The Designer Notes is a new update designed to provide additional context to Legend and weapon meta changes. These notes discuss the vision for each character or weapon, identified challenges, and the specific changes being made to pursue balance goals. It is important to note that these notes are intended to supplement official patch notes rather than replace them.
The midseason update focuses on:
- The reasoning behind picking specific Legends for adjustments.
- Comprehensive changes to Octane, Newcastle, and Crypto.
- Balance adjustments to Amps, R-301, Flatline, and Prowler.
Metric definitions for Legend and Weapon balance
To provide transparency into the balancing process, the designer notes gave us some infor on how development team uses several key metrics to measure performance. These metrics help determine which parts of the game require adjustments to break staleness and reinvigorate the ranked climb.
| Metric | Definition |
| Pick Rate | Measure of selection preference adjusted for availability. |
| Legend Encounter Win Rate | Measure of fighting strength based on downs in fights. |
| Share of Downs | Measure of weapon preference based on the share of downs obtained. |
| Weapon Encounter Win Rate | Measure of weapon fighting strength based on downs in fights. |
Why not always pick the lowest performing Legends?
A common question among the community is why the Legends or weapons at the bottom of the meta are not always the priority for buffs. In many cases, the scope of necessary changes is large enough that developing and testing requires significant time. Additionally, in a game with 27 Legends and a massive arsenal, small tweaks can have unexpected ripple effects across multiple maps and modes.
Designer notes on Octane rework
Octane remains a fan favorite but has seen a drop in popularity, with pick rates sinking near the bottom in Diamond and Masters lobbies. While fun for solo players, Octane has traditionally lacked team utility. The new goals for Octane are to increase individual survivability and create more squad utility.
Octane core changes: Stim Surge
The update introduces a new formulation called Stim Surge. When already stimmed, activating the tactical a second time enters a six second surge that provides:
- Fortified: Reduced incoming damage and no bullet slow.
- Passive Healing: Swift Mend immediately re-engages and continues to heal even while taking damage.
Octane upgrade branch improvements
To boost team utility, new upgrades have been added to Octane’s kit:
- Squad Rush: Everyone using the Jump Pad gains a Stim boost upon landing.
- Triple Jump: Players can now gain a third jump from Jump Pads.
- Thick Skin: Reduces the health cost of Stim by 10 points per use.
Newcastle and Crypto mobility buffs
Newcastle has faced a different challenge: high tier lobbies recognize his value, but the broader community has found him difficult to harness. To make him feel less sluggish, Swift Shield and Hero’s Hustle have been incorporated into his base kit, increasing movement speed and reducing penalties.
Crypto has suffered from a low pick rate because he often gets left behind by his team while piloting his drone. As a result, his interactions have been sped up:
- Snappier drone launch and faster in and out times.
- Ability to pilot the drone while performing other actions like using ziplines or opening Mythic bins.
- New upgrades like Ally.MoveTo() which allows the drone to trailblaze to allies.
Weapon adjustments: R-301, Flatline, and Prowler
The R-301 and Flatline have taken a backseat to specialized weapons in recent seasons, falling behind in metrics like Encounter Win Rate. To ensure they remain reliable classics, both weapons are receiving a damage increase of one point.
- Flatline: Damage increased to 20 per shot.
- R-301 Carbine: Damage increased to 15 per shot.
The Prowler is seeing a revert to its burst fire delay after developers felt it was hit too hard at the start of the season. To make the Selectfire Automatic Mode more rewarding, its bullet damage is increasing to 17 while in full auto. Additionally, Infinite Ammo Amps are now compatible with Care Package weapons, including the Kraber.
FAQ
What are Designer’s Notes in Apex Legends?
Designer’s Notes are midseason updates that provide the intention and reasoning behind specific balance changes to Legends and weapons.
How does Octane’s new Stim Surge work?
Stim Surge is activated by using a second Stim while the first is active, granting the Fortified perk and continuous passive healing through damage.
Did the R-301 and Flatline get buffed?
Yes, both weapons received a damage increase of one point in Season 27 to help them compete with newer specialized weapons.
Can Crypto use his drone while on a zipline?
As of the midseason update, Crypto can now enter and pilot his drone while riding ziplines or performing other interactions.
