As you venture deeper into Apex Legends' ranked mode, you'll start to notice that the small things really do make a difference.

In a casual game, you really don't need to think too much about the legend you're selecting to play as. In truth, all of them have their pros and cons. In these games, you're playing against all kinds of people with very different skill levels. You could pick the weakest legend in the game and still come out on top if you're playing against a bunch of kids with terrible aim.

However, this isn't really the case in ranked mode. By its very nature, ranked mode requires a little more thought if you're planning to progress. After all, you'll be playing against people of a similar ability to yourself, especially as you work your way towards the more difficult ranks.

With that in mind, any kind of edge you can find over the opposition is invaluable. At the very least, you don't want to be making choices that will clearly hinder you. The first important choice you have to make in ranked mode is which legend to play as.

We all have our favourite legends, but some of them are just better at helping you to do well in ranked mode. My personal favourite is Bloodhound by I no longer choose to play as this legend. Bloodhound's abilities aren't powerful enough for the tradeoff that they give away your position so much. As fun as the legend is to play, Bloodhound will most likely hinder your progress in ranked mode.

So, which legends should you be choosing to play as instead? Well, there are 3 legends that I personally believe stand out above the rest in ranked mode:

Pathfinder

Pathfinder is now my number one pick for ranked mode. If I'm first to pick, you can guarantee I'll be getting ready to fly on a zipline.

There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, Pathfinder's mobility is second to none. Having such a quick-recharge on Pathfinder's grapple means you can outmanoeuvre every other legend. In a bit of trouble? Pop a grapple and head to a roof. Need to make up ground quickly? Use your grapple to fly long distances. Want to strategically find high ground for an advantage? Grapple up there.

In addition to this, Pathfinder's zipline ultimate is useful for similar reasons. It allows you to quickly move across the map and can also help you to get to locations that enemies simply can't get to. Unless they're all Pathfinder, of course. Any advantage you can get over other players is a huge boost in ranked and positioning is everything. Being able to move to higher ground gives you a massive edge.

Bangalore

Bangalore is my second choice for ranked mode for a variety of reasons. Firstly, her passive ability is of huge benefit. When you're spotted by an enemy, you'll receive increased speed for a short time. This is great for escaping unfavourable situations.

Secondly, Bangalore's ability to drop 2 smoke bombs is another wonderful way to get out of tricky situations. If you're being shot, dropping smoke and moving in an erratic way can give you a chance to escape. You can also pop some smoke down as cover in order to revive a teammate.

Bangalore's ultimate ability allows you to drop in a barrage of bombs. These do cause damage, but they're perfect for keeping distance between yourself and enemies if you're not in the best place to engage. Most opponents will look to run away once Bangalore's ultimate has been popped. You can also use it as a way to cut teams off. For example, if an enemy team is in the ring and running toward safety, you can place Bangalore's ultimate down at choke points to block the way out.

Wattson

Until Wattson arrived, most of the legends catered to players who want to run and gun. Fast manoeuvring and aggressive ultimates were the aims of the game. Then Wattson arrived and really changed things up with her defence-minded abilities.

Ranked mode, especially at the higher tiers, has a tendency to become a bit campier than a casual game. With players looking to survive as long as possible in order to gain rank points, it makes sense to be a little more cautious. Wattson caters perfectly to this because she can place electric fences down to block pathways or fortify buildings.

Wattson's ultimate ability of placing pylons allows you to regenerate shields and block the enemy ordinance. Again, this serves you well if you're holed up inside a building with the doors blocked off by fences. Finally, Wattson's passive ability allows Ultimate Accelerants to immediately recharge her ultimate ability. Did someone mention endless pylons?

Of course, all of this is subjective, but I believe that these 3 legends should be the go-to options in ranked mode. They simply outclass most of the other options and that's an edge you can't afford to miss out on.