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We asked Gabriele from Italy to describe battle pass in his own words

What is battle pass?

A battle pass is a system in many games where players can unlock rewards (like skins, weapons, or in-game currency) by completing challenges and leveling up. Some rewards are free, but the best ones are usually locked behind a paid version of the pass. While battle passes can be a fun way to earn rewards, they are often designed to encourage continuous spending.

Examples

• FOMO (fear of missing out): Battle passes are usually available for a limited time, making players feel pressured to buy and complete them before they disappear.
• Time investment: To unlock all the rewards, players must play regularly. This can create a sense of obligation, turning gaming into a chore.
• Premium rewards: The free version offers only a few rewards, while the best ones require paying, pushing players toward spending money.
• Paid progression: Some games allow players to pay extra to skip levels in the battle pass, encouraging spending instead of playing.