Apex Legends Aim Assist Getting Nerfed on PC in Season 22

The upcoming Season 22 of Apex Legends will see significant changes to the Aim Assist feature. Developers have been considering adjustments for several seasons and are now prepared to implement these changes.

These nerfs will be specific to PC lobbies, with no impact on console-exclusive games. However, console players who engage in cross-play with PC users will experience a reduced Aim Assist to match that of PC controller users.

Apex Aim Assist nerfed by ‘about 25%’

Respawn’s Eric Canvaese announced at the Apex Season 22 preview event that Aim Assist will be reduced by approximately 25%. This decision is driven by the need to balance gameplay, particularly in PC lobbies where Aim Assist has been deemed too powerful.

The developers emphasized that Aim Assist will not be removed completely. It remains essential for maintaining a fair playing ground between different input methods. This adjustment is a result of extensive research and thorough testing, ensuring that the change is both necessary and effective. The revised Aim Assist will ensure a more balanced gaming experience for all players.

Apex Aim Assist Changes:

• Console crossplay into PC lobbies: Aim Assist strength reduced by 18%.
• Console performance mode crossplay into PC lobbies: Aim Assist strength reduced by 22%.
• Controller on PC: Aim Assist strength reduced by 25%.

Devs Aiming to Eliminate Competitive Edge from Input Choices

Developers have acknowledged players in Apex Legends switching inputs to leverage Aim Assist for better performance. Top-tier competitors like ImperialHal, Lou, Frexs, and Reptar have made the shift, altering team compositions to include more controller players than ever before.

Aim Assist indeed offers substantial benefits, notably enhancing consistency, which is crucial in professional tournaments like the ALGS.

Mouse and Keyboard (M&K) players, such as Zer0, Sweetdreams, and ImMadness, still rank among the best, demonstrating that they can compete at the highest level. However, controller users tend to maintain a more consistent performance due to Aim Assist.

For casual players, this situation presents a different challenge. M&K requires more practice to stay sharp, while controllers are generally easier to use with less frequent play. This disparity makes controllers an attractive option for those with limited playtime, as it demands less continuous effort to maintain proficiency.

Input Method	Known Advantages	Notable Players
Controller	Enhanced consistency due to Aim Assist	ImperialHal, Lou, Frexs, Reptar
M&K	High skill ceiling, precise aim	Zer0, Sweetdreams, ImMadness

This dynamic has driven developers to consider balancing mechanisms to ensure no input method holds an undue advantage, aiming for a fairer competitive landscape.

Will this Apex Aim Assist nerf make a difference?

The 25% reduction in Aim Assist effectiveness aims to address the balance between controller and Mouse and Keyboard users. Developers intended to avoid making the controller overly weak while still providing a meaningful adjustment. This change is likely to impact competitive play, encouraging some players to reconsider their input choice.

But how much will this affect the overall gameplay experience?

• Top-level players might experiment with switching back to Mouse and Keyboard.
• Average players could notice a shift in their performance, depending on their familiarity and reliance on Aim Assist.

The dominance of controllers in Apex Legends has been a contentious issue. Previous weapon adjustments did not achieve the desired balancing effect. This nerf could be the significant change needed to level the playing field, potentially making the competition more fair and skill-based.