Respawn Rolls Back Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes

Respawn Entertainment swiftly reversed course on its controversial Apex Legends battle pass changes after a significant player backlash. Let's delve into the details of the new battle pass system and the reasons behind the public outcry.

Apex Legends Battle Pass: A 180-Degree Turn After Community Uproar

Respawn Reinstates the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass

Respawn Entertainment, the creators of Apex Legends, announced on Twitter (X) that they're abandoning their planned battle pass overhaul. This new system, featuring two $9.99 battle passes per season and eliminating the option to purchase premium passes with Apex Coins, will not be implemented in the upcoming Season 22 update (August 6th).

Respawn acknowledged their communication failures, promising improved transparency and timelier updates going forward. They confirmed the return of the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass for Season 22, emphasizing their commitment to addressing player concerns such as combating cheaters, enhancing game stability, and rolling out quality-of-life improvements. The Season 22 Patch Notes, detailing numerous stability improvements and bug fixes, are slated for release on August 5th. Respawn expressed gratitude for the community's dedication, highlighting its crucial role in the game's success.

The Battle Pass Controversy: A Closer Look at the Proposed Scheme

The Season 22 battle pass is now simplified:

• Free Pass: Available to all players.
• Premium Pass: 950 Apex Coins.
• Ultimate Pass: $9.99.
• Ultimate+ Pass: $19.99.

Payment is required once per season for all tiers. This streamlined approach is a stark contrast to the original, highly criticized proposal.

Initially, on July 8th, Apex Legends unveiled a controversial battle pass structure requiring two $9.99 purchases per season—one at the start and another mid-season. This doubled the cost of the premium pass, previously available for 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99 1000 coin bundle. The addition of a premium+ option replacing the premium bundle, priced at $19.99 per half-season, further fueled player frustration.

The Community's Response: A Wave of Backlash

The proposed changes triggered a significant backlash. Players voiced their displeasure across Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit, using terms like "abysmal" and vowing to boycott future battle passes. The overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam (80,587 at the time of writing) amplified the outcry.

While the reversal is welcomed, many players feel the situation should never have escalated to this point. The intense reaction underscores the importance of player feedback and its influence on game development decisions. Respawn's acknowledgement of their missteps and commitment to improved communication and game enhancements are crucial steps in rebuilding trust with their community. As Season 22 approaches, players eagerly anticipate the promised improvements and stability fixes outlined in the August 5th Patch Notes.