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 planned two-part, $9.99 battle pass system, removing the option to purchase with in-game Apex Coins, has been scrapped.

Return to the 950 Apex Coin Premium Pass

Respawn announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the original 950 Apex Coin premium battle pass will return for Season 22, launching August 6th. They admitted poor communication surrounding the proposed changes and pledged improved transparency going forward. The developers reiterated their commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability, and quality-of-life updates. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability improvements and bug fixes, are expected August 5th.

The Controversial Battle Pass Scheme

The original, now-abandoned, Season 22 battle pass structure was as follows:

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

This simplified system replaces the initially proposed two-part purchase model.

The July 8th announcement of a two-part, mid-season payment system for the premium battle pass—requiring $9.99 twice—along with the removal of the 950 Apex Coin option, drew intense criticism. The previous system allowed purchase of the full season pass for either 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99 coin bundle. The addition of a more expensive premium+ option further fueled player frustration.

Player Reaction and the Reversal

The negative reaction was swift and widespread, across social media platforms like X and the Apex Legends subreddit. Players voiced their anger, with many vowing to boycott future battle passes. Steam reviews also reflected this overwhelmingly negative sentiment, resulting in a significant number of negative reviews.

While the reversal is welcomed, the controversy highlights the importance of developer-community communication and the power of player feedback. Respawn’s response demonstrates a willingness to address concerns and rebuild trust, though the damage to reputation may linger. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the launch of Season 22.