Respawn Entertainment Backtracks on Controversial Apex Legends Battle Pass Changes

Respawn Entertainment has reversed course on its recently announced, unpopular Apex Legends battle pass changes following a significant player backlash. The proposed system, which included two $9.99 battle passes per season and the removal of the 950 Apex Coin purchase option, has been scrapped.

A 180-Degree Turn for Season 22

In a Twitter (X) announcement, Respawn confirmed the reversal, stating the original plan would not be implemented in the upcoming Season 22 update (August 6th). They acknowledged poor communication and pledged improved transparency going forward. The standard 950 Apex Coin Premium Battle Pass will return. Respawn reiterated its commitment to addressing player concerns, including anti-cheat measures, game stability, and quality-of-life improvements. Season 22 patch notes, detailing stability fixes and improvements, are expected on August 5th.

The revised Season 22 battle pass structure is now:

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

A single payment per season covers all tiers.

The Source of the Uproar

The initial July 8th announcement of the dual-payment battle pass system ignited a firestorm of criticism. Players were angered by the requirement to pay twice for the premium pass (previously available for 950 Apex Coins or a $9.99 coin bundle), and the introduction of a more expensive premium+ option further fueled the negative reaction.

Community Response and Respawn's Response

The backlash was immediate and widespread, manifesting across Twitter (X), the Apex Legends subreddit, and overwhelmingly negative Steam reviews (over 80,000 at the time of writing). While the reversal is welcomed, many players feel the situation should never have occurred. The incident underscores the power of player feedback and its influence on game development. Respawn's apology and commitment to better communication represent an attempt to regain player trust. The community eagerly awaits the August 5th patch notes and the promised improvements.