Apex Legends Makes Big Change to How Ranked Trials Work in Season 19

Overview of Promotional Trials in Apex Legends

In a significant update for Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment has eased the previously stringent requirements of Promotional Trials for ranking up. While the feature was implemented to improve the overall matchmaking experience in Apex Legends, fans have been critical of it since its introduction. Promotional Trials were a key component of the massive Season 19 update in Apex Legends, representing a pivotal shift in the game's ranking mechanism. These trials mandate players to surpass a series of additional challenges to ascend in rank. This means that even if players accumulate the requisite LP for ranking up, they must successfully navigate through the Promotional Trials objectives to advance. This design was aimed at ensuring that players possess the necessary skills before they progress to higher ranks, ensuring a more consistent and skill-appropriate matchmaking experience.

In a recent tweet, Respawn Entertainment revealed that some of the Promotional Trials in Apex Legends Ranked will now be easier to achieve. For those players who have already exceeded the newly adjusted thresholds of the Promotional Trials, all they need to do is simply participate in another ranked match. Doing so will automatically update their Promotional Trial objectives and, subsequently, their rank, aligning with the revised criteria.

While the recent update to Apex Legends' Promotional Trials brings some ease to players, it's crucial to understand its specific scope. The update does not alter the primary objective of the Promotional Trials; rather, it adjusts the alternative objectives. This means that players are now required to secure fewer top 5 finishes to progress. Furthermore, it's important to note that this modification only benefits players up to the Diamond rank, because alternative objectives aren't available beyond that. For those competing at Diamond and above, the stringent requirement to win an Apex Legends ranked match in order to advance to the next rank remains unchanged.

Twitter article posted by Respawn

Community Response and Advocacy for Change

To no surprise, the update hasn't gone down well in the community, with many continuing to advocate for the abolishment of the Promotional Trials altogether instead of mere tweaks. Promotional Trials were introduced to eradicate the issue of 'ratters,' that is, players who play extremely passively in order to get a higher standing. However, fans have raised concerns that the issue has been amplified after the introduction of Promotional Trials. The requirement of a win and multiple top 5 finishes pushes players to play even more passively, thereby making it difficult for players to coordinate together as a team. As things stand, the ongoing sentiment in the community is to bring back Apex Legends' Season 13 ranking system, which is considered by many as the pinnacle of Ranked Apex Legends.

Mixed Reactions and Future Outlook

The recent changes to Apex Legends' Promotional Trials have sparked mixed reactions within the community. While some players welcome the adjustments and see them as a step in the right direction, others are calling for a more comprehensive overhaul of the ranking system. The debate surrounding the impact of Promotional Trials on gameplay dynamics and player coordination continues to divide the community. In the midst of these discussions, the future outlook for Apex Legends' Ranked Trials remains uncertain, with fans eagerly awaiting further updates and potential revisions to the system.