Apex Legends wouldn't be the game it is today without its regular updates and the addition of the Arenas game mode. While many players are frustrated that there hasn't been a new limited-time mode in a while, and Shadow Royale will only last for one week this Halloween, the new Arena map Encore gives players somewhere new to check out.

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It's a very open map with lots of places for good snipers to shine, but close-quarters fights can break out easily thanks to the many different hidden paths players can take to traverse the map. The map also serves to show Seer's homeworld for the first time, and features a stage fit for the newest legend in Apex Legends. For those ready to explore what this map has to offer, here are a few tips for winning matches on Encore.

5 Use The Relatively Open Layout To Your Advantage

Apex-Legends-Encore-Map-Middle-Area-Overview-Grid-Layout-1

The main distinguising aspect of the Encore arenas map is its openness. From the start of a round, players can see each other from the other side of the playing field. This allows those who are particularly good with snipers or other long-range marksman weapons to shine, but close-range fights are also common because of the rest of the map's layout.

When starting the round, look across to the other side of the map. It's more than likely that players will see the opposing team and, more importantly, where they are going. It's a good way for a team to get the lay of the land before any shooting starts, but it's also a good way for the practiced long-range player to get in a few hits and put the pressure on early. There are lots of vantage points above hidden areas and obstructed paths. This gives long-range players a definite advantage until the other team moves in closer.

4 Never Go Straight To The Middle

Apex Legends Encore Map Tips Open Sniper Marksman No Cover

The sides of Encore are home to vertical areas that give a good view of the arena, but the middle section is noticeably lacking any kind of cover. This is where a lot of action happens out of seemingly nowhere, and while it's worth checking out for its design, it's not a good idea to spend too long there. It is an extremely visible spot from just about everywhere on the map, meaning players are always vulnerable there.

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When starting a round on Encore, be sure to pick a side and commit to it with the rest of the team. If the player goes into the ring, and the other team goes outside the ring, they will be forced to come to the player through one of the most unprotected areas of any Arenas map.

It's not a bad idea to send an Octane into the middle for materials, or a Wraith who can phase walk out of there when threatened. Generally, though, players should stay out of the middle until it's absolutely necessary.

3 Keep An Eye On The Shadows

Apex Legends Encore Map Tips Arenas Shadows Corners

One of the downsides of Encore is how dark the map can be. While it doesn't have much in the way of major cover, it has lots of corners and obscured paths for enemies to hide in and stealthily make their way across the map. Thus, it's important to keep an eye on the dark parts of the map, looking out for opponents who might be using the dim lighting to their advantage.

Additionally, it's not the worst idea for players to choose a darker skin for their chosen legend on Encore. It can help to blend a player into their surroundings, and even though it won't fool everybody, sometimes enemies who aren't paying attention can be taken unawares.

2 Don't Rely On Cover

Apex Legends Encore Map Tips Cover Hide n Seek

Because of the map's lack of cover and the very open layout it offers as a battleground, it's hard to maintain any kind of decent cover, even though it's smaller than some other Arenas maps. However, Encore does have lots of different routes players can take to traverse the map without being too obviously seen.

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It's a good idea to spend some time in Arenas learning the layout of Encore, so that players can figure out the most obscured paths to take when attempting to flank enemies. There are tons of short zip lines, lots of climbable surfaces, and plenty of tight alcoves to stop in when on the run. Just make sure not to spend too long in one place.

1 Flanking Is The Best Overall Strategy

Apex Legends Encore Map Tips Flanking Strategy

While Encore is perhaps the most open of any Arenas map (aside from Phase Runner), its layout easily lets teams flank one another with the right strategy. It's never a good idea to wander directly into the middle when starting the round, but once a teammate has seized the enemy's attention, it's easy to get the upper edge.

On one part of the map, for example, is a raised area with a sunken middle section. It's above a ground-level area that can be seen through a glass floor; however, the terraces and climbable spots outside the sunken section make it easy to run around and get the jump on the enemies – especially if they're already shooting at somebody else.

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