Apex Legends’ season 9 is coming in May, and fans are already discussing some of the changes that lie ahead. One of the most talked-about updates will be a big nerf to Lifeline.
Lifeline’s passive ability, Combat Revive, will be the target of the season 9 nerf. Currently, Lifeline can pick up a fallen teammate with Combat Revive, which allows her to throw up a shield while her Drone of Compassion performs the revive. This leaves Lifeline to move freely and shoot at enemies from behind the shield.
But Apex Legends balance designer John Larson took to Reddit recently to explain that Combat Revive was going to see changes moving forward. The revive shield will be removed in season 9. While Drone of Compassion, or DOC, will still revive teammates, Lifeline won’t be able to hide and shoot from behind a shield. This forces Lifeline players to focus on their surroundings a bit more to ensure their teammate is revived without any interruptions from enemy players.
This Apex Legends update is definitely a big nerf for Lifeline, but Larson noted that there will be some positive changes for the legend as well. Lifeline’s tactical, the Heal Drone, will receive a 60% speed increase. DOC currently heals up to 150 health at a rate of 7.5 health per second, lasting about 20 seconds total. But in season 9, she will be able to heal 12 health per second at the same rate. This means healing will take a lot less time.
Larson also stated that Lifeline’s Care Package will receive a buff. While it will apparently guarantee upgrades, Larson didn’t elaborate on this update much beyond that.
An Apex Legends original, Lifeline will still be a popular pick. But this will better balance Lifeline, whose passive was considered overly powerful by many players. Once season 9 comes, players will be able to determine if the team dynamic and interactions change at all due to the update. For now, Lifeline mains are a bit disappointed about the loss of their shield during team fights. It will now matter more when and where a Lifeline chooses to revive her teammates without the shield to protect her.
Apex Legends season 9 will arrive on May 4.
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