"I shouldn't be FLASHBANGED when hitting the enemy with bullets": Players point out the visual clutter in Apex Legends 

Fans of Apex Legends have taken to popular social media handles, such as Reddit and Twitter to talk about the increasing level of visual clutter and aim-flinching in the game. Many have expressed their concern as alternate inputs, such as controllers, can simply bypass this issue with their aim assist, leaving mouse-and-keyboard (MnK) players at a massive disadvantage.

Out of sheer frustration, Redditor u/PKSpades exclaimed:

"I shouldn't be FLASHBANGED when simply hitting the enemy with bullets. Like why am I being punished for fulfilling the entire point of the game (shooting enemies) "

That said, let us explore the growing concerns the community has regarding the rampant increase of visual clutter in Apex Legends.

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Is visual clutter in Apex Legends affecting player performance?

I counted each frame of this clip and the target is obstructed by visual clutter over 50% of the time. THIS is why MNK players feel that its hard to compete with controller. This level of muzzle flash, bullet tracers, and glow effects make it extremely difficult just to keep track of the target. byu/lifeisbadclothing inapexlegends

Time and time again, players have taken to Twitter and Reddit to discuss the increasing visual clutter in the game. Starting from mere HUD elements blocking a majority of one's screen to the unsavory amount of muzzle flare and VFX effects, players believe that it is hindering their performance in the game.

As showcased by user u/lifeisbadclothiing in the attached embed, out of 54 clear frames where the user is shooting at his adversary, more than 30 of them are obstructed due to either the user or his enemy's weapon flares. The bloom and glow effects of the weapon's bullet tracers seem to block vision, leading to a frustrating encounter that is difficult to keep track of.

Comment byu/lifeisbadclothing from discussion inapexlegends

The original poster showcases why it was extremely difficult for MnK players to thrive in a controller-laden esports environment, especially with visual clutter affecting their gameplay. Alternate inputs, i.e., controllers, which have been on the rise, are gaining popularity because of their aim-assist feature. Whether it is visual clutter or NOX gas, controllers get the benefit of aim-assist kicking in during close-range gunfights, but this leaves MnK players at a disadvantage.

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The Apex Legends community is not happy about this, and their frustration is understandable as one of the most popular computer input methods is being nerfed due to visual clutter. Furthermore, since the gameplay is competitive in nature, leaving it in an unbalanced state is not conducive to fostering a healthy esports scene around the game.

Previously, popular movement-based content creator @mokeysniper had also made numerous posts on Twitter to try and get Respawn to acknowledge this issue. However, his efforts have been in vain despite resonating with thousands of players.

All in all, we do expect Respawn and EA to take due notice eventually and ultimately implement a fix to combat this issue.

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For more Apex news, check these links below:

• ALGS Split 1 Playoffs 2024: Final Results
• Apex Season 21 weapon changes: Charge Rifle buff, Wingman nerfed, Skullpiercer removed, and more
• Lifeline rework: What we know so far
• 10 best movement players in Apex Legends (2024)