In terms of popularity, Apex Legends’ lifeline has fallen in the meta, with many fans calling for the character to be buffed. Many see her as less unique with recent developments. For example, Gibraltar and his dome can pick up characters as quickly as Lifeline, while her ultimate has been a tad lackluster since gold items were removed from it way back when. The introduction of Loba further eliminates the need for the ultimate, and Respawn Entertainment has replied to fan demands of a Lifeline rework.
Notably, Lifeline has fallen as far as many think statically. Lead game designer at Respawn Entertainment Carlos Pineda noted that data indicates she is still a top tier choice in terms of pick rate, win rate, and KDR, most likely due to her D.O.C. tactical. Pineda recognizes that many were to see her buffed but notes that adding power would just put her even higher in those Apex Legends metritcs.
The meat of it is that Pineda and Respawn Entertainment are look at “sidegrades” for Lifeline, ways to make her unique and different from other Legends again, without necessarily adding power. Pineda admits this is difficult but confirms Respawn Entertainment is looking into it, while players can pick Lifeline and still find themselves winning, killing, and competitive in Apex Legends.
Fans have ideas as to how Apex Legends could sidegrade Lifeline, although there is often a dissonance between fan desires and things that could function in the game. The biggest thing many agree on is the futility of her Lifeline package. Many will call it in for cover or just use it near the edge of the ring, never really expecting anything game-changing from it. And as aforementioned, Loba’s Ultimate is incredibly similar but ultimately better.
Either way, fans will be glad to know that Respawn Entertainment is on the case. There’s no timeframe given for when Lifeline’s sidegrade could take place or in what form, but it seems like a good chance that it’ll be a soft rework like Mirage. Perhaps Lifeline and another Legend in need of fine tuning, Octane, can climb the Apex Legends tier list next season.
Apex Legends is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
