Apex Legends Reverts Movement Changes After Community Outcry

Summary

• Apex Legends reverted a controversial change to tap-strafing due to community feedback.
• Respawn shared that unintended consequences of the change from the mid-season update negatively impacted the movement mechanic.
• The community praised the reversion, showing appreciation for preserving skillful movement techniques.

Apex Legends has recently made headlines by reverting a controversial change to tap-strafing, a decision spurred by significant community feedback. This reversal came after the mid-season update for Season 23, which was released on January 7 alongside the Astral Anomaly Event. This update introduced a variety of balance changes for Legends and weapons, aiming to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Among the numerous adjustments, one particular change in the Bug Fixes section drew considerable attention and frustration from the player base. Respawn Entertainment had implemented a "buffer" to tap-strafing, which diminished the effectiveness of this advanced movement technique. Tap-strafing allows players to rapidly change direction while airborne, making them harder to hit during combat. The original intention behind the change was to counter automated movement tech at high frame rates. However, the community felt that the nerf went too far, impacting the skill and enjoyment of the game.

Fortunately, Respawn listened to the community's concerns. In a swift response, they announced the reversal of the tap-strafing nerf, acknowledging that the mid-season update had unintended negative effects on the movement mechanic. Respawn emphasized their ongoing commitment to combatting automated workarounds and unhealthy play patterns, while also pledging to preserve the skill-based elements of movement techniques like tap-strafing.

Apex Legends Reverts Controversial Nerf to Tap-Strafing

This decision to revert the nerf has been met with widespread approval from the Apex Legends community. The game is renowned for its dynamic movement, and although it doesn't feature wall running like its Titanfall predecessors, players have been able to create impressive gameplay moments using techniques such as tap-strafing. On social media platforms like Twitter, players have expressed their gratitude and support for Respawn's action.

The impact of this reversion on the game remains to be seen. It's uncertain how many players paused their gameplay due to the initial nerf, and whether this change will entice them to return. The battle royale genre is highly competitive, and maintaining player engagement is crucial.

In addition to this significant change, the recent mid-season update and the Astral Anomaly Event have brought new cosmetics and a refreshed version of the Launch Royale LTM to Apex Legends. Respawn has highlighted their value of player feedback, suggesting that further updates and refinements could be on the horizon to address other community concerns in the coming weeks.