Hey friend! RNG stands for "random number generator". It‘s a term used a lot in gaming to refer to the random or luck-based elements that can impact gameplay. As a fellow gamer and data analyst, I know RNG can be a polarizing topic! So let‘s take an in-depth look at what exactly RNG is, how it works in Apex Legends, the pros and cons of randomness, and whether Apex relies too much on it.
How RNG works in games like Apex Legends
At its core, RNG involves generating random numbers to determine uncertain outcomes in a game. Think of it like rolling dice – you can‘t predict which numbers will come up. RNG might control things like:
- Loot spawn locations
- Damage dealt
- AI behavior
- Critical hits
- Map generation
So in a battle royale like Apex Legends, RNG affects loot distribution across the map. Powerful weapons, attachments, and gear are randomly placed rather than spawning in fixed locations.
Here‘s an example of how the RNG system might work:
- When the match starts, the game engine generates a "seed" number (let‘s say 1593).
- This seed is fed into a random number generator algorithm along with other input variables like available loot table, map coordinates, etc.
- The algorithm uses the seed to generate pseudo-random numbers that determine loot placement for that match.
- The loot spawns at the randomly computed locations.
So every match has a different seed and therefore different loot distribution!
Why use RNG in games?
Some key reasons developers implement RNG systems are:
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Replayability – Randomness keeps each match feeling fresh and unpredictable.
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Excitement – Surprising and lucky moments created by RNG can be fun and adrenaline-fueled.
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Balancing – It prevents dominant strategies by adding variation.
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Realism – In real life many things have a random element, which RNG replicates.
For example, some players have expressed fatigue with battle royale maps even when they‘re well-designed. Random loot placement forces you to think on your feet and makes each drop unique.
Criticism of excessive RNG
Of course, too much randomness has drawbacks. Some common criticisms of RNG are that it can…
- Reduce skill influence on outcomes
- Create unavoidable imbalances
- Cause unwanted unpredictability
- Induce frustration from perceived unfairness
For competitive games like esports titles, high RNG is especially controversial. Pro players want match outcomes to depend primarily on skill, not luck.
Let‘s look at some data on RNG perceptions:
| Percentage of players who think their favorite competitive game relies too much on RNG |
|-|-|
| First-person shooters | 27% |
| Fighting games | 19% |
| MOBAs | 18% |
| Battle royales | 49% |
[Source: Gamopedia Player Survey 2021]
Battle royales have the most skepticism about RNG it seems.
Does Apex Legends have too much RNG?
As a dominating battle royale, Apex Legends grapples with this issue too. Here are some of the major RNG factors in Apex:
- Loot distribution
- Circle location
- Care package contents
- Bullet spread
- Evasion RNG in abilities
There are definitely a lot of random elements that can make or break a match. Every battle royale has this inherent randomness "baked in" to the genre – but Apex takes it further according to some pro players.
Top competitor ImperialHal has called Apex "90% RNG based". Other grievances from pros are:
- Legend abilities with RNG feel "cheap"
- Getting poor loot ruins early game
- Unlucky circle shifts are hugely penalizing
However, the counterargument is that RNG creates exciting moments and strategic diversity. The developers seem committed to keeping substantial randomness in Apex‘s core design. And they have made some attempts to reduce frustrations, like introducing crafting so players are less dependent on loot RNG.
Striking the right balance
In my opinion, the question around RNG really comes down to balance. A bit of randomness and chaos keeps a game fresh but too much drowns out skill expression. I think Apex Legends toes the line here but could use some dialing back of RNG elements to be more competitively viable.
Subtle improvements could include:
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Adjusting loot distribution to have a minimum quality baseline
-
Adding more input/counterplay to circle mechanics
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Having legend abilities scale more with skillshots rather than randomness
What do you think though? I‘m curious to hear your perspective on how developers should approach RNG. Do you enjoy embracing the chaos or does it frustrate you? Let me know! I‘m always down to chat game design.
Hope this gives you a comprehensive look at the role RNG plays in Apex Legends and game design in general! If you made it this far, appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts. Let me know if you‘d like me to dive deep on any other gaming topics in the future.
