Apex Legends Reverses Controversial Battle Pass Changes Following Player Backlash
Respawn Entertainment has performed a U-turn on its recently announced, and widely criticized, Apex Legends battle pass changes. The developer announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the revised system, featuring two $9.99 battle passes per season and the removal of Apex Coin purchase options for the premium pass, will not be implemented. The upcoming Season 22 update, launching August 6th, will revert to the previous model.
Return to the 950 Apex Coin Premium Pass
Respawn acknowledged the negative community reaction and the ineffective communication surrounding the proposed changes. They committed to improved transparency and timeliness in future announcements. The standard Premium Battle Pass, purchasable for 950 Apex Coins, will be reinstated. The developers reiterated their dedication to addressing player concerns, including cheat prevention, game stability enhancements, and quality-of-life improvements. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability fixes and other improvements, are expected on August 5th.
The Original Controversial Plan
The initial Season 22 battle pass plan was met with widespread disapproval. It involved a two-part payment system for the premium pass, requiring $9.99 at the season's start and again mid-season. The previous option to purchase the full premium pass for 950 Apex Coins or a 1000 coin bundle for $9.99 was removed. A new, more expensive "Premium+" tier at $19.99 per half-season further fueled player frustration.
The simplified Season 22 battle pass structure now consists of:
- Free tier
- Premium tier (950 Apex Coins)
- Ultimate tier ($9.99)
- Ultimate+ tier ($19.99)
Payment is required once per season for all tiers.
Community Response and Respawn's Response
The negative response was immediate and intense. Players voiced their dissatisfaction across various platforms, including X and the Apex Legends subreddit, with many vowing to boycott future battle passes. The Steam page for Apex Legends was flooded with negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.
While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the crucial role of player feedback in game development. Respawn's acknowledgment of their errors and commitment to improved communication are positive steps toward regaining player trust. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the promised improvements in Season 22.
