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Author: DavidReading:3
Respawn Entertainment has 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 community's outcry.
Apex Legends Battle Pass: A 180-Degree Turn
Respawn Reinstates the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass
Respawn Entertainment announced via 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 going forward. They confirmed the return of the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass for Season 22, prioritizing player concerns like cheat prevention, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Season 22 Patch Notes, detailing stability fixes and improvements, are expected on August 5th. The developers expressed gratitude for the community's dedication, highlighting its crucial role in Apex Legends' success.
The Battle Pass Controversy: The Original Plan
The simplified Season 22 battle pass system now includes:
- 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 is a stark contrast to the initially proposed, and heavily criticized, system.
The July 8th announcement of a two-part battle pass—requiring separate $9.99 purchases at the season's start and midpoint—was met with widespread anger. This was a significant departure from the previous system, where the premium pass cost 950 Apex Coins ($9.99 equivalent via a coin bundle) for the entire season. The addition of a more expensive "premium+" option at $19.99 per half-season further fueled the negative reaction.
Community Backlash and Response
The proposed changes triggered a massive backlash across Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit. Players voiced their frustration, describing the decision as unacceptable and threatening to boycott future battle passes. The negative sentiment was amplified by a surge of negative reviews on the game's Steam page (80,587 at the time of writing).
While the reversal is welcome, many players feel the controversy should never have happened. The intense reaction underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's admission of their mistake and commitment to improved communication are crucial steps in rebuilding player trust. As Season 22 approaches, the community eagerly awaits the promised improvements and stability fixes detailed in the August 5th Patch Notes.
