While Apex Legends does not feature traditional wall running as seen in its predecessor, Titanfall, players can perform a specific movement technique that allows for a brief, horizontal glide along walls, often referred to as a "sorta" wall run or wall strafe. This advanced maneuver leverages the game's climbing mechanics to achieve quick, evasive movements or access unexpected angles.
Understanding the "Sorta" Wall Run in Apex Legends
This technique is not a sustained run across surfaces but rather a short, controlled lateral movement while your character is briefly in contact with a wall. It's an effective way to maintain momentum, change direction quickly, or reach slightly out-of-reach ledges.
How to Perform the Wall Strafe (The "Sorta" Wall Run)
Executing this movement requires precise timing and input. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- Approach a Wall: Get close to any vertical surface you can climb.
- Initiate a Climb: Jump towards the wall to begin a climb. Your character will automatically grab onto the surface.
- Hold Forward Input: While climbing, maintain your forward input (e.g., 'W' key on PC, pushing the left analog stick forward on a controller).
- Add Side Input: Simultaneously, hold a side input (e.g., 'A' for left or 'D' for right on PC, pushing the left analog stick left or right on a controller).
- Observe the Movement: Your character will briefly "strafe" or glide horizontally along the wall in the direction of your side input before detaching or continuing the vertical climb.
This maneuver allows you to gain a short burst of horizontal distance, making it distinct from a simple vertical wall climb.
Practical Applications and Benefits
Mastering this "sorta" wall run can provide several tactical advantages in Apex Legends:
- Surprise Flanks: Quickly move along a wall to reposition, potentially surprising enemies who expect you to climb straight up or drop down.
- Crossing Small Gaps: Bridge short horizontal distances between platforms or ledges that are just out of reach of a standard jump.
- Evading Damage: Use the brief horizontal motion to dodge incoming fire or escape tight situations.
- Maintaining Momentum: Seamlessly transition from a sprint to a climb and then to a horizontal wall movement without losing much speed.
- Reaching Higher Ground: Combine with wall jumps for more complex vertical and horizontal traversals.
Comparing Movement Mechanics: Apex Legends vs. Titanfall
It's important to differentiate Apex Legends' wall strafe from the dedicated wall running mechanic in the Titanfall series. The table below highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Apex Legends "Sorta" Wall Run (Wall Strafe) | Titanfall 2 Wall Running |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanic Type | Advanced movement during a wall climb | Dedicated core movement ability |
| Duration | Very brief, limited by climb animation and available wall space | Sustained, can run for extended periods on multiple surfaces |
| Input | Jump on wall + Forward + Side input while climbing | Run towards wall + Jump/Hold jump to stick |
| Purpose | Positional adjustment, quick evasion, minor traversal | Primary traversal, high-speed combat, map navigation |
| Visuals | Character briefly slides/strafe along the wall | Character runs upright along the wall |
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for new and experienced players alike to effectively utilize the movement options available in Apex Legends. While not true wall running, the wall strafe adds another layer of depth to the game's already robust movement system.
