EVEN IF YOU HAVE A TON OF EXPERIENCE PLAYING OTHER battle royale games like Fortnite: Battle Royale or PUBG, or you’ve played challenging combat games, like Overwatch, there’s still a significant learning curve when it comes to playing Apex Legends.
HOW TO ACCESS TRAINING MODE
To help you get used to the controls and delve right into the action, EA has incorporated a short tutorial into the game, called Training Mode.
From the Lobby screen, select the Training option, and then select Training. Next, click or select the Ready button to experience Training Mode first hand. The first time you visit, plan on spending about 15 minutes here. Later, you can return here as often as you’d like, although once you understand the basics of the game, you’re better off gaining experience by actually participating in matches.
DISCOVER SOME CORE GAMING SKILLS
Upon entertaining Training Mode, you’ll find yourself in a long hallway. A shadowy figure can be seen ahead. He introduces himself as Bloodhound.
On the right side of the screen (referred to by Bloodhound as the HUD or Heads-Up Display), is a checklist of movement commands. One at a time, complete each item on the checklist, starting with walking forward. Next, sprint (run), and then jump. As you complete each task, a checkmark appears on the checklist.
After completing the initial tasks, follow Bloodhound into Kings Canyon and listen carefully to what he has to say. You’ll be given another set of tasks to accomplish, starting with opening a Supply Bin.
Walk up to Bloodhound and the closest Supply Bin that he’s standing next to.
When prompted, open the Supply Bin and grab the three items within it.
As you can see, a new checklist appears on the HUD. It’s time to practice throwing grenades and using Health-replenishments items. Listen to what Bloodhound says and follow the on-screen prompts.
After tossing a grenade, you’ll be prompted to use a Health-replenishment item to boost your Legend’s Health meter.
Once you begin participating in matches and collecting multiple grenades and Health/Shield replenishment items, there are several ways to access and use them. One is to access this Ordnance menu and then select which item you want to use. Another option is to use the key/button associated with that item. Your third option is to access your Legend’s Inventory screen, select the item, and then opt to use it.
Proceed to the second Supply Bin and open it. This time grab a weapon and the ammo that’s inside.
Since you’re already in a shooting range area, take a few practice shots using the weapon. Notice that you can shoot without pressing the Aim button.
Alternatively, press the Aim button and you’ll have more precise aiming (plus be able to take advantage of the weapon’s scope, if applicable).
Again, follow the directions from your mentor. Seek out and pick up a second weapon, switch between weapons, and then swap one weapon for another. These are all core skills you’ll need in order to survive during a match. Complete the checklist displayed on the HUD.
The next part of your tutorial includes learning how to Ping specific locations, enemy locations, weapons, and ammo.
You’ll also need to practice accessing the Ping menu. Using the Ping feature is one of the best ways to communicate with your squad mates during a match. It’s even more efficient than speaking with them via a gaming headset (or the microphone and speaker that’s built into your computer).
Your next objective is to locate and speak with Pathfinder, another of the Legends. He’ll instruct you on how to Revive a squad mate and use your Legend’s tactical ability. To find Pathfinder, follow the yellow beacon that’s displayed on the screen. You’ll need to jump and climb upward across the terrain to find him.
Continue following Pathfinder’s instructions and completing the tasks he assigns. One task is to find and Revive a dummy. During actual matches, you’ll often need to Revive your squad mates that get knocked out.
In this case, approach the dummy and hold down the Revive button. It takes several seconds to successfully Revive a squad mate.
Next, you’ll learn how to use your Legend’s tactical ability. Each Legend has a unique tactical ability that’ll prove to be extremely useful during a match. In this case, you’re controlling Lifeline. Her tactical ability involves being able to summon and use a D.O.C. Heal Drone to restore Health to her squad mates.
Anytime one of your squad mates gets killed during a match, you have the ability to help them Respawn and re-enter into the match. To do this, approach their corpse and collect their personal Banner from their crate.
Once you have the dead squad mate’s Banner in hand, proceed to a Respawn Beacon. You’ll see them listed on the Map screen. Shown here is what they look like. It takes several seconds to Respawn a killed squad mate.
Lifeline has the ability to call in Care Packages during a match using her Ultimate ability. Once this ability is fully charged, select it and then choose where you want the Care Package to arrive.
A landing location for the Care Package will be marked. Now find cover and wait for the Care Package to land.
Approach the Care Package. During a real match, when enemies could be nearby, use caution when making your approach. Open the Care Package and grab the item that’s inside. In this case, what’s inside is a useful Skullpiercer Rifling weapon attachment. The item will automatically be attached to a compatible weapon if you have one in your Legend’s inventory, or it will be placed as an unused item in their inventory if your Legend is not holding a compatible weapon.
Anytime you see an item that you don’t currently need, Ping it. This alerts your squad mates of the item you’ve found and shows them its location. They can now choose whether or not to find and grab it for themselves. Another option is to grab it, find your squad mate, and then share it with them by dropping the item in front of them.
When your training is completed, you’ll automatically be returned to the Lobby screen. You’re now ready to participate in your first match. Before doing so, however, you’re much better off reading the rest of this strategy guide, so you become familiar with the rest of Apex Legends before you’re dropped into a match and forced to learn on the go.
At any time, from the Lobby, you can return to Training Mode and spend as much time as you’d like there. For example, you can practice shooting with different weapons at the shooting range. When you return to this area, ignore Bloodhound and Pathfinder. Do not complete any of the assigned tasks.