Give Solo Queue a Buff
Quick simple idea I wanted to share called the “Underdog” or “Undermanned” system, which is basically a buff to help solo and/or duo players in Apex Legends ranked (or unranked).
NB: “And/or” means either one, or both.
How I think it can work: recognizes team composition (e.g., solo, duo, or full 3-stack) from lobby and applies these buff ideas:
Solo/Duo RP Modifier (Idea #1):
Simply increase/decrease RP gain/loss overall or when solo and/or duo defeat a 3-stack. For example:
Solo queue:
+/-15% RP gain/loss
Duo queue:
+/-7.5% RP gain/loss
Full 3-stack:
normal RP
AND/OR
Auto-Comm Assist (Idea #2):
On cracking an enemy’s shield or dealing damage to a flesh target, the enemy is briefly auto-pinged or highlighted (possibly also showing the damage dealt) for teammates. This systematically provides real-time comm, compensating for randoms' lack of comms.
https://i.redd.it/fbywtcxl9y0h1.gif
AND/OR
3-Stack Damage Indicator (Idea #3):
Systematically indicate real-time damage done by a 3-stack. For example:
- Normal incoming damage uses the standard red indicator.
- Damage coming from a full 3-stack either changes the color completely, uses different brightness, or keeps the same red indicator but adds a subtle different color outline/glow (e.g., yellow).
AND/OR
Squad Ability Status Display (Idea #4):
Display ally ability status when active or inactive in the squad panel UI, next to each teammate's name and health bar. Passively visible without requiring voice chat or manual pings, improving team synergy.
AND/OR
Ghost Ping (Idea #5):
Allow dead teammates to ping or mark relevant recommended map information (e.g., loot, zone movements, etc..) with a cooldown, keeping the squad informed even after losing a player. Could apply before or after retrieving their banner.
Thoughts? Any feedback, balance concerns, or additional ideas are appreciated.