Heat Shields
Heat Shields are a tactical item designed to counter the damaging effects of the Ring in Apex Legends. Deploying a Heat Shield creates a temporary dome that significantly reduces the damage taken from the Ring, allowing players to survive longer in hazardous zones or to reposition more safely.
Heat Shields are a game-changing tactical item introduced to Apex Legends, specifically designed to mitigate the harsh effects of the Ring. When deployed, a Heat Shield generates a protective dome that drastically reduces the damage taken from the encroaching zone. This item is crucial for late-game survival, allowing teams to hold positions within the Ring or to make daring rotations through dangerous areas. Understanding its deployment, duration, and strategic applications can be the difference between victory and defeat.
How to Use Heat Shields
Heat Shields are found as ground loot, in supply bins, and can sometimes be crafted. To deploy one, simply select it from your inventory and use it like any other deployable item. The Heat Shield will then create a large, translucent dome. Anyone inside this dome will receive significantly reduced damage from the Ring. The dome is visible to all players, so while it offers protection from the Ring, it can also act as a beacon for enemies.
Heat Shield Mechanics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Ring Damage Reduction | 90% |
| Duration | 25 seconds |
| Stack Size | 1 |
The 90% reduction in Ring damage is substantial, meaning that even in the final, most damaging circles, a Heat Shield can keep you alive for its full duration. This allows for critical repositioning or holding a contested area. However, it's important to remember that the Heat Shield only protects against Ring damage; it does not offer protection against enemy gunfire or abilities.
Strategic Applications of Heat Shields
- Late-Game Survival: In the final few circles, where Ring damage is immense, a Heat Shield can be the key to surviving long enough to win. Deploy it to hold a final position or to make a last-ditch rotation.
- Aggressive Rotations: If your team needs to move through a large portion of the Ring to reach the next safe zone, a Heat Shield can make this much safer.
- Contesting Areas: If an enemy team is holding a prime spot within the Ring, you can use a Heat Shield to push them out or to engage them on more even footing, as they will also be taking Ring damage if they are outside your shield.
- Reviving Teammates: If a teammate is downed in the Ring, a Heat Shield can provide a safe bubble to revive them.
- Creating Temporary Cover: While not its primary purpose, the visual distortion of the Heat Shield can sometimes offer a slight tactical advantage in obscuring vision for enemies outside the dome.
Limitations and Counterplay
The main limitation of a Heat Shield is its duration. At 25 seconds, it's a temporary solution. Enemies can also see the dome, so they might anticipate your movements or try to bait you out of it. If an enemy team deploys a Heat Shield, you can either wait it out, push them before it expires, or try to position yourself so that they are forced out of it as the Ring closes.
Where to Find Heat Shields
Heat Shields are a relatively common loot item. You'll find them in standard loot bins, on the ground, and sometimes as part of the crafting rotation. Prioritize picking them up if you anticipate needing to move through the Ring or if you're playing for late-game positioning.