ImperialHal and iiTzTimmy Identify Major Flaw in Ranked Mode That Could Be Harming Apex Legends

The player count for Apex Legends has been on a decline, and while some issues, such as game balance and a lack of fresh content, are frequently discussed, pro players iiTzTimmy and ImperialHal have identified a deeper concern that significantly impacts player experience: the Ranked mode.

In a recent conversation with Hal and Timmy, they shared their insights on the current state of Apex Legends, emphasizing that while game balance could use improvement, the Ranked system poses a substantial challenge for players.

For those fortunate enough to play with friends and form three-player teams, the Ranked experience might seem manageable. However, solo players, particularly in a meta favoring support roles, face a decidedly different reality. Disturbingly, many Apex fans express relief that the game did not receive any nominations at the Game Awards this year— a reflection of its current struggles.

Even ImperialHal, a professional Apex Legends player, seeks to avoid solo queueing unless he is with friends, highlighting the systemic issues in the Ranked format. Fortunately, the solution might be more straightforward than one would expect.

The Case for a True Solo Queue in Apex Legends

ImperialHal: “Solo queue is extremely frustrating. I usually play in three stacks, which makes things easier for me, but there needs to be a mechanism to allow solo players to compete without constantly facing teams of three professionals.”

He proposes, “One potential solution is to segregate players based on their queue preferences. For example, dedicated solo players would be matched against others in similar situations, creating a fairer environment, even if it requires more servers. Players should not log in only to feel they have zero chance of prevailing.”

ImperialHal Apex Legends — ImperialHal discusses challenges in Apex Legends’ Ranked mode.

As a seasoned player, ImperialHal recounts his experiences solo queueing, noting, “I often encounter teams of three professionals, and I realize I stand no chance. Once I see them in my lobby, my strategy shifts to survival rather than competing.”

Timmy: “Absolutely. Other competitive titles seem to have resolved this issue.”

ImperialHal: “Exactly! Games like League of Legends limit the number of players in matches.”

Timmy: “Once players reach a specific rank, they can no longer group in threes; they must play solo or in pairs.”

ImperialHal: “A similar system could work for Apex. Once players attain Diamond or Masters rankings, it could restrict them from forming three-player teams. That would certainly make the game more appealing.”

Timmy: “They could implement distinct queues, one for teams of three and another for solo and duo players.”

ImperialHal: “However, we must consider that such separation may lead to inadequate queue times.”

Timmy: “The real issue is with the current player base size. The developers are hesitant to segregate queues until that number increases. For now, the focus should indeed be on generating engaging content.”

Both players assert that the pressing concern for Apex Legends lies in its content—or lack thereof. They argue that the game struggles to attract new players and incentivize existing ones to return, creating a cycle of diminishing interest.

Nevertheless, before content updates can rejuvenate the player base, addressing the fundamental flaws in the Ranked system, specifically the lack of a genuine solo queue experience, is essential. Implementing this change might pave the way for revitalizing player engagement and enhancing overall satisfaction with Apex Legends.

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