Playing Apex Legends as a solo player is tricky at times.
Ranked mode, in particular, is certainly better suited to pre-made 3-player squads. The main reason for this is that communication is key. Sure, Apex has a pretty cool ping system but it just doesn't give you anything more than "someone is in that direction".
While you're spamming that ping button, the pre-made squad are on microphones letting each other know exactly how much damage they've done to you, what weapon you're using, what level shield you have, whether you've used your ult already, and so on. It's the kind of information that leads to action.
On the other hand, it's incredibly frustrating to have almost melted an enemy only to go and see your squad wiped because your pings didn't give your teammates the confidence to push when they needed to, or indeed retreat when it's time to do so.
Of course, the easiest solution to this is to play with friends or to find randomers who want to join up as a pre-made squad but it's not always possible. The time that I play on Apex varies greatly and friends are too busy playing other solo player games at the moment.
So, what's a gamer to do?
For me, it's about understanding the disadvantages of teaming up with randomers who don't communicate and using that knowledge to make informed decisions about which legends to play in ranked.
And that's why I ended up as a Gibraltar main as a solo ranked player.
Before we get into the reasons for me doing this, I'd preface the rest of this post by saying that I'm by no means a professional gamer. I'd place myself as above average and would probably end up around Master level with a pre-made squad. As for now, I'm bouncing around on the cusp of Diamond but end up going on runs of games where it feels like I'm literally a one-man team playing against squads.
Anyway, back to my reasons for picking Gibraltar and why you might want to do the same if you're a solo player.
Gun Shield
Gibraltar's passive gun shield was nerfed recently but it still gives you a massive advantage in one-on-one gunfights.
When aiming down sights, your gun shield automatically activates and absorbs 50 damage before they even get to your actual body armour.
That can be the difference between life or death as, if you have decent aim, you're likely to down them before they can deplete your HP.
The gunshield also regenerates every 9 seconds so you'll have a chance to get it back up and working before the second enemy arrives.
The key here is a solo player is to avoid being squishy and Gibraltar does this perfectly.
Dome of Protection
Gibraltar's tactical skill allows him to drop a dome that absorbs damage for 18 seconds. Not only that, but you and your teammates will enjoy 25% faster healing when you're inside the dome. This makes it a perfect skill for team fights because you'll be able to place down extra cover when required and can get your heals off before the enemy.
From a solo player perspective, the dome is also useful when trying to evade enemies. For example, if you're being sniped and have no cover, you can drop the dome behind you and continue to run to longer-term safety.
The dome's cooldown is also pretty short at just 30 seconds. That means you can use it frequently throughout the game.
Defensive Bombardment
Perhaps my favourite thing about Gibraltar is his ultimate. This bombardment packs a real punch and can be used in all kinds of situations.
Under pressure from an enemy team? Drop your bombardment to put distance between yourself and them so you can escape.
Cornered a squad? Drop the bombardment to deal serious damage and finish them.
Third partying? Drop the bombardment from afar to mop up free kills.
There's a 3 minute cooldown on this ultimate skill but it's so powerful that it doesn't feel too long anyway. Just the sound of it activating is often enough to make lesser players lose their heads and make mistakes.
Fortified
If all of the above wasn't enough, Gibraltar also takes 15% less damage and is immune to the slowing effects of bullets. It's just an added bonus to make the choice even easier.
When you think about it, Gibraltar is currently one of the most well-rounded legends and that's why he's great for a solo player. You take less damage, have a powerful ult that can be used offensively, defensively, and strategically, have an extra shield that recharges every 9 seconds, and can drop cover for you and your team.
Honestly, there isn't another legend I would want to play as currently.
Who is your go-to legend and why?