The Evolution of Cosmetics in Apex Legends

Introduction

• Analysis of Apex Legends' cosmetic evolution.
• Battle Pass changes reflect longstanding trends.

Pre-Season to Season 1

• Initially called preseason for two months.
• No Battle Pass; cosmetics were basic.
• Introduction of Battle Pass in Season 1.
• Minor changes to Battle Pass over time.

Season 2: Iron Crown Event Controversy

• Iron Crown Event: Limited-time collection event.
• Skins not directly purchasable; required buying $7 Apex packs.
• To get heirloom: buy all 24 items + $36 for heirloom.
• Resulted in backlash against gambling for skins.
• Temporary halt on such gambling events, but resumed in later seasons.

Season 11: Skin Rarity Changes

• Removal of Rare Plus skins; shifted to Epic rarity.
• Decreased quality of starter packs.

Season 12: Discontinuations and Prestige Skins

• Discontinued Legends Editions (value packs with skins and coins).
• Introduction of Prestige Skins (disappointing implementation).

Season 13: Discontinuations Continue

• Discontinued Starter Packs (rare skin + 600 Apex coins).
• Last thematic event: Guiden Event (items available for crafting).

Season 14: Monetization Continues

• Increase in level cap; more Apex packs available.
• Guaranteed free heirloom with enough grinding.

Season 15: Failures of Stickers and Event Rewards

• Introduction of stickers (limited application).
• Celestial Sunrise event: reactive Peacekeeper recolor instead of heirloom/Prestige skin.

Season 16: Content Abundance

• Four collection events in one season.
• Introduction of heirloom recolors (added new animations).

Season 17: Hopeful Changes

• Possible positive changes like offering dive trails for Prestige skins.
• Rumored Battle Pass changes scrapped in Season 18.

Season 18: Revenue-Focused Adjustments

• Removed Skydive trails from ranked rewards.
• Only way to get trails: buy Prestige skins.
• Reactive skin moved to tier 25 in one instance.

Season 19: Final Fantasy Event and New Issues

• Final Fantasy event: higher-cost skins, death box skins, universal heirlooms.
• Negative reception due to gambling and high pricing.

Season 21: Shadow Society Event and Currency Issues

• Shadow Society event: gambling-centric, high-cost.
• Introduction of a useless new currency.
• Milestone event with lackluster rewards.

Season 22: Battle Pass Overhaul

• Split Battle Pass into two per season.
• Removed option to buy Battle Pass with Apex coins; only straight cash.
• Current Apex drama and declining player reception.

Conclusion

• Battle Pass change is the culmination of years of incremental monetization changes.
• Player outrage likely not enough to prompt Respawn to revert changes.
• Uncertain future for Apex Legends.

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