Limited Time Modes (LTMs) in Apex Legends consist of variations and sometimes deviations from the classic battle royale formula the game is known for. These modes are usually tied with an event of some sort and are playable for a couple of weeks before disappearing. One previous LTM called "Deja Loot" had static loot locations - drastically reducing the random elements of the battle royale modes. Another LTM, Shadowfall, pits all players against each other, with fallen players coming back as shadows to eliminate the remaining survivors.
Of the many LTMs that have been introduced and reintroduced in Apex Legends, Control is by far the most frequent game mode that has made multiple returns. Set in secluded areas of the battle royale maps, Control pits two teams of nine players against each other as they fight to capture 3 set points. The fast respawn times and emphasis on fighting rather than looting has made Control one of the most-liked LTMs by players. Considering how often Respawn Entertainment has brought back Control since its recent debut in season 12, it would be in everyone's best interest if the mode was made into a permanent fixture of Apex Legends.
Quick Thrills And Fast Fights Make Everyone Happy
Control frees players from a lot of the preparation and downtime associated with Apex Legends' battle royale modes. Players don't have to worry about where enemies are landing since they all spawn at set locations. Ground loot is mostly replaced with predetermined loadouts, infinite ammo weapons, and care packages. All players have to do is pick a character and choose which friendly occupied area to spawn in. Due to the smaller map size and mode objectives, finding enemies isn't as difficult to do in Control.
Successfully eliminating opponents or contributing to the friendly team's success increases players' ratings. Higher ratings upgrades players' guns and armor, as well as charges their ultimate abilities. This gives them a bigger advantage against enemies in succeeding fights. Losing isn't too bad, either. Instead of waiting long for a revive or a teammate to win, dying in Control allows players to respawn at either a friendly-controlled point or base after a few seconds. Control gives Apex Legends players an avenue for fast fights and short respawn times - something that echoes elements of a Team Deathmatch mode.
Control Succeeds Where Arenas Failed
Aside from battle royale, Control fares infinitely better than Apex Legends' failed Arenas mode. In Arenas, two teams of three players need to prepare their loadout by spending materials. These materials are gained by completing rounds, killing enemies, and looting material containers strewn throughout maps unique to the game mode. Only when the preparation phase is over can the round truly begin. Since there are fewer players in Arenas, rounds tend to be very short (sometimes even shorter than the preparation phase).
Once a player dies, they have to watch the rest of their team fight while waiting for the next round. This waiting, along with the long preparation phase, contributes to a lot of downtime players experience in Arenas. What's more, being paired with inexperienced or toxic Apex Legends teammates forces players to stick with them for the entirety of the game, lest they incur a matchmaking penalty. Games in Arenas are won by winning at least 3 rounds and winning 2 more rounds than the enemy squad, so they tend to be long games.
Though Control also includes a waiting penalty for leaving a game, players are more likely to stick with the match because they love the moment-to-moment combat. It allows them to practice their shooting and movement gameplay (arguably the most fun parts of Apex Legends) rather than focus on resource management. The success of Control boils down to player engagement - when players are so engrossed in a game that they don't care if their team is winning or losing.
Making Control a permanent game mode in Apex Legends will allow players to become better much faster, as there is little downtime to the gunplay. It will also allow Respawn Entertainment to allot more resources to a game mode with a large player base, rather than a dwindling one like Arenas. It would be great to see dedicated Control maps that make full use of the game mode's strengths as well as other features that can spice up the formula.
Apex Legends is currently available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and Mobile.