Apex Legends is a high-octane battle royale where split-second decisions determine victory or defeat. Unlike other shooters, Apex demands mastery of two critical skills: precise aim and dynamic movement. Many players hit skill plateaus because they focus solely on shooting accuracy while neglecting movement mechanics, or vice versa. This guide provides a comprehensive training blueprint that covers sensitivity optimization, aim development routines, advanced movement techniques, and in-game decision making.
Professional players like ImperialHal and Aceu didn’t develop their skills overnight—they followed deliberate practice methods that we’ll break down here. Whether you’re struggling with tracking moving targets, controlling recoil patterns, or executing advanced movement tech like tap-strafing and superglides, this guide offers step-by-step progression paths. We’ll also analyze common mistakes that hold players back and how to fix them.
The training methods come from analyzing hundreds of hours of pro gameplay, studying aim training science, and testing techniques in real matches. This isn’t theoretical advice—these are the same drills and strategies used by top-ranked Predator players. By the end, you’ll understand exactly how to structure your practice sessions for maximum improvement.
1. Optimizing Your Aim Settings
1.1 Finding the Perfect Sensitivity
Your sensitivity settings form the foundation of your aim. The right configuration should feel like an extension of your hand movements, not something you have to fight against.
DPI and In-Game Sensitivity
Most professional Apex players use:
- 400-1600 DPI (dots per inch)
- 1.0-3.0 in-game sensitivity
Here’s how to find your ideal settings:
- Initial Test: Go to the Firing Range and pick an R-301.
- Tracking Check: Try to keep your crosshair on a moving target’s head while strafing. If you overshoot, lower sensitivity. If you can’t keep up, increase slightly.
- Flick Test: Aim at one target, then quickly switch to another about 90 degrees away. You should be able to do this in one motion without over/under-aiming.
ADS Sensitivity Multiplier
Your Aim Down Sights sensitivity should typically be 0.8-1.2x your hipfire sensitivity. Lower values (0.8-1.0) help with precise long-range shots, while higher values (1.0-1.2) maintain consistency in close-range fights.
Response Curve
Apex offers several response curve options:
- Linear: Pure 1:1 mouse movement with no acceleration (best for consistency)
- Classic: Slight acceleration at the start of movements (easier for beginners)
- Steady: More pronounced acceleration (not recommended for competitive play)
Most pros use Linear for its predictability, but Classic can help if you struggle with micro-adjustments.
Advanced Settings
- Per-Optic Sensitivity: Consider lowering your sensitivity further for 3x and higher scopes
- Deadzone: If using controller, set to “None” or “Small” for quicker response
1.2 Crosshair Placement and Pre-Aiming
Proper crosshair placement eliminates unnecessary adjustments and speeds up target acquisition.
Head-Level Positioning
Always position your crosshair where enemies’ heads will appear:
- When peeking corners
- When checking common angles
- When moving through open areas
The 50/50 Rule
When approaching an unknown corner, place your crosshair so you can quickly adjust to either side. This gives you the fastest possible reaction time regardless of where the enemy appears.
Pre-Aiming Common Angles
Study popular maps to learn:
- Common headglitch spots
- Popular camping locations
- High-traffic rotation paths
By pre-aiming these spots, you’ll often get the first shot advantage.
1.3 Aim Training Drills
Deliberate practice is the only way to develop consistent aim. These drills should be done daily.
Firing Range Routine (20-30 minutes daily)
- Static Target Tracking
- Stand 10m from a dummy
- Keep your crosshair perfectly still on its head while strafing left/right
- Gradually increase strafe speed
- Moving Target Tracking
- Activate the moving drones
- Track them smoothly with an SMG (R-99 or CAR)
- Focus on keeping your crosshair centered, not just hitting shots
- Flick Practice
- Place yourself between two dummies 5m apart
- Alternate headshots between them as quickly as possible
- Use a Wingman or Peacekeeper for this drill
- Recoil Control
- Pick a weapon and empty a full clip into a wall without controlling recoil
- Study the pattern, then practice countering it
- Start close, then gradually move further back
Third-Party Aim Trainers
For PC players, these scenarios in KovaaK’s or Aim Lab are most beneficial:
- Close Fast Strafes: Improves close-range tracking
- Tile Frenzy: Develops flick speed and precision
- Thin Aiming Long: Enhances long-range precision
2. Mastering Movement Mechanics
2.1 Foundational Movement Techniques
Movement in Apex isn’t just about speed—it’s about unpredictability and momentum conservation.
Slide Jumping
The most essential movement tech:
- Sprint forward
- Press crouch to initiate slide
- Jump at the end of the slide
- Repeat to chain movements
Bunny Hopping
Advanced version of slide jumping:
- Start sliding
- Jump and immediately release crouch
- Time subsequent jumps as you land to maintain speed
Wall Bouncing
- Sprint toward a wall at about a 30-degree angle
- Jump just before contact
- Press jump again as you make contact to bounce off
2.2 Advanced Movement Tech
Tap-Strafing (PC Only)
Allows instant 90-180 degree direction changes mid-air:
- Build momentum with a slide jump
- While airborne, hold forward (W)
- Quickly tap-strafe by scrolling wheel up/down while turning
Superglides
Gives massive speed boosts from climbs:
- Approach a ledge at sprint speed
- Press jump and crouch simultaneously at the exact climb finish
Zipline Movement
- Zipline Dancing: Jump on/off rapidly to avoid shots
- Super Jumps: Time your jump perfectly for extra height
