How heat shield abuse is breaking Apex Legends ranked system and what players can do about it
The Heat Shield Problem Explained
Professional Apex Legends competitor HisWattson has issued a direct plea to developers regarding heat shield removal after discovering systematic abuse of the item for effortless ranked advancement.
Heat shields function as deployable protective domes that create temporary safe zones from ring damage. While these shields don’t block incoming weapon fire, they provide substantial tactical advantages. When deployed within the ring’s boundaries, healing items operate 50% faster and reviving downed squadmates accelerates by 25%, creating crucial windows for recovery during intense firefights.
These survival tools spawn regularly across the battlefield—found on the ground, within care packages, or hidden in supply bins. Many competitors initially praised heat shields as “end-game saviors” when mastering their strategic applications. Teams trapped in subterranean caves or confined building interiors can utilize heat shields to safely reposition to higher ground during ring closures.
Unfortunately, this originally balanced survival mechanism has transformed into a ranked point farming tool, enabling players to accumulate LP without engaging in combat encounters. The strategic item that was designed to enable clutch plays has become a vehicle for passive ranking strategies that undermine competitive integrity.
Professional competitor HisWattson publicly identified a specific player leveraging heat shields to secure easy ranked points through non-combat methods.
“This individual currently holds the #12 Apex Predator position by crafting medical kits within the ring throughout each match until the zone eliminates them. They completely avoid weapon usage,” HisWattson revealed, highlighting the extreme nature of this exploitation strategy.
Ranked System Vulnerabilities
Season 17 introduced comprehensive ranked system modifications with completely revamped scoring mechanics. Competitors now accumulate placement points determined by final position, elimination count, and hidden skill ratings. The current structure guarantees LP returns for teams achieving at least 10th place—covering the standard 35 LP entry fee while netting approximately 20 additional LP per match.
This scoring framework enables the documented exploitation case, where players utilize heat shields and medical kits to consistently achieve high placements. HisWattson humorously proposed a business arrangement with developers—offering to purchase 10 Apex Packs in exchange for heat shield removal from ranked gameplay.
This competitor maintains #12 Predator ranking by crafting medkits in the storm every match until eliminated by ring damage. They completely avoid weapon engagement.
Respawn Entertainment, I’m making an offer: Remove heat shields from ranked mode and I’ll purchase ten apex packs. This offer stands. pic.twitter.com/qUB7FhBCP5
The fundamental issue stems from the ranked system disproportionately rewarding survival over combat proficiency. While the original design intended to balance multiple skill aspects, the current implementation allows players to reach the highest competitive tiers without demonstrating fundamental shooter mechanics or combat decision-making.
Community Solutions and Strategies
Community members largely concurred with the identified problem while proposing various balancing solutions.
One community member suggested: “Heat shields themselves aren’t problematic. Implement a restriction allowing only one deployment per player each match.”
Another participant responded with alternative mechanics: “Create progressive damage scaling for previous ring phases. For instance, if round three’s ring inflicts X damage, players remaining in round two’s territory take 2X damage, while those in round one’s area suffer 3X damage, creating exponential risk for ring camping.”
Additional community proposals include implementing diminishing returns on healing items used within heat shields, adding visual and audio cues that reveal shield users’ positions to nearby squads, or restricting heat shield functionality during final ring closures. Some competitive community members expressed bewilderment at the enjoyment derived from passive gameplay approaches.
“I cannot comprehend how players find satisfaction in stationary gameplay for 15+ hours daily without active participation,” commented one seasoned competitor, highlighting the divergent player motivation philosophies within the Apex Legends community.
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Practical Gameplay Impact
For competitors encountering heat shield exploiters, several counter-strategies prove effective. Aggressive teams can push heat shield users during ring transitions when they’re most vulnerable. Utilizing scanning legends like Bloodhound or Seer reveals stationary targets through visual obstructions. Positioning yourself between heat shield users and the next ring location forces engagements as they attempt rotations.
When using heat shields legitimately, remember they create audible deployment sounds that alert nearby squads. Optimal usage involves quick rotations or emergency revives rather than extended camping. Advanced players should coordinate heat shield usage with mobility legends like Octane or Pathfinder for rapid repositioning.
Common mistakes include deploying heat shields too early, revealing your position unnecessarily, or relying on them for extended ring survival rather than strategic rotations. Professional players recommend treating heat shields as temporary tools rather than permanent solutions.
The ongoing question remains whether developers will implement heat shield adjustments in future Apex Legends updates. The community awaits official responses regarding this ranked system integrity concern while developing interim strategies to maintain competitive fairness.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Apex players want heat shield removed from ranked as players exploit them for points How heat shield abuse is breaking Apex Legends ranked system and what players can do about it