Apex Legends Battle Pass U-Turn: Respawn Reverses Controversial Changes After Player Backlash

Following intense community criticism, Respawn Entertainment has performed a 180-degree turn on its proposed Apex Legends battle pass overhaul. The developer announced via Twitter (X) that the controversial new system, featuring two $9.99 battle passes per season and the elimination of Apex Coin purchases for the premium pass, is scrapped. Season 22, launching August 6th, will revert to the previous model.

Respawn admitted miscommunication regarding the changes and pledged improved transparency going forward. The company reiterated its commitment to addressing player concerns, including combating cheaters, boosting game stability, and implementing quality-of-life updates. Patch notes detailing stability improvements are expected August 5th.

The Revised Battle Pass System

The simplified Season 22 battle pass structure is:

• Free tier
• Premium tier (950 Apex Coins)
• Ultimate tier ($9.99)
• Ultimate+ tier ($19.99)

Payment is required once per season, a significant departure from the initially proposed two-part system.

The Source of the Controversy

The July 8th announcement of the original battle pass plan ignited a firestorm. The requirement for two $9.99 payments per season for the premium pass (previously available for 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99 coin bundle) and the introduction of a $19.99 premium+ option (replacing the premium bundle) angered many players.

Player Reaction and Respawn's Response

The negative reaction was swift and widespread, flooding Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit with criticism. Overwhelmingly negative Steam reviews (80,587 at the time of writing) further amplified the player discontent.

While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's acknowledgement of its errors and commitment to improved communication are crucial steps in rebuilding player trust. The upcoming patch notes will be closely scrutinized as players anticipate the promised improvements and stability fixes.