Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes Were a Big Whoopsie So Respawn Reverses Course

Following intense player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its controversial Apex Legends battle pass changes. This article details the revised battle pass system and the reasons behind the initial community outcry.

Apex Legends Battle Pass: A 180-Degree Turn

Respawn Restores the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass

Respawn Entertainment announced via Twitter (X) that the planned battle pass overhaul is scrapped. The new system, featuring two $9.99 passes per season and eliminating the option to purchase premium passes with Apex Coins, will not be implemented in the August 6th Season 22 update.

Respawn admitted communication failures and pledged improved transparency. They confirmed the return of the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass for Season 22, reiterating their commitment to addressing player concerns like cheating, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability fixes and improvements, are expected on August 5th. Respawn thanked the community, emphasizing the importance of player engagement to the game's success.

The Battle Pass Controversy: The Original Plan

The revised Season 22 battle pass structure is simplified:

• 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 contrasts sharply with the initially proposed, and heavily criticized, system.

The July 8th announcement of a two-part, mid-season payment system for the premium battle pass ($9.99 each part) ignited a firestorm. The previous system allowed purchase with 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99, 1000 coin bundle. The addition of a $19.99 premium+ option further fueled player frustration.

Community Backlash and Response

The proposed changes triggered widespread negative reactions across Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit. Players voiced their outrage, labeling the decision as unacceptable and threatening boycotts. The Steam page for Apex Legends saw a massive influx of negative reviews (80,587 at the time of writing), amplifying the community's discontent.

While the reversal is welcomed, many believe the situation should never have occurred. The strong response underscores the power of player feedback in shaping game development. Respawn's acknowledgment of their mistakes and commitment to improved communication is a crucial step in rebuilding player trust. As Season 22 approaches, players eagerly await the promised improvements and stability fixes outlined in the August 5th patch notes.