Will I Get an Heirloom If I Open 500 Apex Packs? The Ultimate Guide
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The short answer is a resounding YES, you are guaranteed to receive Heirloom Shards if you open 500 Apex Packs in Apex Legends, assuming you don’t already own all available Heirloom Sets and Prestige Skins. This is due to the game’s “bad luck protection” system, implemented by Respawn Entertainment. Consider it a pity timer; the game ensures you eventually get a highly coveted heirloom, rewarding your dedication (and investment!).
Understanding Heirloom Shards and Apex Packs
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Heirloom Shards are a special currency in Apex Legends. Once you acquire 150 of them, you can redeem them for a specific Legend’s Heirloom Set. Heirloom Sets are cosmetic items, usually including a unique melee weapon skin, a banner pose, and an intro quip, adding flair and personalization to your favorite Legend.
Apex Packs are loot boxes that contain cosmetic items like weapon skins, Legend skins, banners, quips, and crafting metals. They’re earned through leveling up, completing Battle Pass challenges, and, of course, purchasing them with Apex Coins.
The 500 Pack Guarantee: Bad Luck Protection
The key takeaway here is the guaranteed heirloom after opening 500 Apex Packs. This system is designed to prevent players from opening hundreds, even thousands, of packs without ever receiving Heirloom Shards. This “bad luck protection” acts as a safety net, promising a reward for those who haven’t had luck on their side.
It’s important to remember that this guarantee only applies if you haven’t already unlocked all available Heirloom Sets and Prestige Skins. If you own everything, you won’t receive any shards. This system also excludes Collection Event Packs. Heirloom acquired from Collection Events do not reset the Heirloom Shard Counter. Collection Event Heirloom Shard Counter reset only happens when unboxing an heirloom via normal Apex Packs that have been bought or awarded by the battle pass.
Tracking Your Progress
Knowing that you’re guaranteed an heirloom after 500 packs is helpful, but how do you keep track of your progress? Unfortunately, Apex Legends doesn’t provide an in-game counter. However, there are several ways to estimate how many packs you’ve opened:
- Leveling Up: You earn Apex Packs as you level up. Refer to guides that detail how many packs are awarded at each level range. For example, levels 2-20 gives players an Apex Pack every level. Levels 22-300 gives players an Apex Pack every two levels. And levels 305-500 gives players an Apex Pack every five levels. Calculate the total based on your current level and any levels you’ve gained since you started tracking.
- Battle Pass: The Battle Pass offers Apex Packs as rewards. Tally the number of packs you’ve earned from each Battle Pass you’ve completed.
- Purchases: Keep track of how many Apex Packs you’ve purchased directly.
- Third-Party Trackers: Some websites and apps claim to help track your Apex Pack progress. However, use these with caution, as their accuracy can’t be guaranteed. Be sure to keep track of your opening.
Early Heirloom Drops: The Luck Factor
While the 500-pack guarantee provides assurance, it’s also possible to get Heirloom Shards much earlier. Each Apex Pack has a base chance of containing Heirloom Shards, typically around 1%. While this is a low percentage, it means some players get lucky and unlock an heirloom well before reaching the 500-pack mark. However, remember that getting an heirloom early resets the 500-pack counter.
Managing Expectations
Even with the guaranteed heirloom, managing your expectations is crucial. The grind to 500 packs can be long and potentially costly if you’re purchasing them. Don’t expect to get an heirloom with every 10 or 20 packs you open. Focus on enjoying the game and the other rewards you receive along the way.
The Bigger Picture: Engaging with Apex Legends
Unlocking an heirloom is a significant achievement, but it’s just one aspect of the Apex Legends experience. The game offers a deep and engaging world, compelling characters, and strategic gameplay. Consider exploring other facets of the game, such as improving your skills, mastering different Legends, and connecting with the community. You can even expand your knowledge on the game’s impact on education and learning through platforms like the Games Learning Society, available at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Heirloom Shards and Apex Packs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how the Heirloom Shard system works:
Will I get Heirloom Shards if I buy 100 Apex Packs?
No, buying 100 Apex Packs does not guarantee Heirloom Shards. You are only guaranteed to receive them after opening 500 Apex Packs.
Does the heirloom counter reset if I get it before 500 packs?
Yes, the heirloom counter resets as soon as you receive Heirloom Shards from a regular Apex Pack. Getting it through a Collection Event does not reset the counter.
Why haven’t I gotten Heirloom Shards after 500 packs?
This is likely due to owning all the available Heirloom Sets and Prestige Skins, or because of a misunderstanding of how many packs you’ve opened. Double-check your tracking method and make sure you haven’t missed any packs. Remember, the 500 packs must be standard packs and not Collection Event Packs.
How do you unlock 150 Heirloom Shards?
Heirloom Shards are found in Apex Packs. Each pack has a small chance (around 1%) of containing 150 shards. If you don’t get them randomly, you’re guaranteed to get them within 500 packs.
What happens after level 500 in Apex Legends?
After reaching level 500 in one tier, leveling up will reset the level back to level 1 of the next tier, up until level 500 tier 4. After every 500 level you advance into the next tier and you level is reset to Level 1. Tiers 2-4 have different experience points needed to level up than those from Tier 1.
Will Apex Legends raise the level cap?
Yes, Apex Legends has increased the game’s level cap.
What levels are free Apex Packs awarded?
Apex Packs are rewarded at different rates. From levels 2 – 20, you unlock an Apex Pack at every level. From levels 22 – 300, you unlock an Apex Pack at every two levels. And finally, from levels 305 – 500, you unlock an Apex Pack every five levels.
Are Heirloom Shards random?
Yes, finding Heirloom Shards in Apex Packs is based on RNG (Random Number Generation). However, the 500-pack guarantee provides a safeguard.
How long does it take to reach level 50 in Apex Legends?
It depends on play time and efficiency. A rough estimate is around a week of consistent play, dedicating about 8 hours per day, to reach level 50.
What is the green level badge in Apex Legends?
The green level badge is the color of tier 2. The other colors are blue with what appears to be a Lifeline theme for tier 3, then red for the final tier.
How many Apex Packs do you get at level 300?
You get a total of 199 Apex Packs from level 2-500.
What’s the max level cap for Apex Legends?
The max level cap for Apex Legends is effectively 2000. You will be able to loop through levels 1-500 three additional times.
What level do you get 12000 Apex Coins?
You need to reach level 23 to get enough legend tokens to buy legends.
Is anyone level 2000 in Apex Legends?
Yes, some players have already reached level 2000 in Apex Legends.
Does the heirloom bad luck counter apply to Event Packs?
No. Collection Event Packs are a separate entity and do not contribute to the Heirloom Shard counter or reset it.
Conclusion
Opening 500 Apex Packs guarantees you Heirloom Shards. This system offers assurance to players who invest time and/or money into Apex Legends. Keep track of your progress, manage your expectations, and, most importantly, enjoy the game. Remember that Apex Legends offers more than just cosmetics. It also offers competitive gameplay, compelling characters, and a thriving community, all contributing to an engaging and rewarding experience.