Apex Pass U-Turn: Respawn Reverses Battle Pass Changes

Respawn Entertainment Backtracks on Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes

Respawn Entertainment has performed a swift about-face on its recently announced, and widely criticized, Apex Legends battle pass changes. Following a significant player backlash, the developer announced via Twitter (X) that the new system will not be implemented for Season 22, launching August 6th.

The contentious plan involved two separate $9.99 battle pass purchases per season, eliminating the option to buy the premium pass using in-game Apex Coins. This sparked outrage among the player base.

Respawn's revised approach restores the original 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass option for Season 22. The company admitted to poor communication surrounding the initial proposal and pledged improved transparency going forward. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns like cheating, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Patch notes detailing stability fixes are expected on August 5th.

The simplified Season 22 battle pass structure now includes:

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

A single payment per season covers all tiers.

The original, rejected scheme demanded two $9.99 payments for the premium pass, one at the season's start and another mid-season. A premium+ option, costing $19.99 per half-season, further fueled player discontent. The previous system allowed purchase of the premium pass with 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99, 1000 coin bundle.

The negative reaction was immediate and widespread, flooding Twitter (X) and the Apex Legends subreddit with criticism. The Steam page for Apex Legends saw a surge in negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of writing.

While the reversal is welcomed, many players feel the initial proposal was fundamentally flawed. The strong response underscores the importance of player feedback in game development. Respawn's admission of error and commitment to improved communication are crucial steps in regaining player trust. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the promised improvements to Season 22.