Apex Legends changes the battle pass: two per season and can only be purchased with real money

The big news of Apex Legends season 22 affects one of the vital aspects of any game free-to-play: monetization. This means that Respawn Entertainment has announced changes to the battle pass structure that can be summarized in two points: there is now a battle pass for each split (division) and can only be purchased with real money.

Starting with Season 22, Apex Legends will offer two 60-tier Battle Passes for $9.99 each, and it will no longer be possible to use virtual currency (Apex Coins) to purchase them.[…] The battle pass is shorter, there is one for each splitrenewed rewards and are acquired with real money,” explains Respawn Entertainment. Until now, Apex Legends players had a single battle pass with 110 levels and a cost of 950 Apex Coins (about 9 euros) that lasted the entire season. The game’s virtual currency is one of the rewards of the battle pass and it was possible to use it to buy the next one.

“We’ve been looking at the numbers and everything needs to be more accessible and realistic for our global community,” Respawn says. “All of these updated things allow us to make the Battle Pass more accessible and valuable in terms of time and money.” The development team assures that “you’ll now earn double the Battle Pass rewards throughout the season by completing both Battle Passes, and you’ll be able to continue your progress past Level 60 and all the way to Level 100 to upgrade Battle Pass badges.”

“The effect of this change is twofold,” Respawn says. “It allows us to better align season progression with Ranked, while also increasing the value of your time.”

Respawn Entertainment says that “the overall value of the season has increased,” and that means that the rewards for each split will also increase in premium and free registration. It is true that, for example, Apex Coins have doubled and you can get 200 coins for splitbut now the Battle Pass will not be available for purchase with this currency. Premium registration, on the other hand, will offer 2,400 crafting materials (double the amount of the old pass), 1,300 Apex Coins, and 10 Exotic Shards per Battle Pass. In both cases, Apex Packs will also be increased and cosmetic items will be improved.

Apex Legends players will be able to experience the new Battle Pass format for themselves without paying a cent. Everyone will be able to get the premium Battle Pass from the first split logging in with the launch of the new season and after completing a series of challenges in the first two weeks.