Creating the Ultimate Apex Legends Characters: The Stories of Pathfinder and Wraith
Summary
In this Q&A session, the team behind Apex Legends discusses the processes behind creating two of the most beloved characters in the game, Pathfinder and Wraith. They share insight into the design ideas that were combined in creating these characters, and the evolution of their abilities to what players know today. Additionally, they offer some tips on best practices for playing Octane, the most recent addition to the roster, and express their excitement at seeing what players will do with him.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Creating Pathfinder
- Designing Wraith
- Playing Octane: Tips and Tricks
- Conclusion
Introduction
Apex Legends has taken the gaming industry by storm since its release in February 2019. The fast-paced, squad-based battle royale game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, diverse roster of characters, and superb graphics. One of the most notable aspects of the game is the rich history and origin stories behind each character. In this Q&A session, we will explore the creative processes behind two of the most popular characters in the game: Pathfinder and Wraith.
Creating Pathfinder
Pathfinder was created with the intention of bringing the character Marvin from the popular game Titanfall into the Apex Legends universe. Marvin had quickly become a fan favorite in Titanfall and was well-known for his iconic high-five gesture. The team wanted to bring that same fun and lighthearted energy to Apex Legends. The idea of a playable robot character was born.
In terms of design, the team wanted to expand on the robot theme while still maintaining some of Marvin’s iconic design elements. The team knew that they wanted Pathfinder to be able to move around the map quickly and have a playful, lighthearted feel. Thus, they created his grappling hook ability, allowing players to quickly gain the high ground in combat.
Pathfinder’s passive ability, Insider Knowledge, allows players to scan survey beacons to reveal the next circle location, giving his team a strategic advantage. Finally, his ultimate ability, Zipline Gun, creates a zipline that allows his team to quickly travel around the map.
Designing Wraith
Wraith, on the other hand, went through multiple design iterations before settling on her current concept. Initially, the team had been experimenting with abilities from Titanfall, but eventually moved away from these ideas to create something wholly unique.
One idea that kept coming up was the concept of “dimension hopping”, which eventually evolved into the ability to phase between dimensions. This phasing ability allows players to escape danger or even gain an advantage in combat by quickly repositioning themselves.
Wraith’s character design was also heavily influenced by her phasing ability. The ghostly voices that players hear when using her ability represent different versions of herself from alternate dimensions, warning her of danger or offering glimpses into other possibilities. This ability also represents the character’s name, as Wraiths are known for their ability to move between dimensions.
Her ultimate ability, a portal, allows her team to move quickly across the map, while her tactical ability, phasing, can allow her to escape danger or gain an advantage in combat.
Playing Octane: Tips and Tricks
Octane, the most recent addition to the roster, has quickly become a fan favorite with his fast movement and flanking tactics. However, playing as Octane can be a double-edged sword: his abilities are designed to be used aggressively, which may not suit every player’s preferred style.
The optimal way to play Octane is as a hyper-aggressive character, pushing enemies with speed and agility. It is important to remember that because Octane’s tactical ability, Stim, damages his health, it is best used sparingly. Instead, use it to gain the upper hand in surprise attacks or to quickly reposition yourself in combat.
Octane’s ultimate ability, Launch Pad, can create a quick escape route for his team or be used to flank enemies. It is important to be strategic with its placement, as it can also give enemies access to unexpected angles of attack.
Conclusion
As gamers, we can all appreciate the dedication and creativity that goes into creating a game like Apex Legends. The origin stories behind each character add depth and nuance to the game, making it stand out in a crowded market. We hope that this Q&A session has given you a deeper appreciation for the thought and care that go into creating these characters. We also urge players to continue supporting the game and streaming their experiences, as the community is a crucial part of the game’s success.
