Battle royale enthusiasts know that a surefire way to victory in games likeApex Legendsis overwhelming the enemy team as soon as they encounter them. Time is precious in a fast-paced battle royale likeApex Legends, so firepower is always the priority in firefights. However, not all fans like an extra-aggressive playstyle. In fact,Gibraltaris perfect for fans of battle royales who want to do the opposite: secure their team’s safety in order to ensure they outlast every other enemy team in the match.

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Thanks to Gibraltar’s toolkit, his performance in theApex LegendsSeason 16: Revelry rework allows him to become one of the best defensive characters in the hero battle royale. When played correctly, his access to various defensive measures and even a deadly defensive bombardment can allow him to ensure his team remains safe and sound while enemies are always kept at bay.

Gibraltar: Giant With A Heart Of Gold

Despite his size,Gibraltaris quite the kind giant. Being the son of volunteers from SARAS (Search and Rescue Association of Solace), Gibraltar received training to help others in various dangerous situations in the Outlands. And it’s when his parents saved Gibraltar’s boyfriend from a mudslide and his father losing his arm in the process that the gentle giant understood the value of helping others in need.

This was rather an interesting story for a participant in the Apex Games, a competition where everyone else enters for fame and glory. However, Gibraltar hasn’t necessarily entered the Games for his sake, as he’s motivated more by his desire to protect his new friends and force his enemies to stop their attacks.

Gibraltar as a rescuer

Why Use Gibraltar: Introductory Defense

Players looking for a more defensive approach toplaying battle royales likeApex Legendsas soloor with a teammay appreciate the toolkit of Gibraltar, as it’s built specifically for this type of preference. Using Gibraltar allows players to be more mindful of how they can protect the team instead of engaging opponents, allowing more skillful teammates to serve as frontline attackers while players focus on protecting the rear and defending the team for various threats. Here are other reasons why players should use Gibraltar:

The Basics Of Gibraltar: Always Take Cover

Compared to other defensive Legends, the straightforward toolkit of Gibraltar allows most players to be able to engage in firefights from a defensive standpoint even withApex LegendsSMGs. Instead of babysitting allies with various abilities, Gibraltar’s all-rounder toolkit provides teammates with enough room to adjust - allowing them to take cover or recover in his dome, or even engaging enemies head-on with a shielded-Gibraltar providing sniper cover. Here’s a quick rundown on what Gibraltar’s kit offers in terms of abilities inApex Legends:

Passive: Gun Shield

Gibraltar as a defensive Legend inApex Legendsmeans he’s the most equipped to protect his peers, and this is exactly whatGun Shield (Passive)does for him. Whenever he uses ADS, Gibraltar can deploy an energy shield in front of him that can absorb some bullets from enemies and return fire with heavy weapons likeApex LegendsLMGs.

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Tactical: Dome Of Protection

Perhaps the most important ability of Gibraltar inApex Legendsgameplay,Dome of Protection (Tactical)allows the Legend to defend his allies even with anApex LegendsPistol. This dome not only blocks incoming shots, it also stops shots from getting out, allowing Gibraltar’s team to recover inside its premises.

Ultimate: Defensive Bombardment

In worst case scenarios, Gibraltar can pull out all stops and call in a last-ditch effort to win the match:Defensive Bombardment (Ultimate). With thisApex Legendsability, Gibraltar throws a smoke grenade within a 24-meter radius that calls forth an extremely deadly mortar strike that can target both enemies andApex Legendsteammates.

Gibraltar Gameplay: Close, But No Cigar

When playing as Gibraltar, players need to trust theirApex Legendsteammates in their combat decisions. Unlike other support units, Gibraltar isn’t built solely to protect his teammates as a tank. Rather, Gibraltar ensures there are safe points for retreat should his team need a position to fall back into. This sets him apart from other shielders such as Newcastle, who likes to create mobile defenses. Unlike the latter, Gibraltar’sApex Legendsskillsallows him to create quick pitstops for easy recharges, ensuring the team gets back to the fight without staying overconfident in defense. Here are other ways to play him:

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Support Class: Get Back To The Fight

Gibraltar’s focus in keeping the team alive doesn’t just extend to his defensive-leaning toolkit. Previously delegated as a defender, Gibraltar’s association with theSupport Classin Season 16: Revelry means hisApex Legendsgameplay has become more optimized to keep the team in the fight for as long as possible. As with other Legends, his designation as a member of the Support Class granted him special perks:

Loadout Recommendations

Gibraltar’s tanky nature inApex Legendsgameplay might inspire players to sink their teeth in short-ranged weaponry, but this won’t always fit the Legend’s gameplay. Instead, players should tailor their Gibraltar build depending on how they want to play him as of the moment, be it as a long-ranged cover-provider or as someone in the frontlines. Here are some weapons likeApex LegendsAssault Riflesto consider for a Gibraltar build:

Apex Legendsis currently playable in the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch.

Gibraltar and his shield

Gibraltar taking down an enemy

Gun Shield activated

Dome of Protection Tactical

Bombardment Ultimate

Gun Shield Passive

Gibraltar with a combat pose

Gibraltar with a loadout