Apex Legends Developer Respawn has reversed its decision to make the Battle Pass available exclusively for real-world money due to intense player dissatisfaction.
In early July, the developer announced a restructured Battle Pass that was set to launch alongside the game’s next season, Season 22. The plan would see a modern Battle Pass released every half-season rather than every season, and Respawn would remove the option to purchase the Battle Pass for 950 Apex Coins, the game’s premium currency. The modern cost would be $9.99.
It’s this last change that has players particularly enraged. While Apex Coins can be purchased with real-world money (950 Apex Coins is worth about $10), the currency can also be earned in-game, and you could always earn enough Apex Coins from one Battle Pass to buy another. Players responded: bombardment of reviews Apex Legends on Steam; recent reviews have been “overwhelmingly negative”, and in the last 30 days the game has received over 75,000 negative reviews.
“You spoke and we listened,” Respawn said note sent to X“With the launch of Season 22, we will be reintroducing the ability to earn the Premium Battle Pass for 950 Apex Coins. We recognize that we could have handled the Battle Pass changes better, and that’s our fault.”
As an apology, Respawn said the first Battle Pass of Season 22 will essentially be free and unlockable by “completing a series of simple in-game challenges.” It also promised that starting in the second half of Season 22, you’ll once again be able to earn enough Apex Coins from one Battle Pass to earn another.
Respawn hasn’t reversed its decision to switch to two Battle Passes per season, however — effectively doubling the rewards available, but also doubling the cost to players. The studio has also kept the highest tier of the Battle Pass, now known as Ultimate+, as a real-money-only purchase at $19.99. The developer posted infographic detailing the changed structure of the Battle Pass.
Respawn promised that the first fixes will arrive with the launch of Season 22, scheduled for August 6.
