Loba pick rate skyrockets in Apex Legends ahead of Season 18

Tracking the popularity of your favourite characters in Apex Legends is a great way to stay on top of the meta and ensure you're always one step ahead of your foes.

While the pick rates of individuals Legends change every single day, a major shift in the rankings overnight tends to grab the attention of the community. Well, Loba has experienced exactly that.

The Translocating Thief's pick rate has been skyrocketing in the last few days, ahead of Season 18. So, why are so many Apex Legends players suddenly so desperate to play Loba and learn how to pilot her powerful kit?

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Loba pick rate has shot up in Apex Legends

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Loba's pick rate in Apex Legends has jumped up to an impressive 6.3%, just ahead of the launch of Season 18 in August. This puts her sixth in the overall popularity rankings, just behind Bangalore, whose currently sitting at 7.2%.

On July 21, Loba was maintaining a steady 4.5% pick rate, which had actually been declining from her 6.1% back in May. Suddenly in the last five days, Loba's popularity has shot up by 1.8%, which is an increase of nearly 20% on her original pick rate.

However, with no balance changes being introduced for the Translocating Thief, why is she suddenly being picked up by so many players?

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Why has Loba's pick rate skyrocketed in Apex Legends?

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The sudden spike in popularity on July 21 actually aligns with the announcement of the Neon Network Collection Event, which arrived on July 25.

In this announcement, it was revealed that "KILL CODE: A THIEF'S BANE" would be available as an interactive introduction in-game. Not only that, the lore video "KILL CODE: Part 1" was released, showcasing Loba's current position in Apex's overarching story.

This excitement around Loba and her lore is likely the reason why so many people are playing her right now. Heading into Season 18, it'll be interesting to see if Loba can maintain an above 6% pick rate, and potentially even contest Bangalore for the number five spot.