KEY POINTS

  • Heirloom Shards can only be obtained by opening Apex Packs
  • Apex Packs can be obtained via the Battle Pass levels, game events or in-game store purchases
  • There are multiple ways for players to maximize their Battle Pass XP gain

The Nintendo Switch release of “Apex Legends” is slowly inching closer, and fans will be pleased to know that all of the features in the PC and console versions of the game will be present here as well.

Character cosmetics play a big part in Respawn Entertainment's hit battle royale game’s overall progression system. Character and weapon skins are coveted by nearly every player in the game, but no items are as sought-after as Heirlooms. These ultra-rare cosmetics can only be obtained via Heirloom Shards, which drop from Apex Packs.

However, Apex Packs very rarely drop Heirloom shards. The drop rate is approximately 1 shard per 500 packs, according to Gfinity, and players who fail to roll a shard after 499 rolls will get a guaranteed 150 shards on their 500th pack.

APEX LEGENDS PATHFINDER GRAPPLING HOOK
Even grappling to get out of their sights fast will not be enough to save yourself from them. Respawn Entertainment/EA/Apex Legends

Players who want to farm for Heirloom Shards will have to get as many Apex Packs as possible, either through constant gameplay or by purchasing them with real money.

For those who don’t want to spend, Apex Packs can be acquired by powering through Battle Pass levels. Battle Pass XP is gained by simply playing normal matches, but there are a few tricks to help maximize XP gain.

First of all, players will want to stay alive for as long as possible in each match.

This is because players will gain extra XP for every second that they spend in-game. This amount is equal to three XP per second. To put this in perspective, players will gain one kill’s worth of XP every 17 seconds. Reaching at least fifth place in a match will also net players an extra 300 XP.

Next, players will want to play with friends.

Each friend in the squad will boost everyone’s XP gain by 5%. Having two friends in the party will maximize the passive XP gain from surviving.

Lastly, players should aim to complete Quests.

The Treasure Packs related to Season Quests can reward players with both XP levels and Apex Packs. Once players eventually finish the quest itself, they’ll also receive the seasonal reward tied to it.

“Apex Legends” for the Nintendo Switch will be available for free starting Tuesday.

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