Earlier today, Respawn announced their first Apex Legends event of 2021, following the release of a new Stories From the Outlands episode. The Fight Night Collection Event includes 24 event cosmetics, a new Pathfinder Town Takeover, and also a limited-time game mode which is being implemented in a brand-new way; Airdrop Escalation.
Apex Legends Game Mode: Airdrop Escalation
“With this update,” explains Respawn; “we’re testing a new approach to LTMs. Instead of launching as its own playlist, the Airdrop Escalation LTM will be a ‘takeover’ of the normal ‘Play Apex’ game mode.”
Unlike previous limited-time modes, Airdrop Escalation isn’t dramatically different from standard battle royale. There aren’t any major mechanical differences, for example, or unusual objectives. However, players will find that there is a lot more loot. As soon as you drop into the match, you’ll see four special supply drops around the map. More supply drops will land each round, dropping in a similar fashion to Lifeline’s Care Package.
These supply drops are well worth claiming. In the first round, they contain a few weapons at level 2. However, the quality of the items improves each round, eventually reaching the level of crate weapons and red armour. As fully-kitted weapons, weapons from the supply drops can’t be broken down, nor can you swap their attachments. Other than the supply drops, Airdrop Escalation is the same as a normal battle royale match.
Functionally speaking, the addition of supply drops should change the flow of matches somewhat. After all, players will now have an incentive to race to four specific map locations to try and be the first to claim the supply drops. This race is likely to grow more intense each round, as the quality of the supply drops increases. As such, the risk vs. reward factor becomes more and more pronounced over time.