EA and Respawn Entertainment are rolling out a new battle pass structure for Apex Legends, but players aren’t happy with the changes promised so far.
This new approach to progression in the Titanfall spinoff was announced with an updated post on the game’s website. The post outlines a number of fundamental changes to how rewards are earned, with the team saying it aims to “enhance your experience and progression goals.”
Starting with Season 22, we’re evolving the Apex Legends Battle Pass to enhance your experience and progression goals.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the upcoming changes, or check out the infographic below to learn more.
📃: https://t.co/kg5NhlFfVq pic.twitter.com/i516ktP9ma
— Apex Legends (@PlayApex) July 8, 2024
Where players will find the biggest changes are the length of the Battle Pass and how future passes will be purchased. Until now, Battle Passes required players to complete 110 levels to obtain all rewards, including one jet weapon and a jet weapon variant. But Season 22 will provide two passes – one for the first half and one for the second – with 60 levels to complete each. Both halves include one jet weapon each.
“The impact of this change is twofold,” the post said. “This allows us to synchronize seasonal progression more closely with Ranked, while increasing the value for your time.”
EA and Respawn claim the new structure will result in twice as many seasonal rewards for Apex Legends players using the free version of the battle pass. However, each half-season Premium Pass will now cost $10, and the option to purchase passes with Apex Coins is being removed. Previously, players could earn 200 coins with the free version of the pass and 1,300 coins with the Premium version of the pass, which costs 950 coins.
Each pass will offer the same amount of coins for free and premium players, meaning double the amount of Apex Coins earned per season, but those who have been saving their coins will no longer be able to use them for future passes.
Other changes to the Premium Apex Legends formula increase the number of Apex and Legend-Themed packs, while doubling the amount of crafting materials in the Premium Pass. The Premium Bundle, which could previously be purchased for 2,800 Apex Coins, is now called Premium+ and costs $19.99. It features only 10 skips per level, while offering more Exotic Fragments, two Premium+ Legendary Character Skin variants, and the ability to play all Legends for the duration of the Battle Pass.
All the changes will take effect with Season 22, which is expected to launch next month.
“The decision to switch from AC to real world currency was not taken lightly, but it allows us to lower the price of Premium+ for our community,” Respawn’s post said. “The new Premium+ Battle Pass is priced at $19.99 USD* and offers additional value; ~29% price difference compared to the discontinued Premium Battle Pass at 2800 AC.”
Apex Legends fans react to the new Battle Pass
So far, Apex Legends players aren’t too happy with the changes.
“So basically paying $10 twice a season instead of being able to keep buying battle passes every season with a one time purchase,” one Reddit user said. “In which world is this better for the players?”
“The advantage of collecting enough coins to buy the next BP through gameplay was that I stayed playing your product for tens of hours without interruption, so the engagement was high,” another user added. “If you’re going to make me pay every time and THEN grind my ass, then that’s it bro.”
I’m glad Apex Legends Season 22 aka Shockwave is finally changing the battle pass. Just a little bit. The only problem is that they double charge and implemented a battle pass split. I hate EA. thoughts? pic.twitter.com/Tj29js2Nk5
— Thordan Smash (@Thordansmash) July 8, 2024
I am confused. So if we pay $10 we have access to both splits? Because that’s not very clear. I don’t give more than that because it’s been like this for over 5 years… also if I can’t use already earned coins to pay for Battle Pass I won’t support it at all
— Corey Cooper (@MetroidFREAK21) July 8, 2024
$40 + tax each season for the full battle pass 🥸
— Esidix (@esidixo) July 8, 2024
Apex Legends was released in 2019 and has continued to evolve over the half decade since its launch with more legends, weapons, abilities, maps and playable game modes. Although the ability to purchase Battle Passes with Coins is on its way out, players can still use them in Legends, Apex Packs, and more in the in-game store.
EA adds that players will be able to unlock the first half of Season 22’s premium battle pass offerings by completing a “set of challenges” within the first two weeks of launch. It is currently unclear what these challenges involve or if this method will be available in future seasons. For more information, you can read our list of 15 Best Free PlayStation 5 Games.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor to IGN. He began writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to follow him on Twitter @MikeCripe.
