In a surprising turn of events, Respawn Entertainment has decided to roll back the planned changes to the battle pass system in Apex Legends following significant backlash from the community. The controversy erupted when it was announced that the upcoming Season 22 would introduce a second battle pass that required cash payments, rather than being purchasable with in-game currency, Apex Coins.
Initial Announcement and Fan Reactions
Respawn’s initial announcement of the changes did not sit well with the Apex Legends community. Traditionally, players could use Apex Coins earned through gameplay to purchase the battle pass, a system that many felt balanced the game’s free-to-play model with optional purchases. The proposed shift to a cash-only purchase model for the new battle pass led to an outcry, with fans expressing their discontent across social media platforms and within gaming forums.
The community’s response was swift and intense, with numerous players criticizing the decision. Social media channels were flooded with complaints, and the game’s Steam rating took a significant hit as disgruntled players voiced their displeasure by tanking the reviews.
Respawn’s Response
In light of the overwhelming feedback, Respawn Entertainment issued a statement confirming that they would be reverting the proposed changes. According to the statement, players will once again be able to purchase the Premium Battle Pass for 950 Apex Coins starting with Season 22 Split 2 on September 17th. Respawn acknowledged that the handling of the battle pass changes was flawed and assured players that they had been heard.
Official Statement from Respawn
“You’ve spoken, and we’ve listened. With the release of Season 22 we will restore the ability to get the Premium Battle Pass for 950 Apex Coins. We recognize that we could have handled the Battle Pass changes better—that’s on us. It’s our intention to improve the overall value and experience across our Battle Pass offerings,” the statement read.
New Battle Pass System
Despite the rollback, Season 22 will still feature two battle passes, one for each split of the season. The first split’s Premium Battle Pass will be earnable through completing in-game challenges, providing an opportunity for players to obtain it without spending real money. For the second split, players can purchase the battle pass using Apex Coins, as they have in previous seasons.
Enhanced Rewards and Streamlined Progression
Respawn has promised that the new battle pass system will offer better rewards and a more streamlined progression path. The levels required to complete the battle pass and earn the final key cosmetic items have been reduced from 110 to 60, making it quicker and more accessible for players to achieve their goals. Additionally, the Premium Battle Pass will grant players 1,300 Apex Coins upon completion, ensuring they have enough to purchase the next pass.
Focus on Community Priorities
Looking ahead, Respawn has committed to improving their communication with the player base and addressing key community concerns. The developers have highlighted their focus on tackling cheaters, enhancing game stability, and implementing quality of life updates. Detailed patch notes outlining these improvements are set to be released on August 5th, a day before the launch of Season 22.
The rollback of the planned battle pass changes in Apex Legends demonstrates Respawn Entertainment’s responsiveness to community feedback. By restoring the ability to purchase the Premium Battle Pass with Apex Coins and enhancing the overall rewards and progression, Respawn aims to maintain player trust and satisfaction. As Season 22 approaches, players can look forward to new content, including the much-anticipated District map and a variety of cosmetic updates. Stay tuned for more updates and dive into the action when Season 22 launches on August 6, 2024.
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