Update: Bad news for Loba players, Respawn have confirmed this was just an edit for the trailer, and isn’t an actual change to Loba’s tactical ability.
Eagle-eyed Apex Legends players spotted what they believed to be a new buff for Loba, after it was spotted in the Fight or Fright trailer.
Despite hype levels off the charts for Loba’s addition in Season 5, her actual viability in gameplay never matched up. Partly this is because her teleport ability essentially didn’t work for months on World’s Edge.
That did get fixed eventually, but it still hasn’t been enough for Loba to break into the top tier picks, and Respawn are definitely aware. A slight buff was added in the Aftermarket event update, but it may not have gone far enough.
Loba now starts the match with her ultimate at 50% charge, and increased the range for her loot finding abilities. But, another, possibly more meaningful buff, seemed to be teased in the trailer.
Loba buff in trailer
Featuring prominently in the Fight or Fright event trailer, Loba at one point throws her bracelet to teleport, and very observant fans have noticed a significant change in the animation.
When her teleport is complete, Loba’s bracelet no longer spins in front of her, cutting out vital seconds before she’s able to be gun up, ready to fight again.
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You can see a side-by-side comparison of the difference in the clip below, thanks to @noxlotl:
https://twitter.com/noxlotl/status/1318580413103628291
Unfortunately, Respawn have since confirmed to Dexerto that this is not in fact a planned buff for Loba nction in gameplay, and was just for trailer purposes.
This might seem like a minor change, but it would promote Loba’s ability to be used more often for attacking plays, rather than simply running away when low on health.
Being ready to fire again faster would mean you could teleport behind an enemy player, and actually have a chance of killing them before they turn round due to the sound cue.
Whether Loba gets a different buff in Season 7 remains to be seen.