Lifeline mains rejoice, a buff is coming in the next patch, and we might finally see everyone's favorite healer soar in the pick-rate again.
In next week's patch, we're getting some new items in the shop, and a decent bit of game balancing. One of the biggest changes coming to the game will be a buff for the OG healer: Lifeline. Here are the upgrades we expect her to get, and a little analysis on whether she even needs it.
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Lifeline's Incoming Buff
As Apex leaker @autismgaming420 reported, a series of buffs have been leaked for Lifeline, which will apparently be implemented with the June 21 patch. Here are the improvements coming Che's way:
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The increased heal area, and reduced Ult cooldown are both absolutely fair, and allowing downed teammates to reject the revive is a good idea for Lifeline. We're less certain about allowing the D.O.C. drone to have 9999 health, but let's see if this really is that strong when it's introduced.
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Does Lifeline Need A Buff?
Yes, and no. Lifeline is not a particularly strong Legend, and her Ult was absolutely deserving of a buff. But she's not the Legend that needed a buff the most, pretty far from it in fact. Lifeline is averagely popular, and here's how she stacks up compared to the only other "healer" in the game:
| Lifeline Pick-Rate | Newcastle Pick-Rate | |
Bronze | 4.1% (8th) | 3.5% (12th) |
Gold | 2.5% (15th) | 2.8% (14th) |
| Diamond | 1.3% (13th) | 1.3% (14th) |
As you can see neither of them are getting loads of play, but she's already a little more popular than the new guy, Newcastle. Therefore, it does seem a bit weird that she's getting a buff, when other Legends are far worse and much less popular. But hey, great news for Lifeline mains.
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Those are the changes coming to Lifeline. Do you think she's going to be good enough for the tough new ranked mode? Or will she still fail to perform?