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

Respawn Entertainment Backtracks on Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes

Following a significant player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its proposed changes to the Apex Legends battle pass system. The planned two-part, $9.99 battle pass per season, eliminating the option to purchase the premium pass with Apex Coins, has been scrapped.

The developer announced the reversal on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the return of the 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass for Season 22, launching August 6th. Respawn admitted to poor communication surrounding the initial proposal and pledged improved transparency moving forward. They reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, including cheat prevention, game stability, and quality-of-life updates. Patch notes detailing stability improvements are expected on August 5th.

The Original, and Now Scrapped, Battle Pass Plan

The original plan, unveiled July 8th, involved a two-part battle pass requiring separate $9.99 payments per season. This replaced the previous system where the premium pass cost 950 Apex Coins ($9.99 equivalent via coin bundles) for the entire season. A new, more expensive premium+ tier at $19.99 per half-season further fueled player anger.

Player Reaction and the Importance of Feedback

The community responded with overwhelming negativity across various platforms, including X and the Apex Legends subreddit. The Steam page was flooded with negative reviews, totaling 80,587 at the time of writing. The intense backlash forced Respawn's hand, highlighting the power of player feedback in shaping game development decisions.

While the reversal is welcomed, the incident underscores the need for better communication and careful consideration of player sentiment. The simplified Season 22 battle pass structure—free, 950 Apex Coin premium, $9.99 Ultimate, and $19.99 Ultimate+—reflects a single payment per season model. As Season 22 approaches, players await the promised improvements and stability fixes detailed in the upcoming patch notes.