Respawn Entertainment has announced significant changes to the Apex Legends Battle Pass, and players are not happy. The Battle Pass, which could previously be purchased with Apex Coins (AC), the in-game currency, now requires real-world money. This shift has caused an uproar in the community, with many feeling blindsided and frustrated by the new system.
Image Credit: Apex Legends
Major Changes in the Battle Pass Structure
1. Introduction of Splits: The Battle Pass is now split into two parts per season, instead of being a single pass for the entire season. Each split will have its own Battle Pass with 60 levels, down from the previous 110 levels. This change aims to make the Battle Pass more attainable and to align better with seasonal progression and Ranked play.
2. Real-World Money Requirement: The most controversial change is that players can no longer purchase the Battle Pass with Apex Coins. Instead, they must use real-world currency. The Premium Battle Pass now costs £8.99 GBP, while the new Premium+ option costs £17.99 GBP. This change has angered many players who were used to using their earned Apex Coins to buy the pass.
Revamped Rewards
Free Track Enhancements: The Free Track has been updated with better rewards. Players can now earn 200 AC per split, totaling 400 AC per season. Additionally, the number of Apex Packs has doubled, offering 14 packs per season. Each Battle Pass will now include a complete Epic set, which comprises an Epic Legend skin, an Epic Weapon skin, an Epic emote, and four additional Epic items.
Premium Track Rewards: The Premium Track now offers more valuable rewards, including 2400 Crafting Materials, 1300 AC, and 10 Exotic Shards per Battle Pass. The number of Apex Packs has also increased, with a mix of Rare, Epic, and Legendary packs. Cosmetic items have been upgraded to include 1 Reactive and 1 Legendary Weapon skin, 2 Legendary and 3 Epic Legend skins, and 7 Epic weapon skins. However, players are furious that these rewards now require real-world money.
New Premium+ Offering: The Premium+ Battle Pass provides additional value for £17.99 GBP. This includes 10 Levels, 2 Premium+ Legendary skin variants exclusive for one year, 10 extra Exotic Shards, and all Legends playable for the duration of the Battle Pass. Despite these perks, players are still upset about the cost and the shift away from Apex Coins.
Increased Value, But at What Cost?
Respawn argues that the new Battle Pass offers more value for players' time and money. With the revamped rewards and the introduction of the Premium+ option, they aim to make the Battle Pass more rewarding. However, this has not quelled the outrage from the community. Players feel that the move to real-world currency is a cash grab that undermines the in-game economy and the effort they have put into earning Apex Coins.
Community Backlash
The response from the Apex Legends community has been overwhelmingly negative. Many players have taken to social media to express their disappointment and anger. They feel that Respawn has betrayed their trust by making such a significant change without adequate warning or consideration of player sentiment.
Final Thoughts
The overhaul of the Apex Legends Battle Pass has undoubtedly added more value in terms of rewards and structure. However, the requirement to use real-world money instead of Apex Coins has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many players. As the community grapples with this new system, it remains to be seen how Respawn will address the backlash and whether they will make any adjustments to appease their player base.
In conclusion, while the intention behind the Battle Pass changes may have been to enhance the player experience, the shift to real-world currency has overshadowed any potential benefits. The community's reaction is a clear indication that Respawn needs to reconsider their approach to maintaining player trust and satisfaction.