How To Use Horizon In Apex Legends

Apex Legends - Season 7 dropped on November 4, 2020. With it came an abundance of additions and changes to the game—the introduction of vehicles, a new map, Legend, weapon balancing, and more. As has become the norm with each new season of Apex Legends, the developers at Respawn have once again added a new playable legend to the pool. Following the Forge fiasco in Season 4, fans weren’t exactly sure who to expect. As we closed in on the official release date, it became clear that Dr Mary Somers — Horizon — would be our new Season 7 Legend.

For the uninitiated, Horizon may seem underwhelming at first glance. However, her kit has insane potential in the right hands. So much so, that we actually have her ranked in our S tier. Let’s take a look at the quirky astrophysicist’s skillset and the proper way to use it.

Passive - Spacewalk

Horizon's passive ability is rather inconsequential. Sure, it’s nice to have, but its impact on the game is close to nil.

Spacewalk increases air control and reduces fall impacts. The reduction of fall impacts comes in handy on occasion. Typically when a player leaps off a high surface, they will be stunned for a second when landing. Spacewalk negates that stun and allows players to maintain momentum.

Horizon’s passive can be used tactically to gain an advantage in certain situations. Everyone’s been in a situation where they were forced to leap off a high ledge to chase an enemy or escape a foe. Typically, players will be sitting ducks for a second upon landing. With Spacewalk, Horizon players will have their weapon ready instantly. The second or two of freedom Spacewalk provides can make all the difference. As for the added air control, players would probably not even know this perk existed if it wasn’t written in Horizon’s description. 

While Spacewalk is nothing to write home about, Horizon’s tactical and ultimate abilities all but make up for it.

Tactical - Gravity Lift

Horizon’s tactical ability is by far the most interesting part of her kit. The utility of the Gravity Lift is much more than meets the eye.

When deployed, the Gravity Lift will raise players up to 30 metres off the ground and propel them outwards when they exit. The lift stays active for ten seconds and has a cooldown of fifteen seconds.

At first glance, players may assume Gravity Lift is simply another tool to quickly retake high ground - similar to Pathfinder’s grapple. However, Gravity Lift provides so much more utility than that.

For one, Gravity Lift can be used to block off key sightlines and access points. For example, say you are weak and have a player rushing you - run into a building and throw the Gravity Lift in the doorway. The lift will make it impossible for anyone to enter and give you precious seconds to heal or escape.

The Gravity Lift can be used to reposition and save download teammates. Throw the lift near a downed teammate. Instead of being stuck in the open, the downed player can crawl over the lift and be sent a great distance. This will force the enemy to make a reckless push to finish them or give you and your squad a chance to revive the downed teammate behind cover.

Horizon’s Gravity Lift completely negates Bangalore and Gibraltar’s ultimate abilities. The lift has the ability to launch users up and above the bombardment of missiles. Gravity Lift can be used in a pinch to dodge these powerful ultimates.

The Gravity Lift opens up an opportunity to heal. It’s much more difficult to shoot a player out of the sky, especially when they are bouncing up and down on a Gravity Lift. Take the lift up and pop some shields or meds. Chances are that you can get a battery off before getting shot out. It’s risky, but it’s a great option when there’s no cover.

Last but not least, don’t discount the advantage instant high ground offers. There are tons of locations on Olympus where the ability to claim high ground quickly can make or break a fight. The Gravity Lift allows skilled players to continually outmanoeuvre and outplay their opponents.

To top it all off, Horizon’s Gravity Lift has a mere 15-second cooldown. With a ten second duration, the ability is almost always active and available. Constant access to such a diverse tool is the highlight of Horizon’s kit.

Ultimate - Black Hole

Horizon deploys her trusty robotic companion, N.E.W.T.

N.E.W.T creates a micro black hole that sucks in enemies. Black Hole lasts 12 seconds and has a charge time of 120 seconds.

On its own, Black Hole is nothing special. However, when combined with the ultimate abilities of other Legends, Black Hole becomes an absolute game-changer.

For those Overwatch players out there, think of Black Hole as a Zarya ult. It’s best used in unison with other character’s abilities.

One prime partner for this would be Gibraltar. Gibraltar can call down his ultimate while Horizon uses her Black Hole. Enemy players will be sucked into the Black Hole, trapping them under the barrage of missiles. This combo can effortlessly wipe a full squad of three. Crypto, Caustic, and Bangalore are a few other Legends that have ultimates ideal for pairing with Black Hole.

By itself, Black Hole can still prove valuable. It’s a great tool for isolating enemy players that may be caught out of position. Throw down the Black Hole and toss in some grenades. This will be a death sentence for most Legends. Either they run to escape, leaving them open and vulnerable, or they remain in cover and take a beating.

Horizon is brand new, so as you’d expect, some players are struggling to find her niche. Use this guide to harness the Scottish Legend’s full potential. 
 

Stay tuned here @GGReconEsports for Apex Legends news, guides, features, and more.  

Images via Respawn Entertainment