Hot dropping, the adrenaline-pumping strategy of landing in highly contested areas, is both a test of skill and a gamble for high-tier loot in Apex Legends. It’s a chaotic whirlwind where quick decisions and raw combat prowess can mean the difference between an early victory or a swift return to the lobby. If you thrive on the thrill of the fight, here’s your guide to consistently hot drop and walk away victorious.
Before the Drop: Preparation is Key
- Master Your Legend: Understand your chosen Legend’s abilities and how they can provide an edge in close-quarters combat or a quick escape. Mobility legends like Pathfinder and Octane excel at repositioning, while defensive Legends like Gibraltar and Caustic can hold their ground.
- Communication is Critical: If you’re playing with a squad, coordinate your landing targets and loot strategies with your teammates. A cohesive team is far more lethal than individual hot droppers.
- Know the Hot Zones: Study the map and become familiar with popular high-loot locations. This allows you to develop landing strategies before the match starts.
When your team says they want to hot drop in Apex Legends. pic.twitter.com/uzPJRe3QFw
— Luminosity Gaming (@Luminosity) August 23, 2022
The Drop: It All Starts Here
- Dive Smart: When exiting the dropship, aim for an angle that allows you to reach loot quickly without directly clashing with multiple enemy teams. A slightly offset approach can be advantageous.
- Landing First Matters: The first to land usually secures the first weapons. Break off from your team slightly to cover more ground and increase your chances of finding a weapon.
- Loot Fast, Fight Faster: Don’t get bogged down looting. Grab a gun, some shields, and get ready to rumble. Hesitation in a hot drop is often fatal.
The Combat Dance: Surviving the Chaos
- Close-Quarters Mastery: Hot drops guarantee close-range fights. Get comfortable with shotguns, SMGs, and hip-firing to increase your survival odds.
- Aggression with Awareness: Push your initial advantage if you find a weapon first. However, don’t overextend. Be mindful of enemy positions and third parties looking to capitalize on the chaos.
- Movement is Life: Never. Stop. Moving. In a hot drop, being a static target is a death sentence. Use slides, jumps, and your Legend’s abilities to be unpredictable and hard to hit.
- Heal When You Can, Not When You Need To: If you get a split second of respite, pop a shield cell or syringe. Don’t wait until you’re critically low on health.
- When to Retreat: Knowing when to disengage is as important as knowing when to fight. If the fight isn’t in your favor, utilize your Legend’s abilities and your knowledge of the area to reposition and reassess.
hot drop#apexlegends #apexlegendsfanart #bloodhound pic.twitter.com/yPL6ScYqaU
— hanalan ✨ (@_iisrafel) September 5, 2022
Additional Tips:
- Play the Odds: Sometimes, even with perfect execution, the loot gods are not on your side. If you find yourself weaponless in a hot zone, it’s sometimes better to retreat and find a less contested area than to engage in a fistfight.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Drop into hot zones frequently to get accustomed to the adrenaline rush and improve your decision-making under pressure.
- Watch and Learn: Study how professional Apex players and streamers approach hot drops. Analyze their tactics and adapt them to your playstyle.
Embrace the Chaos
Hot dropping in Apex Legends is not for the faint of heart. It’s a trial by fire that will test your aim, your movement, and your ability to think quickly under pressure. However, the rewards of emerging from a hot drop with top-tier loot and a few eliminations under your belt are undeniable. If you’re looking to take your Apex Legends skills to the next level, get out there, embrace the chaos, and master the art of the hot drop!
FAQs
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Q: Is hot dropping always a good strategy?
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A: No. While it can yield great rewards, it’s inherently risky. If you’re struggling to survive hot drops, consider landing in slightly less heated areas to improve your early-game skills before diving into the chaos.
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Q: Should I hot drop in ranked matches?
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A: It depends on your skill level and risk tolerance. Hot dropping in ranked can be more punishing as you risk losing ranking points. Consider your team’s goals and adjust your strategy accordingly.
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Q: What if I don’t like close-quarters combat?
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A: Hot dropping might not be your ideal strategy. Focus on becoming proficient with mid-range weapons and consider landing in areas with more space to maneuver.
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Q: My teammates always want to hot drop and I’m not comfortable with it. What should I do?
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A: Open communication is key. Discuss your concerns with your teammates and try to find a compromise. You could suggest landing on the outskirts of a hot zone or rotating towards one after looting a less contested area.
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Q: I’m landing first but still getting eliminated. What am I doing wrong?
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A: Focus on improving your close-quarters fighting skills. Practice hip-firing, movement techniques, and learn to quickly evaluate and prioritize targets in the heat of battle.
