Apex Pass Revisions: Respawn Restores Removed Rewards

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

Following intense player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has performed a dramatic about-face, scrapping its controversial Apex Legends battle pass overhaul. The proposed system, which would have required two separate $9.99 purchases per season and eliminated the option to buy the premium pass with Apex Coins, has been completely reversed.

Respawn's 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass Returns

In a Twitter (X) announcement, Respawn confirmed the reversal, stating the original plan will not be implemented for Season 22 (launching August 6th). The standard 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass will be reinstated. The developer apologized for poor communication and pledged improved transparency in future updates. They reaffirmed their commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability fixes and other improvements, are expected August 5th.

The Controversial Battle Pass Proposal and its Simplified Replacement

The revised Season 22 battle pass structure is now much simpler:

• Free Pass: Available to all players.
• Premium Pass: 950 Apex Coins.
• Ultimate Pass: $9.99
• Ultimate+ Pass: $19.99

Payment is required only once per season for all tiers. This contrasts sharply with the original, heavily criticized plan that involved two separate payments for a premium pass covering only half the season. The previous system also removed the option of purchasing the premium pass with in-game currency and introduced a more expensive "premium+" tier.

Player Backlash and the Importance of Community Feedback

The initial battle pass changes triggered a significant negative reaction from the Apex Legends community. Players expressed outrage on social media platforms like Twitter (X) and Reddit, with many vowing to boycott future battle pass purchases. The Steam page for Apex Legends was flooded with negative reviews, reaching 80,587 at the time of this writing.

While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the importance of player feedback and its potential impact on development decisions. Respawn's response demonstrates a willingness to listen to player concerns and adjust course, a crucial step in rebuilding trust with its community. The upcoming patch notes will be closely scrutinized as players await the promised improvements and stability enhancements.