Apex Legends Battle Pass Overhaul Abandons In-Game AC Currency: What You Need to Know

In an unexpected move that has sent ripples through the Apex Legends community, EA has announced a complete overhaul of their Battle Pass system. Starting in Season 22, players will no longer be able to purchase Battle Passes with the in-game currency Apex Coins (AC). This decision wasn’t made on a whim — EA has thoroughly considered the implications, citing the goal of reducing the Premium+ price as a primary motivation. As the dust begins to settle, let’s dive into what these changes mean for both seasoned veterans and newcomers alike.

One of the most notable changes is the shift to real-world currency pricing for Battle Passes. The standard Premium Track, now costing $9.99 USD, aims to offer an accessible price point for a broader player base. Meanwhile, the Premium+ Track is set to be priced at $19.99 USD. This dual-tier pricing structure was introduced to provide options for different levels of player engagement. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the loss of the ability to earn enough in-game currency to fund future Battle Passes through regular gameplay, a feature many players heavily relied upon.

Additionally, EA has restructured the Battle Passes to align more closely with the game’s seasonal splits. Instead of a singular Battle Pass spanning an entire season, players will now need to purchase separate passes for each split. While this means that the number of levels to be completed for each split has been reduced from 110 to 60, it does require an investment of real-world money for each period. EA justifies this change by explaining that it enhances progression alignment with Ranked play, potentially offering players a greater sense of accomplishment as they progress through more focused content.

The latest season, Upheaval, introduces the first glimpse of these revamped Battle Pass mechanics. Featuring the highly anticipated return of Solos mode and introducing the new legend, Alter, Season 22 is set to be a dynamic period for the game. Veterans and new players alike are buzzing about how these substantial changes will affect the overall experience. While some players welcome the direct pricing approach, appreciating the decreased cost of the Premium+ Pass, others feel apprehensive about the necessity to repeatedly open their wallets for seasonal content.

The decision to move to a real-world currency-based Battle Pass system represents a seismic shift in how Apex Legends will engage its player base. Although it offers more predictable pricing and immediate access to content, it marks the end of an era where dedicated players could fund their seasonal progress through sheer gameplay effort alone. As with any substantial change, there will be a period of adjustment. Fans will be closely watching Season 22’s launch to gauge how these updates impact their gaming experience. For better or worse, the future of Apex Legends is poised to be vastly different from its past.