How to Get the 20 Kill Badge in Apex Legends: Pro Tips and Strategies
Let's be honest - the 20 kill badge (Legend's Wake) is arguably the most prestigious flex in Apex Legends. Having spent countless hours both earning and helping others achieve this badge, I'm going to break down exactly what it takes to join the elite club of 20 bomb holders. This isn't going to be easy, but with the right approach, it's absolutely achievable.
Team Composition Is Everything
First things first - ditch the randoms. You need a coordinated team that understands your goal. Random teammates, no matter how well-intentioned, will inevitably steal kills and disrupt your rhythm. Instead, find friends who understand the mission and are willing to play support. The ideal teammates will focus on breaking shields and creating distractions while letting you secure the kills.
When it comes to legend selection, mobility is king. Pathfinder stands out as the top choice, with his grapple allowing for quick engagements and escapes. Valkyrie and Octane are solid alternatives, offering team-wide mobility that helps you chase down fights across the map.
Pro tip: Valkyrie's new ability to see enemies through walls while in ult can be extremely useful. If you are not playing Valk, have a friend play her.
Loadout Strategy: Speed Kills
Forget everything you know about playing it safe with long-range weapons. To hit 20 kills, you need guns that excel in close to mid-range combat. The R-301 remains the gold standard, offering versatile damage output with manageable recoil. Pair it with a Mastiff or PK for those crucial close-range fights.
The key is picking weapons you can rely on in hectic situations. You won't have time to line up perfect shots or poke from distance. Every second spent not dealing damage is a potential kill lost to another team.
The Perfect Drop: Setting the Pace
Your drop location can make or break your 20-bomb attempt before it even begins. The sweet spot is landing near (but not directly in) high-traffic areas. This gives you time to secure basic loot before engaging, while still being close enough to third-party early fights. The goal is to secure at least 6 kills with 30 or more players remaining - this puts you on pace for the badge.
Mid-Game Mastery: Keep Moving
The mid-game is where most 20-kill attempts die. Once the initial drop fights end, you need to be constantly moving. Use every rotation tool at your disposal - jump towers, vehicles, legend abilities - to chase down fights. The sound of gunshots should be like a dinner bell, drawing you immediately toward the action.
A common mistake is getting too precious with positioning or loot. That perfect attachment or extra stack of shields won't help if half the lobby dies while you're looting. Make quick decisions and commit to them. It's better to push a fight with slightly worse gear than to miss it entirely.
Pro tip: if you have to make the decision between whether you have to fight a team that is looting/rotating or third party an ongoing fight, then third partying 2 teams fighting is the decision you need to take because you can get more kills in less time than chasing down and fighting a full team.
Late Game Tactics: Smart Aggression
As you enter the final circles, you'll need to play smarter while maintaining aggression. Third-partying becomes crucial, but timing is everything. For example, if you are 2 or 3 kills away and there are 3 enemy teams still alive, let teams initiate fights with each other, then strike when they're vulnerable. Don't immediately thirst kills - down players can bait their teammates into making mistakes. Sometimes, letting teams reset can actually create more kill opportunities as they try to revive or heal.
The Mental Game
Getting the 20 kill badge is as much about mindset as it is about skill. You'll fail. Probably a lot. Some attempts will end at drop, others will see you heartbreakingly close at 18 or 19 kills. Accept these failures as part of the process. Each attempt teaches you something about timing, rotation paths, and fight selection.
Keep track of the lobby count and your kills, but don't let the numbers paralyze you. Play to create opportunities rather than playing not to fail. The moment you start playing scared is the moment your attempt is over.
Advanced Mechanics
Shield swapping is crucial for maintaining momentum. Rather than taking time to pop batteries, practice quickly looting fresh shields from eliminated players. Use finishers strategically - they restore your shields fully and can bait other teams into pushing.
Communication with your team should be crisp and focused. Call out damage numbers and enemy positions, but keep the comms clear of clutter. Your teammates should be extensions of your gameplay, helping to coral enemies into positions where you can secure kills.
Final Thoughts
Getting the 20 kill badge is meant to be challenging - that's what makes it special. Don't get discouraged if it takes dozens or even hundreds of attempts. Focus on improving your game sense, aim, and decision-making with each try. The badge will come naturally as you enhance these skills.
Remember that timing and lobby dynamics play a huge role. Some days the stars will align, and other days you'll struggle to find enough players. Stay persistent, and most importantly, try to enjoy the journey. The stories of how you earned your 20-bomb will be almost as satisfying as the badge itself.
If you're finding the grind too time-consuming or frustrating, there's no shame in considering professional Apex Boosting services from Versaciboosts. While earning it yourself is more rewarding, sometimes we all need a helping hand to achieve our gaming goals.