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

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

Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its unpopular Apex Legends battle pass changes after a significant player backlash. The developer announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the planned two-part, $9.99 battle pass system, removing the option to purchase with Apex Coins, is scrapped. Season 22, launching August 6th, will revert to the previous model.

Respawn admitted miscommunication and pledged improved transparency. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability, and quality-of-life updates. Patch notes detailing stability improvements are expected August 5th.

The Original Controversial Plan

The initial Season 22 battle pass plan was met with widespread criticism. It proposed a two-part system requiring separate $9.99 payments for each half of the season, replacing the previous 950 Apex Coin ($9.99 equivalent) or bundled option. A premium+ tier at $19.99 per half-season further fueled player anger.

The Simplified New System

The revised battle pass structure is now:

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

With a single payment per season for all tiers.

Player Reaction and Respawn's Response

The negative response was immediate and intense. Social media and the Apex Legends subreddit were flooded with outrage, and Steam reviews plummeted. The reversal, while welcomed, underscores the importance of developer-community communication. Respawn's commitment to improved communication and game improvements is a crucial step in regaining player trust.

With Season 22 approaching, players await the promised improvements and bug fixes detailed in the upcoming patch notes.