How to Get Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends: A Comprehensive Guide
Heirloom Shards are the most coveted currency in Apex Legends, allowing players to unlock incredibly rare and visually stunning Heirloom sets for their favorite Legends. These sets typically include a unique melee weapon skin, a banner pose, and an intro quip. However, obtaining Heirloom Shards is notoriously challenging, relying heavily on luck and perseverance. This comprehensive guide will delve into every method of acquiring Heirloom Shards, maximizing your chances of finally obtaining that elusive Heirloom you’ve always desired.
## Understanding Heirloom Shards and Pity System
Before we dive into the methods, it’s crucial to understand how Heirloom Shards work and the game’s built-in pity system. Heirloom Shards are awarded randomly from Apex Packs. The drop rate is exceptionally low, estimated to be less than 1%. This is where the pity system comes into play.
* **The Pity System:** Respawn Entertainment implemented a pity system to guarantee that every player will receive Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs opened. This means that if you open 499 Apex Packs without receiving Heirloom Shards, your 500th pack is guaranteed to contain them. This system is account-wide, so progress is tracked across all platforms linked to your EA account.
Knowing about the pity system is vital because it sets a realistic expectation. You might get lucky and find Heirloom Shards early, but you should mentally prepare for the possibility of opening hundreds of packs.
## Methods to Acquire Apex Packs (and Therefore, Heirloom Shards)
Now, let’s explore all the avenues to obtain Apex Packs, increasing your chances of triggering that Heirloom Shard drop.
### 1. Leveling Up Your Account
The primary and most consistent way to earn Apex Packs is by leveling up your account. Here’s how it works:
* **Level 1-20:** You receive an Apex Pack every level.
* **Level 21-50:** You receive an Apex Pack every two levels.
* **Level 51-300:** You receive an Apex Pack every five levels.
* **Level 301-500:** You receive an Apex Pack every ten levels.
**Strategies for Efficient Leveling:**
* **Play Regularly:** Consistent playtime is the most straightforward way to gain XP. Aim to play daily, even if it’s just for a few matches, to accumulate XP bonuses.
* **Survival Time:** Focus on surviving as long as possible in each match. Survival time contributes significantly to your overall XP earned.
* **Damage Dealt:** Deal damage to enemies. The more damage you inflict, the more XP you’ll earn.
* **Eliminations and Assists:** Secure eliminations and assists to boost your XP gains. Teamwork is key! Playing with friends can lead to more coordinated attacks and assists.
* **Reviving Teammates:** Reviving downed teammates grants XP. Be a good teammate and prioritize revives when safe to do so.
* **Using Legend Bonuses:** Some Legends have abilities or passives that can contribute to XP gain. For example, Lifeline’s healing can provide assist XP.
* **Participate in Limited-Time Modes (LTMs):** LTMs often offer increased XP rates or unique challenges that reward bonus XP. Keep an eye out for these events.
* **Complete Daily and Weekly Challenges:** Apex Legends features daily and weekly challenges that reward substantial XP upon completion. These challenges are a crucial part of maximizing your leveling speed.
* **Daily Challenges:** These are typically simple tasks like dealing a certain amount of damage with a specific weapon type or playing a certain number of matches as a specific Legend. Focus on completing these challenges every day.
* **Weekly Challenges:** These are more demanding than daily challenges but offer significantly more XP. Plan your gameplay around completing these challenges each week.
* **XP Boost Events:** Respawn Entertainment occasionally hosts XP boost events, where players earn bonus XP for all actions performed in-game. Take advantage of these events to level up quickly.
### 2. Battle Pass
The Battle Pass is a seasonal progression system that rewards players with various items, including Apex Packs, for completing challenges and leveling up the Battle Pass tiers. There are two versions of the Battle Pass:
* **Free Battle Pass:** All players have access to the free Battle Pass, which offers a limited selection of rewards, including a few Apex Packs.
* **Premium Battle Pass:** Players can purchase the Premium Battle Pass using Apex Coins to unlock access to a much larger pool of rewards, including significantly more Apex Packs, Legendary skins, and other exclusive items.
**Maximizing Battle Pass Progress:**
* **Complete Battle Pass Challenges:** The Battle Pass features a set of weekly and daily challenges specifically designed to accelerate your progress through the tiers. Focus on completing these challenges to earn Battle Pass stars and level up quickly.
* **Play Regularly During the Season:** Consistent playtime is essential for making meaningful progress through the Battle Pass. Aim to play regularly throughout the season to maximize your rewards.
* **Utilize Battle Pass XP Boosts:** The Premium Battle Pass includes XP boosts that increase the amount of XP you earn for all actions performed in-game. These boosts can significantly accelerate your progress, so be sure to activate them.
* **Focus on Completing Easier Challenges First:** Prioritize completing the easier challenges first to quickly gain Battle Pass stars and level up. This will help you unlock more challenges and rewards as you progress.
* **Team Up with Friends:** Playing with friends can make completing challenges easier and more enjoyable. Coordinate with your teammates to work towards common goals and maximize your XP gains.
**Should You Buy the Premium Battle Pass?**
If you play Apex Legends regularly and enjoy the game, purchasing the Premium Battle Pass is generally a worthwhile investment. The Premium Battle Pass offers a significant number of Apex Packs, exclusive skins, and other valuable rewards that can help you progress towards obtaining Heirloom Shards. However, if you only play occasionally, the free Battle Pass may be a more suitable option.
### 3. Apex Pack Bundles and Sales
Respawn Entertainment occasionally offers Apex Pack bundles for sale in the in-game store. These bundles typically include a set number of Apex Packs at a discounted price. Purchasing these bundles can be a quick way to acquire a large number of Apex Packs, increasing your chances of finding Heirloom Shards.
**Things to Consider Before Buying Apex Pack Bundles:**
* **Cost:** Apex Pack bundles can be expensive, so carefully consider your budget before making a purchase.
* **Value:** Compare the price of the bundle to the cost of purchasing Apex Packs individually to determine if it’s a good value.
* **Current Needs:** Assess your current need for Apex Packs. If you’re close to the 500-pack pity timer, purchasing a bundle might be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re still far away from the pity timer, you might want to consider other methods of acquiring Apex Packs.
* **Sales:** Keep an eye out for sales on Apex Pack bundles. Respawn Entertainment often offers discounts on bundles during special events or promotions.
### 4. Twitch Prime/EA Play Subscriptions (Occasional Rewards)
Occasionally, Twitch Prime (now Prime Gaming) and EA Play subscribers receive free Apex Packs and exclusive skins as part of their subscription benefits. These promotions are not always consistent, but it’s worth checking regularly to see if any new rewards are available.
**How to Claim Twitch Prime/EA Play Rewards:**
* **Twitch Prime (Prime Gaming):** Link your Twitch account to your Amazon Prime account and then link your EA account to your Twitch account. Check the Prime Gaming website regularly for available Apex Legends rewards and claim them.
* **EA Play:** Subscribe to EA Play and link your EA account to your platform account (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, PC). The Apex Packs will automatically be added to your account when they are available.
### 5. Special Events and Promotions
Respawn Entertainment frequently hosts special events and promotions that offer players the opportunity to earn Apex Packs by completing specific challenges or participating in limited-time game modes. These events can be a great way to boost your Apex Pack collection.
**Examples of Past Events:**
* **Collection Events:** These events typically feature a new set of cosmetic items that can be unlocked by purchasing event-specific Apex Packs or crafting them using crafting metals. Some Collection Events also include free Apex Packs as rewards for completing challenges.
* **Themed Events:** These events often introduce new game modes, challenges, and rewards based on a specific theme. Some themed events may offer Apex Packs as rewards for completing challenges.
* **Anniversary Events:** These events celebrate the anniversary of Apex Legends and typically offer a variety of rewards, including Apex Packs, badges, and charms.
**Tips for Maximizing Event Rewards:**
* **Stay Informed:** Keep an eye on the official Apex Legends social media channels, website, and in-game announcements to stay informed about upcoming events and promotions.
* **Plan Ahead:** Review the event challenges and rewards beforehand to plan your gameplay and prioritize completing the challenges that offer the most valuable rewards.
* **Team Up with Friends:** Coordinate with your friends to complete event challenges together. This can make the challenges easier and more enjoyable.
### 6. Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Viewership Rewards
Watching the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) broadcasts on Twitch can sometimes earn you rewards, including Apex Packs. These rewards are typically distributed through Twitch Drops, which require you to link your EA account to your Twitch account and watch the broadcast for a certain amount of time.
**How to Earn ALGS Viewership Rewards:**
* **Link Your Accounts:** Link your EA account to your Twitch account.
* **Watch the Broadcast:** Watch the ALGS broadcast on Twitch with Drops enabled.
* **Claim Your Rewards:** Claim the Twitch Drops in your Twitch inventory once you’ve watched the required amount of time.
**Important Note:** Not all ALGS broadcasts offer Twitch Drops, so be sure to check the official ALGS website or social media channels to see if any rewards are available.
## Tracking Your Progress Towards the Pity Timer
Since the pity system guarantees Heirloom Shards within 500 Apex Packs, it’s helpful to track how many packs you’ve opened. Unfortunately, Apex Legends doesn’t provide a built-in counter. However, here are a couple of methods you can use:
* **Manual Tracking:** The most basic method is to manually keep track of the number of Apex Packs you open. This can be done using a spreadsheet, a notebook, or even just a mental count. While tedious, this method is free and reliable.
* **Online Trackers:** Several third-party websites and apps claim to track your Apex Pack progress. However, use these with caution, as they may not be accurate or secure. Some may require you to input your account information, which could compromise your security. Always research the tracker thoroughly before using it and avoid providing sensitive information.
## Tips for Managing Your Apex Pack Inventory
As you accumulate Apex Packs, it’s important to manage your inventory effectively. Here are a few tips:
* **Open Packs Regularly:** Don’t let your Apex Pack inventory pile up. Open packs regularly to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to keep track of your progress towards the pity timer.
* **Prioritize Free Packs:** Open free Apex Packs first before purchasing any new packs. This will help you maximize your free rewards and minimize your spending.
* **Be Patient:** Remember that obtaining Heirloom Shards is a matter of luck and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find them right away. Keep opening packs and eventually, you’ll hit the pity timer.
* **Set a Budget:** If you’re planning to purchase Apex Packs, set a budget beforehand and stick to it. Avoid overspending and remember that Heirloom Shards are cosmetic items that don’t affect gameplay.
## Conclusion: Persistence and Planning are Key
Obtaining Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends requires a combination of luck, persistence, and strategic planning. While there’s no guaranteed way to get them quickly, by maximizing your Apex Pack acquisition through leveling up, completing Battle Pass challenges, participating in events, and taking advantage of promotions, you can significantly increase your chances of finally unlocking that coveted Heirloom set. Remember the pity system, track your progress, and most importantly, enjoy the game! Good luck, Legend, and may the Apex Packs be ever in your favor!