Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its controversial Apex Legends battle pass changes after a significant player backlash. This article details the new battle pass structure and the reasons behind the community's strong reaction.
Apex Legends Battle Pass: A 180-Degree Turn
Respawn Reinstates the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass
Respawn Entertainment announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the planned battle pass overhaul is scrapped. The new system, featuring two $9.99 passes per season and eliminating the option to purchase premium passes with Apex Coins, will not be implemented in the August 6th Season 22 update.
Respawn admitted to poor communication and pledged improved transparency going forward. They reaffirmed their commitment to addressing player concerns like cheating, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Season 22 patch notes, releasing August 5th, will detail stability improvements and bug fixes. The developers expressed gratitude for the community's dedication.
The Battle Pass Controversy and the Revised System
The Season 22 battle pass is now simplified:
- Free Pass
- Premium Pass (950 Apex Coins)
- Ultimate Edition ($9.99)
- Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99)
Payment is required once per season for all tiers. This streamlined approach significantly differs from the initially proposed, and heavily criticized, system.
The original July 8th announcement introduced a two-part, half-season battle pass system costing $9.99 each. This, coupled with the removal of the 950 Apex Coin purchase option (previously available or a $9.99, 1000 coin bundle) and the introduction of a $19.99 premium+ option, ignited widespread player anger.
Player Backlash and Response
The proposed changes triggered intense negative feedback across various platforms, including X and the Apex Legends subreddit. Players voiced their disapproval, with many vowing to boycott future battle passes. The Steam page for Apex Legends saw a surge in negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.
While the reversal is welcomed, many feel the initial proposal was fundamentally flawed. The strong reaction underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's acknowledgment of their mistake and commitment to better communication are crucial steps in rebuilding player trust. Fans eagerly await the August 5th patch notes for the promised improvements.
