How to Get Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends: Player Guide

In Apex Legends, few things make a lobby stare harder than a Legend casually flipping an Heirloom before the match even starts. It says, “Yes, I have survived Fragment drops, third parties, questionable teammates, and the emotional roller coaster of opening way too many Apex Packs.” But before you sprint into the Mythic Store like Octane after one espresso too many, there is one tiny catch: you need Heirloom Shards.

Heirloom Shards are one of the rarest currencies in Apex Legends. They are used to unlock Mythic-tier cosmetics such as Legend-specific Heirloom sets, Prestige skins, and some Mythic melee items. Unlike Crafting Metals or Legend Tokens, you cannot simply grind a few matches and expect shards to fall into your inventory like loot from an unlucky enemy squad. Getting them requires patience, Apex Packs, event awareness, or, in some cases, a wallet that has accepted its fate.

This player guide explains exactly how to get Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends, what the 500-pack guarantee really means, which packs count, how events work, and how to avoid wasting Apex Coins. Let’s open the supply bin and see what is actually inside.

What Are Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends?

Heirloom Shards are a premium Mythic currency used in the Mythic Store. When you receive them, you typically get enough shards to unlock one Mythic item of your choice. For most players, that means finally grabbing the Heirloom for their favorite Legend, whether it is Wraith’s Kunai, Bloodhound’s Raven’s Bite, Octane’s Butterfly Knife, or another flashy melee cosmetic that screams, “I may miss my Wingman shots, but at least I look expensive.”

Heirlooms do not make your Legend stronger. They do not increase melee damage, improve movement speed, or give you secret aim assist blessed by the Allfather. They are purely cosmetic. However, they are also some of the most desirable items in the game because they come with unique animations, inspect actions, poses, quips, and a serious amount of flex value.

How to Get Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends

There are two main ways players can get Heirloom Shards or Mythic items in Apex Legends:

• Open eligible Apex Packs and hope for a Heirloom Shard drop.
• Participate in certain limited-time Collection or Milestone events that offer Mythic rewards.

The first method is the classic long-term route. The second method is usually faster but often more expensive, depending on the event structure and how many items you need to unlock. Both paths can lead to Mythic cosmetics, but they work differently, so let’s break them down clearly.

Method 1: Open Apex Packs

The most common way to get Heirloom Shards is by opening Apex Packs. These are loot packs that contain three cosmetic items or currencies. You can earn Apex Packs by leveling your account, progressing through Battle Pass rewards, receiving event rewards, or buying packs with Apex Coins.

The drop rate for Heirloom Shards from eligible Apex Packs is extremely low. Official information lists the probability at 0.045%, which is basically the game saying, “Good luck, Legend,” while casually walking away. That does not mean you should never open packs; it simply means you should understand that Heirloom Shards are designed to be rare.

The 500-Pack Guarantee Explained

Apex Legends includes a pity system, often called the 500-pack guarantee. If you open eligible Apex Packs and do not receive Heirloom Shards, the game guarantees that you will receive them by the time you reach 500 eligible packs opened.

In plain English: you are not guaranteed shards every 500 account levels. You are not guaranteed shards after 500 matches. You are not guaranteed shards because your teammate stole your purple armor and emotionally owes you compensation. The guarantee is based on eligible Apex Packs opened.

If you receive Heirloom Shards before reaching 500 eligible packs, the counter resets. After that, the long climb begins again. Think of it like Ranked, except instead of losing RP to a third party, you lose your optimism to another batch of blue weapon charms.

Which Packs Count Toward Heirloom Shards?

Not every pack counts toward the 500-pack Heirloom Shard guarantee. Regular Apex Packs are the main pack type players associate with the pity counter. However, special event packs can have different rules. Collection Event Packs, Thematic Event Packs, Milestone Event Packs, Collection Retro Packs, and certain replacement-item packs may not count toward the Bonus Heirloom Shard guarantee.

This is one of the most important details for players trying to track their progress. If you buy or earn an event pack, do not automatically assume it pushes you closer to the 500-pack guarantee. Always check the event details in-game because Apex events can have unique reward systems.

Method 2: Use Limited-Time Events

Limited-time events are another major route to Mythic items. Apex Legends often runs Collection Events or Milestone Events that include a new Heirloom, Prestige skin, Mythic weapon skin, or other Mythic reward. In some anniversary-style events, players have been able to earn or unlock Heirloom Shards by completing the event collection.

Event rewards can be attractive because they are more predictable than random packs. Instead of opening hundreds of regular Apex Packs and praying to the loot gods, you may be able to unlock all required event items and receive the Mythic reward tied to that event. The downside is cost. Completing an event collection can require a significant number of event packs or direct cosmetic purchases.

Are Events the Cheapest Way to Get Heirloom Shards?

Sometimes, but not always. Events can be cheaper than buying 500 regular Apex Packs outright, especially if you already have Crafting Metals saved, bundles are discounted, or the event offers free reward-track packs. However, events are not automatically “cheap.” They are simply more direct.

The smartest move is to compare your options before spending Apex Coins. Check how many event items are required, whether you can craft any of them with Crafting Metals, whether event bundles include bonus packs, and whether the final reward is actual Heirloom Shards or a specific Mythic item. A specific Mythic item may be great if you want it, but less exciting if you were saving for another Legend’s Heirloom.

Can You Get Heirloom Shards for Free?

Yes, but “free” in Apex usually means “bring snacks, this may take a while.” Free-to-play players can earn Apex Packs by leveling up, completing certain Battle Pass rewards, participating in events, and claiming occasional reward-track packs. Over time, those packs can lead to Heirloom Shards.

The catch is that reaching 500 eligible packs without spending money can take a long time. Very dedicated players may eventually get there through account progression and seasonal rewards, but it is not a quick process. If you are free-to-play, the best strategy is consistency: log in during events, finish reward tracks, progress through Battle Pass levels, and avoid wasting resources on cosmetics you do not care about.

Can You Buy Heirloom Shards Directly?

In most cases, you cannot simply open the store and buy Heirloom Shards directly like a regular currency bundle. Apex Coins can buy Apex Packs, and those packs may contain Heirloom Shards. Some events may offer Heirloom Shards or Mythic rewards through event completion, but the availability changes by event.

This is why players should be careful with phrases like “buying an Heirloom.” Technically, many players buy packs or complete events that lead to Mythic rewards. But the shards themselves usually come from pack drops or special event reward structures, not a permanent direct-purchase button.

How Many Heirloom Shards Do You Need?

Most Mythic Store items cost 150 Heirloom Shards. When you receive a Heirloom Shard drop from an eligible Apex Pack, it gives enough shards for one Mythic unlock. That means you do not need to collect tiny shard amounts one by one like you are picking up crafting materials in a survival game.

Once you have the shards, go to the Store, open the Mythics tab, choose the item you want, and purchase it. Before clicking that final button, pause for a second. Heirloom Shards are rare enough that buyer’s remorse hits harder than a Kraber headshot. Make sure you actually play the Legend or love the Mythic item before committing.

Best Ways to Maximize Your Chances

1. Track Your Apex Packs

Apex Legends does not show an exact in-game counter for how many eligible Apex Packs you have opened. That means players often estimate using account level, Battle Pass history, purchased packs, and event rewards. You can manually track your packs in a spreadsheet or use a trusted community pack calculator as a rough estimate.

Tracking is useful because it prevents unrealistic expectations. If you have opened only 120 eligible packs, you may still be far from the guarantee. If you are around 450, then every new pack becomes exciting, terrifying, and mildly dramatic.

2. Complete Free Event Reward Tracks

Events often include free reward tracks with packs, cosmetics, or currency. Even when the main event collection costs money, the free track may still give useful rewards. Always check the event tab before ignoring it. Sometimes a few easy challenges can give you free packs, and free packs are the best kind because your bank account remains emotionally stable.

3. Use Battle Pass Rewards Wisely

The Battle Pass can provide Apex Packs and other rewards across a season. Free players can usually earn some rewards without buying the premium pass, while premium players may receive more. If you already play regularly, completing Battle Pass levels is one of the most natural ways to build your pack count over time.

4. Save Crafting Metals for Events

Crafting Metals cannot be used to craft Mythic items directly, but they can be useful during certain events. If an event allows some cosmetics to be crafted, using Crafting Metals may reduce the number of event packs you need to buy to complete the collection. This can lower the overall cost of reaching a Mythic event reward.

5. Do Not Fall for “Guaranteed Shard Glitch” Claims

Be skeptical of videos, posts, or comments claiming there is a secret trick to force Heirloom Shards from packs. Apex Legends has strict server-side systems for cosmetics and currency. If someone says you can get free shards by visiting a suspicious website, changing a file, entering your login, or doing a “limited-time glitch,” your best move is to close the tab and keep your account safe.

Common Myths About Heirloom Shards

Myth: Level 500 Automatically Gives You an Heirloom

No. The Heirloom guarantee is tied to eligible Apex Packs opened, not account level. Leveling helps because it can award packs, but level 500 itself is not a magic shard button.

Myth: Legendary Packs Have a Better Heirloom Chance

Legendary Apex Packs guarantee a Legendary item, but that does not mean they are a special Heirloom shortcut. Heirloom Shards are handled separately from normal rarity cosmetics. Do not buy Legendary Packs expecting them to dramatically improve your shard odds.

Myth: Event Packs Always Count Toward the 500-Pack Guarantee

No. Many event pack types do not count toward the Bonus Heirloom Shard guarantee. Always read the event details and pack rules before spending.

Myth: Heirlooms Improve Gameplay

Heirlooms look incredible, but they do not improve your stats. Your Kunai will not save you from running into a three-stack Predator squad while holding two syringes and a dream. Skill, positioning, communication, and decision-making still matter more.

Which Heirloom Should You Choose?

The best Heirloom is the one you will actually enjoy seeing every match. If you main one Legend 80% of the time, the choice is easy. If you swap Legends often, consider a Mythic item that feels more universal, such as an Apex Artifact, if available and appealing to you.

Before spending shards, watch inspect animations, gameplay previews, and first-person views. Some Heirlooms look amazing in the menu but feel less exciting in actual gameplay. Others have small animations that become surprisingly satisfying over hundreds of matches. Since Heirloom Shards are rare, treat the purchase like picking a permanent teammate: choose carefully, and do not be fooled by one flashy trailer.

Smart Spending Tips for Apex Coins

If you decide to spend money chasing Heirloom Shards, set a budget first. Apex Packs are randomized, and chasing a rare drop can become expensive quickly. The 500-pack guarantee creates a ceiling, but that ceiling is still high. Buying 500 packs at full price is not pocket change unless your pockets are apparently sponsored by Hammond Robotics.

A smarter approach is to wait for value bundles, use Battle Pass rewards, save Crafting Metals, and only participate in events when the final Mythic reward is something you truly want. Never spend money because you feel pressured by a timer. Cosmetics rotate, events return in different forms, and your favorite Legend will still be playable without a glowing melee toy.

Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Heirloom Shards Efficiently

1. Open all free Apex Packs from leveling, Battle Pass rewards, and events.
2. Track your estimated eligible pack count so you know how close you are to the 500-pack guarantee.
3. Save Crafting Metals for event cosmetics that may reduce event completion costs.
4. Check each Collection or Milestone event to see whether the final reward is Heirloom Shards, a specific Heirloom, a Prestige skin, or another Mythic item.
5. Avoid suspicious “free shard” websites and never share your account login.
6. Choose your Mythic item carefully because 150 Heirloom Shards usually means one major unlock.

Final Thoughts: Patience Wins the Heirloom Game

Getting Heirloom Shards in Apex Legends is not complicated, but it does require patience. The core system is simple: open eligible Apex Packs, hope for the rare 0.045% drop, and rely on the 500-pack guarantee if luck decides to go AFK. Events can provide faster access to Mythic rewards, but they require careful cost checking.

The best player strategy is to combine free progression, smart Battle Pass completion, event awareness, and realistic expectations. Heirlooms are cool, but they are cosmetics. They should make the game more fun, not turn your wallet into a death box.

So keep grinding, keep tracking your packs, and choose your Mythic reward wisely. When those Heirloom Shards finally appear, enjoy the moment. Screenshot it. Send it to your squad. Pretend you were calm the whole time. We both know you were not.

Player Experience: What Chasing Heirloom Shards Actually Feels Like

The real experience of chasing Heirloom Shards is a strange mix of hope, comedy, and emotional damage. Every Apex player knows the ritual. You finish a match, level up, get one Apex Pack, and suddenly the lobby feels like a casino without the fancy carpet. You hover over the pack, tell yourself not to expect anything, then immediately expect everything. The pack opens. Blue, blue, white. A banner pose for a Legend you never play. Pain.

The smartest players learn to treat Heirloom Shards as a long-term bonus rather than a short-term mission. When you focus only on getting shards, every pack feels disappointing. But when you focus on improving your rotations, learning recoil patterns, mastering your favorite Legend, and having fun with friends, packs become little surprises along the way. It sounds cheesy, but it is true. The less you obsess over the shards, the less painful the grind becomes.

One useful habit is to pick a “future Heirloom plan” before you ever get the shards. Decide which Legend you would choose today, then give yourself time to change your mind. Many players swear they want one Heirloom, then switch mains two seasons later. Maybe you started as a Wraith main, became a Horizon enjoyer, flirted with Revenant for a week, and somehow ended up playing Lifeline because your squad keeps making terrible decisions. It happens. Apex mains are not always chosen; sometimes they are assigned by your friends’ inability to heal themselves.

Another practical experience tip: do not open packs when you are already annoyed. If you just lost six Ranked games in a row, got punched off drop, or watched your teammate craft banners while the ring was chewing everyone alive, opening packs can feel like adding insult to injury. Save them for the end of a good session, or open them in batches when you are relaxed. The odds do not change, but your mood does.

Players who spend money should also create a hard limit before buying Apex Coins. A budget keeps the process fun and prevents the classic “just ten more packs” spiral. If the shards drop early, fantastic. If they do not, you still stayed in control. That is a better victory than any cosmetic.

Finally, remember that an Heirloom is most satisfying when it belongs to a Legend you genuinely enjoy. A flashy Mythic item cannot fix bad positioning, but it can make your favorite character feel more personal. When the shards finally appear, take your time, preview everything, and choose the item that will make you smile even after your squad hot-drops into chaos for the twentieth time that night.