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The game developers have an exciting surprise in store for Apex Legends players, perfectly timed for the holidays. Enthusiasts of this game's super-slick movement will be pleased to discover that a new movement mechanic is being implemented when Season 27: Amped goes live on Nov. 4.

Introducing Mantle Boosting

Named "Momentum Boosting" by Respawn, this ability gives players a burst of forward momentum when scaling obstacles. According to key developer the design lead, this technique was previously existed of Apex Legends for some time, often called as "ledge boosting." However it's challenging for the average player, and typically employed by competitive players in Ranked Mode or tournaments. In this update, the team simplifies the process for everyone to execute these advanced movement boosts.

"Mantle Boosts have been in the game for a while, but the movement requires skill to perform and gamers might not realize it [is in the game] without external guides," the designer explains. "Now including a visual cue so users can easily see the timing to activate the high-octane movement ability, opening up the mechanic and introducing fresh strategies to play for a much wider base."

Why Opening Up Advanced Mechanics

Why make a once niche technique accessible to everyone? Lead Legend designer the development lead explains developers wants gamers to feel powerful — including ones who are new.

"[The playerbase] performs other crazy stuff like super-glides and tap-strafes, and we looked around at other games, observed what the community execute, and we said, 'How can we extend these capabilities to a broader audience?'" Mohan explains. "Since right now, certain techniques are somewhat awkward to access — it requires to remap your keybinds and execute within one-frame windows. So we said, 'What if we make a polished implementation?'"

Season 27 Emphasis on Mobility

Movement is primarily the name of the game in this season, with Legends Horizon, the defensive specialist, and the aerial combatant receiving buffs to help keep them in motion. The cooldown period on her tactical ability is shorter, and the Gravity Lift will boost users into the air faster than before. Her defensive walls now include overhead protection and the ability to grant speed boosts to those nearby. But the spotlight is on the high-flying Valkyrie who's getting significant improvements this season, with multiple tweaks implemented to make her stronger, quicker, and more lethal.

"I think many agree that Valkyrie's time is here," says Legend designer the designer. "There's no doubt that she's been top-tier previously, but due to the addition of new Legends, mobility perks, and redeployment tools, it seemed like she fell behind in today's the game. It was a really great opportunity for the team to revisit multiple elements [of her kit] and essentially restore her to former prominence."

Enhancements to the Aerial Legend

To restore Valkyrie's relevance in current strategies, the developer says Respawn evaluated all her skills and implemented significant modifications. Her VTOL Jets have been upgraded, increasing her speed while airborne, and this equipment regenerates three times faster, enabling her to remain longer in the air. She can no longer be harmed from her ultimate ability, which was enhanced to mark enemies who take damage from it. Her squad redeploy skill — which launches teammates skyward for repositioning or escape — now takes much less time to activate. She's also getting some new Legend Upgrades that users can select to conserve resources, widen the area of her rockets, or accelerate her ultimate takeoff time.

"Valkyrie's equipment fulfills that jet-fighter fantasy," he says.

Map Changes

Even the game's only floating arena, this location, receives a mobility-focused overhaul, with major changes that opens up choke points and renders claiming the high ground a bit less daunting. Respawn says Apex Legends Season 27 is all about giving players the tools they need to compete in matches.

"Essentially, we examined the game's core identity as a fast-paced FPS," says lead Legend designer the lead.

Apex Legends Season 27: Amped releases November 4th at 10 a.m. PST/1 p.m. EST.