In a rapid response to significant player backlash, Respawn Entertainment has announced a rollback on several controversial changes to the Apex Legends Battle Pass for Season 22. Originally set to eliminate the option to purchase the pass with Apex Coins—forcing players to use real money—the developer has now reinstated this popular feature and introduced additional tiers aimed at enhancing player rewards. This decision comes after the community expressed widespread dissatisfaction, prompting an immediate review and subsequent revision of the Battle Pass strategy.
Image Credits: Respawn Entertainment
Why Respawn Retreated on Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes
On July 8th, Respawn Entertainment unveiled an updated Battle Pass system for Apex Legends Season 22. Initially, this new system introduced two separate Battle Passes for each season split, moving away from the traditional single season pass. Notably, neither pass could be purchased with Apex Coins—Apex Legends’ premium in-game currency. This significant change required players to use real-world money, potentially doubling the cost for the full season’s content to $40 for both Premium and Premium+ passes.
The community reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. The Apex Legends Steam page saw a surge in negative reviews, with 76,872 entries criticizing the changes. In response to the backlash, Respawn has backpedaled on some of its initial decisions.
Reinstatement of Apex Coins and New Tiers
As of July 24, Respawn announced that the ability to purchase the Premium Battle Pass with 950 Apex Coins would be restored. This decision aligns with the traditional purchase method, where players could earn enough Apex Coins from one season’s pass to buy the next. Moreover, Respawn introduced two new Battle Pass tiers: Ultimate and Ultimate+.
The Ultimate Pass costs $9.99 and includes all the benefits of the Premium tier plus additional rewards like Apex Packs and Crafting Materials. The Ultimate+ Pass, priced at $19.99, offers even more, including exclusive Legendary skins and instant unlocks of all Legends.
Image via Respawn
Developer Insights and Future Commitments
In an interview to IGN, Apex Legends Game Director, Steven Ferreira, explained the initial changes as an attempt to refresh the Battle Pass experience, which had remained unchanged for a long time. The new structure aimed to make the Battle Pass more accessible and engaging over shorter periods—45 days instead of the traditional 90. However, this approach underestimated community attachment to the existing Battle Pass model and its value system.
Ferreira also addressed other community concerns, including game stability and competitive integrity. Respawn has pledged to improve communication about ongoing and future improvements that affect gameplay and community experience.
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