Apex Legends Season 20: Breakout has ushered in a plethora of changes to Respawn’s beloved battle royale experience. Among these changes are a revamped Ranked Mode, a streamlined crafting system, updates to the Firing Range, and more. However, the most noteworthy alterations are the removal of EVO Shields from the loot pool and the introduction of the Legend Upgrades system alongside Shield Cores.
EVO Shields, once a staple in battle royale mode, have been removed from the loot pool. Instead, players now begin each match with a white/Common-tier Level 1 shield, which evolves as they accumulate EVO Points. This new shield progression system, referred to as “Legend leveling,” sees shields upgrading from Level 1 to Level 4 based on the amount of damage dealt by players.
Upon a player’s demise, they leave behind a Shield Core in their death box. Shield Cores have replaced EVO Shields and grant temporary protection when equipped. However, swapping shields mid-fight has become more perilous as players must navigate the process amidst combat.
Earning EVO Points is pivotal for shield progression. Points can be acquired through various actions, such as dealing damage, securing knockdowns, and interacting with specific map features. Additionally, EVO Caches found in Care Packages and Vaults instantly level up Shield Cores.
The Legend Upgrades system offers players a choice between two perks upon reaching Level 2 and Level 3 Shield Cores. These upgrades, active for a single match, enhance gameplay by providing unique advantages tailored to each Legend’s abilities.
With a total of 100 Legend Upgrades available across all characters, players have ample opportunities to experiment with different playstyles and strategies. Whether it’s Bangalore’s enhanced ordnance detection or Lifeline’s game-changing self-revive ability, the new system offers a diverse range of options to explore.
Mastering the intricacies of the Shield Core system and Legend Upgrades requires practice and experimentation. Utilizing the revamped Firing Range to test different combinations and strategies is highly recommended.
