for blocking doorways; they can be used to create chokepoints, funnel enemies into kill zones, and provide early warnings for flanking attempts. Smart fence placement is key.
• Ultimate Ability: Interception Pylon. This Pylon is a game-changer. It destroys incoming ordnance (grenades, ultimates like Gibraltar’s, etc.) and repairs damaged shields. A well-placed Pylon can completely shut down enemy pushes and provide a safe haven during intense firefights.
• Passive Ability: Spark of Genius. This allows Wattson to fully recharge her Tactical ability faster and provides instant ultimate accelerant charge. More fences, more often; faster pylon deployment; and easier shield management.

The true power of Wattson lies in the synergy between these abilities. Fences slow enemies down, making them easier targets. The Pylon protects the team while they engage or reposition. And her passive ensures that these defensive tools are readily available.

Mastering Wattson: A Strategic Approach

To truly unlock Wattson’s potential, players need to adopt a strategic mindset. This means thinking ahead, anticipating enemy movements, and using her abilities to control the battlefield.

• Fence Placement is Crucial: Don’t just spam fences. Think about how enemies will approach an area and place fences to create chokepoints or funnel them into predictable paths. Consider placing fences inside buildings to catch enemies off guard. Double and triple-layering fences can maximize disruption.
• Pylon Positioning is Key: The Pylon is a high-priority target. Place it strategically, preferably behind cover, but within range of the area you want to defend. Consider placing it in unexpected locations to surprise enemies who attempt to destroy it. Remember that it recharges shields, so use it as a mobile recharging station during lulls in the fight.
• Communicate with Your Team: Wattson thrives in coordinated environments. Communicate with your team about fence placements, Pylon locations, and potential threats. Coordinate pushes and rotations to maximize the effectiveness of her defenses.
• Embrace the Defensive Playstyle: Wattson is not an entry fragger. Embrace her defensive role and focus on creating opportunities for your team to engage from a position of strength. Let your teammates take the lead in aggressive pushes while you provide support and control the flow of battle.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Reposition: Just because you’ve set up a defensive perimeter doesn’t mean you’re stuck there. Be prepared to reposition and adapt to the changing circumstances of the fight. Use your fences to cover your retreat and create new defensive positions.

Wattson in the Current Meta

While movement-based legends often dominate the headlines, Wattson remains a viable and powerful pick in the current Apex Legends meta. Her ability to counter grenade spam and control space is particularly valuable in competitive play. In a world of constant bombardment from the sky, her Interception Pylon becomes invaluable.

Furthermore, with the increasing popularity of legends with strong offensive capabilities, Wattson provides a valuable countermeasure. Her fences can disrupt pushes, slow down aggressive players, and create opportunities for her team to counter-attack.

The perceived lower skill floor for other legends tends to keep Wattson sidelined as well. But do not let her complexity deter you.

Games Learning Society

For those interested in understanding the deeper strategic elements of games like Apex Legends, the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers valuable resources and insights. Exploring the principles of game design and player behavior can significantly improve your understanding and enjoyment of complex games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wattson

1. Is Wattson difficult to learn?

Yes, Wattson has a steeper learning curve than some other legends. Mastering her fence placements and understanding how to effectively use her Pylon requires practice and strategic thinking. However, the rewards for mastering her are well worth the effort.

2. What are Wattson’s strengths?

Her strengths include area denial, fortification, grenade and ultimate defense, shield regeneration, and strategic control. She excels at creating safe zones and dictating the flow of combat.

3. What are Wattson’s weaknesses?

Her weaknesses include a lack of mobility, vulnerability to coordinated pushes, and reliance on strategic planning. She struggles in open areas and against teams that can quickly bypass her defenses.

4. What is the best way to use Wattson’s fences?

The best way to use Wattson’s fences is to create chokepoints, funnel enemies into predictable paths, and provide early warnings for flanking attempts. Consider placing fences inside buildings and layering them for maximum disruption.

5. Where should I place Wattson’s Pylon?

Place Wattson’s Pylon behind cover, within range of the area you want to defend. Consider placing it in unexpected locations to surprise enemies who attempt to destroy it.

6. How do I counter Wattson’s fences?

The easiest way to counter Wattson’s fences is to shoot them out from a distance or use a grenade to destroy them. However, be aware that Wattson may be waiting to ambush you if you attempt to breach her defenses. Legends like Mad Maggie or Fuse can be useful counters.

7. How does Wattson compare to Caustic?

Both Wattson and Caustic are defensive legends, but they have different strengths. Wattson excels at controlling space and preventing pushes, while Caustic excels at trapping enemies and dealing damage in enclosed spaces. Wattson is usually favored in high-level play.

8. What is the ideal team composition for Wattson?

The ideal team composition for Wattson includes legends who can provide support and cover, such as Lifeline or Loba, and legends who can excel in close-quarters combat, such as Wraith or Octane. A blend of defensive and offensive capabilities is key.

9. Is Wattson good for solo queue?

Wattson can be effective in solo queue, but she requires a more strategic approach. Focus on setting up defenses, communicating with your team, and providing support from a safe distance.

10. What legends synergize well with Wattson?

Legends that synergize well with Wattson include:

• Loba: For providing additional loot and sustaining defenses.
• Lifeline: For healing and supporting pushes.
• Wraith: For creating safe rotations and initiating engagements.
• Horizon: For providing vertical mobility and creating offensive opportunities.

11. Does Wattson need buffs?

While she’s very powerful, many believe Wattson is in a good spot power wise. Small tweaks to fence deployment or Pylon placement could be helpful but she remains a balanced legend.

12. Why is Wattson’s pick rate low?

Wattson’s pick rate is low due to her perceived complexity and passive playstyle. Many players prefer more aggressive legends with higher mobility. However, those who take the time to master her strategic potential will find her to be a valuable asset.

13. Can Wattson’s Pylon stop all ultimates?

Wattson’s Pylon can destroy most incoming ordnance, including grenades, thermites, and ultimates like Gibraltar’s bombardment. However, it cannot stop some ultimates that are not projectiles, such as Bangalore’s smoke barrage (after the initial missiles) or Revenant’s Death Totem.

14. Does Wattson’s fence slow down teammates?

No, Wattson’s fences only affect enemies. Teammates can pass through them without being slowed or damaged.

15. What are some advanced Wattson tips?

• Use fences to block doors that have been opened to make pushing more difficult.
• Place your Pylon in unexpected locations, such as on rooftops or behind objects.
• Use fences to create distractions and cover your rotations.
• Communicate with your team to coordinate pushes and rotations around your defenses.
• Master the art of fence weaving to create complex and unpredictable patterns.

In conclusion, Wattson’s underrated status stems from a misunderstanding of her potential. She’s a strategic powerhouse capable of controlling the battlefield and dictating the flow of combat. If you’re looking for a legend who can offer a unique and rewarding playstyle, give Wattson a try. You might just find that she’s the key to unlocking your full potential in Apex Legends.