Apex Legends: How to make Knockdown Shields actually useful

Apex Legends gives players tons of tools to fight back but using the Knockdown Shields effectively could be the difference between a Champion banner or a grey screen.

But some players are finding it hard to use the equipment item to its fullest extent, especially when it seems like enemy fire goes right through the Knockdown Shields as if it wasn’t even there to begin with.

Instances like these can make a lot of people question the shields’ purpose since baffling kills can easily lead to building frustrations. But there are a few ways to get the best use out of the item for it to actually help out during games.

In a Reddit post, user ‘Cassiopeia93’ highlighted a puzzling death in which a healthy purple Knockdown Shield barely had an effect for stopping incoming bullets.

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“Are Knockdown Shields ever going to become useful?” they said after getting eliminated with over 500 hp left on their barrier. “Right now they’re just a way of showing off your favorite color before you die.”

While it seems like the player was finished off because of a bug or due to the fact they were moving while using the shield (which can expose a limb or two), the thread prompted the Apex Legends community to swoop in to give their take on how to get the best use out of the shields.

“Knockdown shields are extremely useful, so long as your teammates are handling their business while you hold on,” user ‘Venku_Skirata’ said.

A few main tactics players need to keep in mind is that the shields need to be used with a teammate in mind. Whether using it as a stalling tactic in order to wait for reinforcements to protect them before reviving, or using the shields to protect other teammates.

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Even though a player is down for the count, their Knockdown shields can be invaluable for another squadmates to fend off incoming attackers. Downed players can use their shields to provide a movable cover that teammates can use to crouch behind and fire over.

On the other hand, using a Knockdown Shield out in the open can lead to a quick death, so downed players should prioritize getting to a cubby or corner before popping their barriers.

While the equipment item has its niche uses, Apex Legends routinely rewards players for their creativity which can definitely be applied to the Knockdown Shields.