Algs POI Draft
The competitive landscape of Apex Legends is set to change with the introduction of a fresh ALGS POI Draft system, beginning with ALGS Split 2. This innovative feature aims to shake up the professional gaming scene by altering strategies around team drop spots in the Split 2 Pro League and Playoffs, promising a renewed tactical edge to matches.
In determining the reach of the new draft system, it's been confirmed that the ALGS Challenger Circuit will not adopt the feature for the time being. The utilization of this system extends an invitation to third-party tournaments, like the Esports World Cup, to embrace the mechanism at their discretion, thereby allowing each organizer to decide its integration into their event format.
Rationale Behind the Implementation of the ALGS POI Draft
Assigned Landing Zones in Competitive Play
Electronic Arts introduced the ALGS POI Draft system aiming to create a more balanced competitive environment and to encourage teams to adapt their strategies to various Points of Interest (POIs) and differing styles of play. This new format requires teams to be more versatile, as opposed to having a fixed strategy centered around familiar landing spots that they may have used exclusively for extended periods.
Under the new system, the concept of routine rotations and anticipating opponent actions, which were common practice among teams, is significantly disrupted. This adjustment not only levels the playing field but also appears more advantageous for emerging teams than for well-established ones. One critical rule within this framework is the prohibition of two teams selecting the same landing location, which ensures that each team has its own unique starting point.
The draft includes a selection of various POI drop spots. Some are frequently chosen in competitive play, while others may typically be overlooked. However, specific drop spots like Climatizer and Lava Siphon on Worlds Edge have been divided into two draftable locations, potentially setting the stage for early engagements among competitors.
Understanding the ALGS POI Draft Mechanism
In the Apex Legends Global Series, teams make strategic decisions regarding their starting locations on the game map through a system known as the POI (Point of Interest) Draft. Before each Pro League match day, teams select from a list of fixed starting points.
Key Points of the POI Draft:
- Selection is conducted in a snake draft format, where the team with the first selection also gets the last, and the team in the middle of the order selects both their picks consecutively.
- Initially, teams may pick from any map available during their first selection.
- Draft positions for the Pro League are assigned randomly each week but ensure equality over the season through a balanced distribution of draft ranks.
- For Regional Finals, the order of the draft aligns with the teams’ standings from the regular season.
This ensures a level playing field, where luck in one draft is counterbalanced across the season, and consistent performance rewards teams in important final matches.
