In the dynamic ecosystem of Apex Legends, some legends, despite their unique skill sets, fall out of favor due to the shifting weapon and movement metas. The latest balance patch seeks to correct this by delivering significant, targeted buffs to two legends who needed them most: the aerial rotational specialist Valkyrie and the defensive expert Rampart.

These changes are designed not just to make them playable, but to make them crucial picks in teams seeking both strategic mobility and fortified positions.

Valkyrie: Faster Launches, Better Control

Valkyrie’s utility often felt constrained by her low ultimate launch height and the vulnerability of her tactical ability. The new buffs address both:

  • Increased Ultimate Launch Height: Valkyrie’s ultimate, Skyward Dive, now launches the team significantly higher on activation. This grants teams better initial vision, allows them to clear more obstacles, and provides a safer ascent when escaping immediate danger, greatly improving her rotational reliability.
  • Tactical Firing During Jump: A crucial quality-of-life improvement allows Valkyrie to fire her Missile Swarm (Tactical Ability) during her initial jetpack jump. This adds a new layer of aggressive utility, allowing her to disorient enemies upon initiation or during a rapid descent, making her more combat-ready mid-flight.

These changes make Valkyrie a top-tier rotational pick once again, increasing her value in high-stakes environments.

Rampart: Fortified Walls and Defensive Dominance

Rampart, the defensive expert, needed more durability for her unique utility to withstand the current high-damage meta. Her buffs focus on sustainability:

  • EVO Shield Integration for Walls: Rampart’s Amped Cover walls now gain increased structural health based on the level of the team’s combined EVO Shields. This directly rewards teams that level their armor, ensuring her defensive structures become proportionally tougher and less susceptible to being instantly melted by high-damage weapons.
  • Faster Placement: The initial placement speed of her Amped Walls has been slightly reduced. This minor buff provides a small but critical window for her to set up defenses under pressure, making her defensive strategy more reactive in combat.

The improvements to Rampart’s walls ensure her defensive positions are a legitimate threat, making her an excellent anchor for end-game circles.

These significant buffs for Valkyrie and Rampart inject fresh strategic options into the current meta. Valkyrie provides unmatched aerial mobility, while Rampart offers sustained defensive firepower, forcing opponents to respect their unique control over the battlefield.