MeinMMO interviewed the development team of the new legend “Vantage” in Apex Legends. We talked about Vantage’s best strategies, most effective counter gameplay, and her cute companion, Echo.
In Apex Legends, the new season “Hunted” will start on August 9th. Already in some trailers, players could get an impression of the new legend that comes with the new season: Vantage.
Vantage and her male bat, Echo, are true survivors. Vantage is a young sniper who takes part in the Apex Games to fight for justice for her mother.
MeinMMO spoke to the developers of Vantage and asked questions about the new legend. The interviewees were:
“Some players will need some time to get used to them”
MeinMMO: First of all, what kind of Apex players would you recommend Vantage for? Rather for beginners or for advanced players?
Chris Winder: One of the things we wanted to do with Vantage was create a character for players who want to use greater distances in the game […]. So we definitely recommend it for players who want to sit back and support their team, maybe explore the area, look out for other teams and share their information with their team.
And I think the other group that will like Vantage are gamers who like to move. She has her tactics that allow her to get to many different places, not only high but also at a distance when she needs it. The ability to explore new movement mechanics in Apex – we already have quite a few – players who enjoy this will enjoy Vantage.
The new legend from Apex Legends sounds perfect for anyone who just likes to be annoying
MeinMMO: You’ve already talked about Vantage’s strategies. Could you give us some tips on how to use this movement mechanic and its power? What is the most effective way to play Vantage?
Chris Winder: I think some players will need some time to get used to this, unlike other movement mechanics that happen instantly as soon as you initiate them. With the hero Horizon you start immediately, you throw an item on the ground and float up. Or you can grab it with Pathfinder with the hook as soon as you see a building and start flying. Vantage takes a bit of time. On the one hand to charge up her tactical ability so that she can initiate the launch, but also to echo [ihre Fledermaus] to put in the right position.
He [Echo] is quite fast, so you can get it to where you need it in time. But I think over time, good Vantage players will start thinking about where to place Echo in each situation.
So if I need to move or if I need to gain altitude at that moment, I know that’s the best place. So either on top of a building or maybe along an exit corridor in case the team is after me so I have a way to get out. Or I might place Echo towards my team if it breaks some shields or I do some damage then I can rejoin my team.
So if you think strategically ahead and put Echo in these positions, you will get the most benefit from the tactical ability than others.
In the launch trailer of “Hunted” you can see Vantage in the Apex Games
Apex Legends-Hunted Launch Trailer
What to do when playing against a Vantage?
MeinMMO: When a Vantage is on the other team. What is the best counter for me? Which legend would be the best to beat Vantage?
Chris Winder: […] We definitely had some good Vantage vs Vantage battles during testing […]. Sometimes you’ll see one Vantage targeting another, allowing them to compete at virtually the same distance. This is an interesting mechanic that’s possible with the ultimate because the damage doesn’t stay exactly the same, it multiplies.
This is the Vantage ult: “Sniper’s Mark” – After a first successful hit, the enemy remains marked for 10 seconds. After that, each subsequent shot at the target increases the damage. The damage done to the other team members on the marked target is also greater.
If you get the first shot, the second shot is a big one. Sometimes you can get hit by the opponent’s first shot and if you think you’re safe enough, fire your second before the other one does. […] So that’s a possibility.
I think another counter would be other move legends that can close the distance to Vantage. Maybe she can be isolated when she’s in a position where she’s a bit separated from her team, and in those situations she could be attacked.
So some characters could take advantage of that. You’ll have to be quick though because, as I mentioned earlier, Vantage can extricate itself from this situation if it gets into trouble. But yeah, those could be some good counters.
MeinMMO: Some players – including me – noticed some parallels between her and Bloodhound. […] Was that intentional?
Kevin Lee: Yeah, I think when we were working on it, it was kind of inevitable. We already saw these parallels. And at first we were like, ‘Oh no. We don’t want to make Vantage the same as Bloodhound.”
But then we realized that she’s so much different, and that created a lot of interesting character dynamics between the two of them. Because even though they have the two things in common, being hunters and having pets, they are very different. Bloodhound is very serious, with a strong focus on honor and bravery. And Arthur isn’t exactly the cuddliest raven imaginable […]
In contrast, Vantage is fun, upbeat, and very capable. She’s not naive, but she’s not that experienced and adept […] like Bloodhound. And Echo is just a slightly playful animal, funny and with a wide personality range.
And so we felt that while there’s overlap, there’s also enough difference that there’s a really interesting character dynamic between the two. We really believe that it could produce a lot of great stories and things.
The most important thing at the end: Echo!
MeinMMO: Have you already planned Echo’s personality or should the player give him some personality?
Kevin Lee: It’s definitely balanced. We wanted him to be kinda cute and sweet and everyone to fall in love with him. But we also wanted to emphasize that he is a wild animal. Just as Vantage came from a very survivalist lifestyle and is coming to civilization for the first time.
Echo has had a similar journey. He’s lived in the wild his whole life and he’s in this situation now with the Apex games and that’s why he’s cute and cuddly with Vantage. But he is […] incredibly protective and he’s still a wild animal. He listens to the whistle, but he doesn’t “sit” or “down” (laughs).
We would like to thank Chris Winder and Kevin Lee for the interview and wish them every success in developing new Legends for Apex Legends.
What do you think of Vantage and Echo? Write it to us in the comments.
That wasn’t the only interview MeinMMO has done lately: Here you will find an interview with a drag queen on Twitch, in which we asked about her biggest problems and wishes when it comes to streaming.