Apex Legends Season 22 Alters Battle Pass System, Fans Express Disapproval

Apex Legends Season 22 is set to debut with significant alterations to its Battle Pass system, sparking backlash among players. The latest update from EA and Respawn Entertainment mandates that players must now use real money, rather than Apex Coins, to purchase the Battle Pass. This change has divided the Apex Legends community, who previously enjoyed the flexibility of purchasing the pass with in-game currency.

What's Changing in Season 22?

The update, detailed in a recent post on the game's website, outlines several key changes aimed at enhancing player experience and progression goals. Notably, the traditional single-season Battle Pass structure will be replaced by two separate passes, each spanning 60 levels. Each half-season pass will feature a Reactive Weapon, a change aimed at aligning seasonal progression more closely with Ranked play.

Under the new system, the cost of each half-season Premium pass is set at $10, eliminating the option to use Apex Coins. Previously, players could earn up to 1300 Apex Coins through the Premium pass, which cost 950 coins. This adjustment means players can no longer accumulate coins from the pass to use on future purchases.

The Premium pass enhancements include a doubling of Crafting Materials and an increase in Apex and Legend-Themed packs. Additionally, the Premium Bundle, now renamed Premium+, offers added benefits such as Legendary Character Skin Variants and temporary access to all Legends for $19.99.

Community Response

Apex Legends players have expressed disappointment with the changes, highlighting concerns over increased financial investment and reduced in-game currency benefits. Players have taken to forums like Reddit to voice their frustration, with many lamenting the shift from earning to spending real money for game progression.

According to a Respawn Entertainment spokesperson, the adjustments aim to streamline the Battle Pass structure and provide more tangible rewards per season. Despite these intentions, the community reaction underscores a significant shift in player expectations and financial commitments within the game's ecosystem.

As Season 22 approaches, EA and Respawn Entertainment will likely monitor player feedback closely, possibly adjusting future updates based on community sentiment. For now, the controversial changes are set to take effect next month.