Passive: VTOL Jets
Aiming in Apex Legends is mostly about tracking enemy movement with your crosshair. As such, a Legend that can move in unpredictable directions has a big advantage when trying to evade fire. Thanks to her VTOL Jets, Valkyrie’s movement in the air is almost as responsive as on the ground. That’s a major asset if used correctly.
The first thing you want to do with Valkyrie is get a feel for her jetpack and learn all of the ways it can alter your vector. Actually, before you even do that, I highly recommend you go into your settings set Jetpack Control to Hold. This setting can be found under the Gameplay tab. Using the jetpack this way will give you a lot more control than the default option of just toggling the jetpack on and off.
Once you’ve done that, you can begin to master Valkyrie’s movement abilities. Do note that her VTOL Jets don’t allow her to shoot or use items while in use, but you can fire her Tactical ability while boosting. You can also use weapons and items while falling though.
A simple trick that will help you get more out of your jetpack is to use it in bursts instead of draining the fuel in one go. This will keep your trajectory erratic and allow you to change directions faster. Flying in one continuous rocket burst will make you an easy target.
Here are a few numbers worth noting. Using the tank from full to empty will allow you to fly for 10 seconds. You will then need to wait eight seconds before the fuel begins to slowly refill.
Another very simple trick you can use as Valkyrie is to fire off a quick burst of your jetpack just before hitting the ground when dropping from a great height. This will prevent you from staggering when you hit the ground and allow you to keep your speed up.
Maintain momentum
Valkyrie’s VTOL Jets are excellent for maintaining momentum while rotating and taking fights. When you first engage the jetpack, you will move in the direction you are pressing, regardless of your current momentum. Get into the habit of boosting while holding directions other than forwards.
This is a very good way to evade enemy fire, but also a great way to scan your surroundings while rotating. You can slide and jump sideways, then use the jetpack to maintain momentum and look to the sides and even behind you.
When you’re fighting up close, one of my favorite tricks is to speed past an enemy, but, as soon as I pass them, hold backward and fire a short burst from the jetpack. Your enemy will turn to track you, but you’ll already be a few meters back. They’ll be looking the wrong way and you’ll get a few precious moments to get some shots off.
It’s over if you have the high ground
The VTOL Jets make Valkyrie very good at fighting in areas with multiple levels. Buildings, cliffs, and all large objects are your friends. Most Legends can only climb defined routes. Valkyrie can change her altitude wherever she likes. That’s a brilliant way to flank enemies. Just make sure you coordinate your attacks with your team.
As a simple rule when playing Apex Legends, always try to get above your enemies with Valkyrie. It’s easy to get on top of things quickly. This will give you a good position to peek and shoot at enemies while keeping yourself relatively safe. The VTOL Jets can also be used to hover upwards and scan your surroundings. You should do this whenever you have a few moments. It’ll help you keep track of your surroundings and spot enemies rotating or trying to approach you.
You can also use the jetpack to get to places that are typically awkward or hard to reach – like at the pinnacle of rocky outcroppings. Not that you want to be hiding, but it’s useful in a pinch. The additional height and momentum you can get with the jetpack will also allow you to heal without the need to slow down. Pop a healing item while you’re falling out of the sky and land with a slide to keep distance between you and enemies in hot pursuit.
Published: May 8, 2021 05:00 pm