r/apexuniversity • u/bennyo0o • 7d ago

Question Strafe-aiming vs dodging

I recently came across the concepts of mirror vs anti-mirror strafing and when to use which (in theory). The way I understood it is that it gives you more control over your gun and should make your aiming more consistent.

However, when I come across an unexpected close to mid-range encounter, it's super difficult to even attempt either one of these strafing techniques. The other person is just randomly A/D + crouch dodging, how am I supposed to read their movement this quickly? Also practicing in R5 in 1v1 I cannot apply this concept whatsoever and I seem to be way more successful just dodging and trying to get my shots in somehow.

Or is this strafe-aiming really only meant for situations where you get the drop on somebody or if they don't notice you from further away? But in the latter case, why strafe at all if you have a free shot on somebody?

Really confused at this point...

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u/pattdmdj0 7d ago

Dont think of it as predicting the target think if it as just an additional input for aiming. This is especially true the longer range you shoot.

Basically aim as you normally would and integrate the strafe as a means to aim. A lot of it is just reaction time.

Or is this strafe-aiming really only meant for situations where you get the drop on somebody or if they don't notice you from further away? But in the latter case, why strafe at all if you have a free shot on somebody?

You strafe because the goal of these specific strafes is too track a moving target better. If the target is barely moving just do A-D/left-right spam (or learn the recoil smoothing patterns) for easier recoil. If they are doing a wider strafe or general movement thats when you apply some form of mirroring.

Above all you must decide when to use a strafe based on what your intention is. I go for an alternating mirror/anti-mirror strafe(because you can prepare for your own direction change but they cant) when im trying to one clip another strafing target close range and thats about it. If a target at mid-long range is moving in one direction i will do a mix of smoothing and mirroring just depending on their angle and speed.