It started as an exciting innovation. The Battle Pass — in part a challenge, in part cosmetics hunt — was a refreshing way to reward dedication of players in online games. But in 2025, gamers are starting to wonder if the system has reached a saturation point. With almost every major game, from Fortnite through Call of Duty to Genshin Impact, offering some version of a seasonal pass, the question is no longer “Should I buy it?”, but “Do I even have the time?”
The Battle Pass boom
The concept of Battle Pass gained popularity around 2018, presenting itself as a fairer alternative to loot boxes, and based on effort. Instead of betting on rewards, players could earn cosmetics, coins or exclusive content through a tiered progression. The concept was simple: the more you play, the more you can win. It seemed like an ideal solution for both developers and gamers. The studios had a new monetization strategy, and the players a transparent rewards system with defined goals and deadlines.
In 2025, the Battle Pass system is ubiquitous. It’s in shooters, MOBAs, RPGs, card games and even mobile puzzles. But what was once a source of motivation now feels overwhelming. Players manage several passes at once, each with their own time requirements, exclusive rewards and the constant fear of missing out on something.
When players grow weary
With more games adopting live service models, the pressure to log in daily and “grind the pass” has intensified a lot. For the average player, with school, work or family responsibilities, completing only one Battle Pass per season may already seem like a second job. If you add three or four games, the excitement fades quickly.
Many express anxiety about not completing passes on time, especially when the best rewards are locked at high levels or require premium upgrades. The possibility of missing a limited skin or item turns leisure into an obligation. Even worse is that some games divide their content between free and paid tracks, which makes players feel that they are only allowed to experience a part of the game, unless they pay in advance.
The economics of FOMO
At the heart of the problem lies FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out. Battle Passes are designed to expire. If you don’t unlock the content before the season ends, it disappears (at least for now). This artificial scarcity creates a sense of urgency, but it also generates stress. In 2025, many gamers are wondering: why can’t we enjoy games at our own pace?
The irony is clear: what was created to keep interest now threatens to push players away. Threads on Reddit, comment sections on YouTube and TikTok clips are flooded with players sharing their frustration over the “pass pressure.” Some even talk about burnout or quitting a game altogether after failing to hit key milestones.
The developers are listening
However, not all game studios are ignoring the signs. Some are starting to implement more player-friendly approaches. Riot Games, for example, has adjusted the VALORANT Battle Pass by adding weekends with additional XP and more generous level ups. Overwatch 2 recently introduced a more flexible system in which some rewards are still available even after the end of the season.
Other developers are exploring permanent progression paths or passes with rotating content for future seasons. These changes, although small, reflect a growing awareness that fun should be above pressure.
Where Battle Pass keeps shining
Despite the fatigue, Battle Passes are not inherently bad. Well implemented, they offer structure, rewards and a sense of accomplishment. For competitive players or collectors, having clear goals can be very motivating. In addition, passes provide a constant flow of cosmetics that, if purchased separately, would turn out to be much more expensive.
Games like Apex Legends and Rocket League keep making their passes rewarding without overloading the player. The key is in the balance: reasonable XP requirements, interesting challenges and meaningful rewards.
The future of progression systems
As the live service model evolves, studios need to rethink what it means to progress in modern games. Should each title require daily commitment? Should the passes be limited by time, or allow the player to advance at his own pace? What if, instead of creating pressure, progression systems focused on encouraging fun?
Some independent studies are already exploring new approaches. Games like Deep Rock Galactic and Hades 2 experiment with systems that reward effort without imposing artificial deadlines. Others integrate narrative content that gives context to the challenges and makes the routine part of the story.
Interest is also growing in modular passes, where players choose which type of rewards they want to unlock first. This adds flexibility and customization without diluting the reward experience.
Conclusion: Redesigning the reward loop
In 2025, the real question is no longer whether Battle Passes should exist, but how they can evolve to respect the player’s time and improve their experience. As the community matures and diversifies, it is clear that a single approach is no longer enough. It’s time for developers to rethink how to make progression systems more meaningful and less stressful.
Players want to be challenged, but not stuck in an endless rut. They want to be rewarded for their effort, not penalised for taking breaks or having a life outside of games. They are looking for a fair, entertaining system that does not feel like a burden. To sum it up, video games should be fun, not stress while trying to meet another deadline.
One possible solution is to move towards player-centered models. Imagine a Battle Pass where you can advance at your own pace and prioritize the rewards that interest you the most: skins, weapon customization, character gestures… whatever you enjoy the most. This flexibility would make the system feel more personal and less like a chore.
It would also be useful to rethink the idea of limited content. Although scarcity generates excitement, it also causes pressure. Instead of locking in rewards after strict deadlines, developers could offer them at recurring intervals, allowing for a more organic and less stressful experience.
Finally, the future of progression may go beyond a Battle Pass. As games evolve, so must the systems that keep the player’s interest. Alternative models based on skills, achievements or narrative, are already successful. Such models offer more meaningful rewards, earned with real effort, and without relying on rigid schedules.
In short, the Battle Pass system has immense potential, but it needs to evolve. Developers need to move beyond simply adding content and focus on designing systems that allow players to enjoy the game at their own pace. Reducing the stress related to FOMO and offering rewards aligned with individual preferences and playing styles can keep progression engaging and satisfying.
If Battle Passes are here to stay, and everything indicates that they are, let’s make sure that they reflect what really defines video games: freedom, creativity and fun. At the end of the day, playing a video game shouldn’t feel like another deadline to meet. The future of these systems should focus on quality, choice and an experience that truly rewards players on their own terms.