The battle pass has long become a standard monetization model in games, and I completely understand why. Players receive valuable rewards for their activity, developers get a stable source of income, and the games themselves benefit from increased engagement. This format has gradually replaced loot boxes and even classic DLCs, offering a transparent progression system. However, not all battle passes are equally beneficial, and their implementation varies across different games. Let’s explore why the battle pass has taken over the gaming industry and which projects have made it truly great.
Evolution of Monetization: From Loot Boxes to Battle Passes
In the past, the primary monetization methods for multiplayer games were one-time DLCs and loot boxes. DLCs offered new content for a fixed price but often fragmented the player base—some had access to new maps and characters, while others did not. Loot boxes, on the other hand, thrived on an element of gambling, but they quickly drew criticism due to their randomized rewards. Many players spent money hoping to obtain rare items, yet the randomness often left them empty-handed, even after multiple attempts. Over time, this led to legal restrictions, with some countries classifying loot boxes as gambling and even banning them altogether.
The battle pass emerged as a compromise, offering a fixed price, a clear progression system, and guaranteed rewards. Now, players know exactly what bonuses they will receive for staying active in the game, while developers maintain monetization without relying on randomness. This model became particularly successful in live service games. For example, in Dota 2, the battle pass tied to The International turned into a full-fledged gaming event. It included exclusive Arcanas, treasure chests, unique in-game activities, and even additional entertainment options, such as dota 2 gambling sites, where players could participate in match predictions and earn bonus rewards. This approach made the battle pass more than just a monetization mechanic—it became an integral part of the gaming experience, an event that brought players back to the game.
This format not only increased player engagement but also generated massive revenue for Valve. In 2021, thanks to the battle pass, The International’s prize pool reached a record-breaking $40 million. This is a prime example of how a battle pass can benefit everyone: players receive valuable rewards for their time, developers enjoy a stable revenue stream without aggressive monetization, and the game remains popular and continues to evolve.
The Great Motivation for Players
One of the main reasons for the battle pass’s popularity is its psychological appeal. Players don’t just spend money—they feel like they are investing in their time within the game. This approach creates an “investment effect,” where even small efforts yield tangible results. Every new quest or match brings them closer to earning rewards, which maintains interest and encourages continued play. Unlike randomized mechanics like loot boxes, there is no uncertainty here—players know exactly what rewards they will unlock at specific battle pass levels.
Many games have successfully integrated this mechanic. A great example is Fortnite, where the battle pass has become an essential part of the gameplay experience. It offers not only skins and emotes but also themed challenges that align with the season’s overall concept. For instance, in a superhero-themed season, players could unlock Marvel character skins, while in another, they participated in missions tied to the island’s storyline. This system goes beyond simple cosmetics—it becomes a core gameplay feature, making each session feel meaningful.
Additionally, the battle pass fosters long-term player engagement. Unlike one-time purchases, it encourages players to log in regularly to complete all levels before the season ends. This strategy works across multiple games—from Apex Legends to Call of Duty: Warzone—where daily and weekly challenges keep players engaged and provide extra motivation to return to the game again and again.
Free Access and Premium Rewards
One of the key strengths of the battle pass is its flexibility, making it appealing to a wide audience. In most games, whether it’s Call of Duty: Warzone or Apex Legends, the battle pass is divided into two parts: free and premium. The free version allows players to earn basic rewards, such as small amounts of in-game currency, standard skins, or emblems. Meanwhile, the premium version, which is unlocked for a fixed fee, offers much more valuable and rare rewards—exclusive character skins, unique emotes, alternative execution animations, and other cosmetic items unavailable through regular gameplay.
This model lowers the entry barrier and gives players the chance to test the system. They can try out the free portion first, see if they enjoy the battle pass, and then decide whether to purchase it. This creates an engagement effect: the further a player progresses, the stronger the desire to unlock full access and claim all possible rewards.
Some games go even further, allowing players to earn their next battle pass without additional spending. For example, in PUBG, certain rewards include in-game currency, which can be saved up and used to purchase the next battle pass. This makes the system even more player-friendly—if they actively participate in the season and complete challenges, they can unlock the premium version next time without spending real money.
This approach is highly valued within the gaming community, as it encourages active play and gives players the sense that their investment can “pay off” in the future.
Long-Term Player Engagement
The battle pass is not just a monetization method—it is also an effective tool for player retention. Its key feature is that it ties players to regular in-game activity: to unlock all rewards, they need to log in throughout the season, complete challenges, and level up their pass. If they fail to finish the battle pass before the event ends, they miss out on some content, which creates additional motivation to play more frequently. This approach is actively used in Valorant, Overwatch 2, and many other games, where limited-time seasons require consistent player engagement.
For developers, this model is highly beneficial, as it ensures a steady player base and keeps the community within the game. Players who have already invested in a battle pass are more likely to return to maximize their purchase, while the progression system encourages them to stay committed. Unlike traditional microtransactions, a battle pass offers a fixed price for a specific set of content, eliminating the pressure associated with loot boxes or other aggressive monetization strategies.
Many battle passes are designed to maintain player interest throughout the season. For example, in Fortnite, new quests and rewards are introduced gradually, keeping players engaged over time. In Apex Legends, new challenges appear weekly, granting additional XP and helping players progress through the pass more efficiently. This makes the battle pass more than just a monetization tool—it becomes an integral part of the gaming experience, bringing value and enjoyment to both players and developers.
Conclusion
The battle pass has become a standard for a reason. It provides players with a transparent reward system, keeps them engaged, and generates revenue for developers. Of course, not every implementation is perfect, but overall, this format benefits all parties involved. With each passing year, battle passes continue to evolve, offering not just cosmetics but also new mechanics, challenges, and in-game events.
