Apex Legends Reverses Course on Battle Pass Changes

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

Respawn Entertainment has performed a dramatic about-face, reversing its unpopular battle pass changes for Apex Legends following widespread player outrage. The proposed system, which included two separate $9.99 battle passes per season and eliminated the option to purchase premium passes using Apex Coins, has been scrapped.

Back to the Familiar: 950 Apex Coins Premium Pass Restored

In a Twitter (X) announcement, Respawn confirmed the reversal, stating that the original 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass will return with the Season 22 update on August 6th. They admitted a lack of clear communication regarding the changes and pledged to improve transparency in future updates. The developers reiterated their focus on addressing player concerns, including combating cheaters and improving game stability and quality of life. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability fixes and improvements, are expected on August 5th.

The Controversial New Scheme (Now Scrapped)

The original plan for Season 22's battle pass included:

• Free Pass
• 950 Apex Coin Premium Pass
• $9.99 Ultimate Pass
• $19.99 Ultimate+ Pass

This simplified structure replaces the initially proposed, and heavily criticized, two-part payment system.

Player Backlash and the Importance of Feedback

The July 8th announcement of the original, two-part battle pass system sparked significant negative reaction. Players voiced their frustration across various platforms, including Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit, leading to a flood of negative Steam reviews (over 80,000 at the time of writing).

The swift reversal demonstrates the power of player feedback and its impact on game development. While the community welcomes the change, many feel the initial proposal should never have been made. Respawn's response, acknowledging their mistake and committing to better communication, is a crucial step towards regaining player trust. The upcoming patch notes will be closely scrutinized as players await the promised improvements.