Creating a Balanced Apex Legends Map
Designing the perfect Apex Legends map poses a unique challenge, as it needs to appeal to both casual players and professional ALGS competitors. One map that stirred up mixed reactions upon its initial release was Broken Moon. However, a significant update in season 21 aims to strike a more harmonious balance between these two player groups.
The Impact of Olympus Colliding with Broken Moon
The season 21 teaser depicting Olympus crashing into Broken Moon and triggering a massive explosion in the skybox is not just a cinematic event—it is now part of the Apex lore with profound implications for the map itself. The explosion caused by the stasis net left Broken Moon vulnerable, leading to its detachment from Cleo and it now floats between the gravity fields of Cleo and Boreas. The aftermath of the debris and explosions has left significant changes on the map, with locations like Promenade being irreversibly altered.
Revamping Promenade and Introducing the Quarantine Zone
One of the contentious points in Broken Moon, Promenade, has undergone a transformation. Initially designed to be a challenging area to navigate, player feedback prompted a reevaluation. The lead level designer, Steve Young, revealed that one of the primary objectives of the map update was to make the central POI more engaging and less intimidating for players. As a result, a new POI called Quarantine Zone has replaced Promenade, offering a more open and loot-rich environment for intense gameplay experiences.
Evolving Landscape and Transportation Changes
The destruction of the stasis net led to a ripple effect across Broken Moon. Apart from visible changes to foliage and biomes, the terraforming system was thrown off balance, resulting in a landscape unlike before. The relocation of Breaker’s Wharf and alterations to the zip rails have added further layers of complexity to the map, providing new challenges and strategic opportunities for players.
Furthermore, the transportation system in Broken Moon has seen significant adjustments. Zip rails now serve a more intricate purpose, offering diverse rotation and combat options without directly influencing macro map movement. These changes aim to enhance the gameplay experience and promote strategic decision-making among players.
As the revamped Broken Moon map debuts in season 21 of Apex Legends, the community eagerly anticipates its reception among ALGS professionals and streamers. The competitive viability of the map and its potential inclusion in ALGS rotations will largely depend on the feedback and engagement of top players in the esports scene. With the evolving landscape and gameplay dynamic, Broken Moon presents a fresh opportunity for competitive play and exploration.