Apex Legends Backtracks on Battle Pass After Fan Outcry

Apex Legends Reverses Controversial Battle Pass Changes Following Player Backlash

Respawn Entertainment has performed a complete U-turn on its recently announced, and heavily criticized, Apex Legends battle pass system. The developer announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the planned changes, which included two $9.99 battle passes per season and the elimination of the option to purchase the premium pass with Apex Coins, have been scrapped. These changes will not be implemented in the upcoming Season 22 update, launching August 6th.

Respawn acknowledged the significant negative reaction from the community and apologized for the poor communication surrounding the proposed changes. They confirmed that the original 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass will be reinstated for Season 22. The company stressed its commitment to addressing player concerns, including combating cheaters, improving game stability, and delivering quality-of-life updates. Patch notes detailing stability improvements are expected on August 5th.

The Revised Battle Pass System

The revised Season 22 battle pass structure is now significantly simpler:

• Free Battle Pass
• Premium Battle Pass (950 Apex Coins)
• Ultimate Edition ($9.99)
• Ultimate+ Edition ($19.99)

Payment is required once per season for access to all tiers. This streamlined approach replaces the initially proposed, and widely condemned, two-part payment system.

The Original Proposal and Community Response

The original battle pass plan, unveiled on July 8th, required players to pay $9.99 twice for the premium pass – once at the season's start and again midway through. This was a significant departure from the previous system, where players could purchase the premium pass for 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99 coin bundle. The introduction of a $19.99 premium+ option further fueled player frustration.

The backlash was immediate and intense. Players voiced their anger across various platforms, including X and the Apex Legends subreddit, with many vowing to boycott future battle passes. The negative sentiment was amplified by a surge of negative reviews on Steam, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.

While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback in game development and the potential consequences of poorly communicated changes. Respawn's response, while reactive, demonstrates a willingness to listen to its community and adjust accordingly. The upcoming patch notes will be closely scrutinized by players eager to see the promised improvements.