The Finals, a game buzzing with player activity since its release, has hit a snag with its community regarding the game’s Battle Pass. A staple in the gaming industry, Battle Passes serve as a reward system, incentivizing continued play with exclusive content. However, players’ satisfaction with this model is contingent on a perceived balance between time investment and rewards—an equilibrium that seems to have eluded The Finals.
Players express frustrations over the Battle Pass’s grind-heavy design, requiring an estimated 100 to 150 hours of playtime to unlock all its tiers. A staggering figure, given the pass’s 96 levels. The sheer volume of time required has sparked discussions across gaming forums, with one player stating, “I think a lot of people are missing the fact that basically every other multiplayer game also has a battle pass that demands a lot of your time. So if you want to play 2 or 3 other games AND get their battle passes, good luck finishing them all.” This sentiment resonates widely, as players grapple with the reality of dedicating an untenable portion of their time to a single game’s Battle Pass.
The lack of progression carryover, unlike other titles such as Apex Legends, exacerbates the issue. As a result, players question the feasibility of completing future Battle Passes unless the rate of reward distribution changes. The concern isn’t isolated; popular game reviewer SkillUp echoed similar sentiments, noting the difficulty in completing multiple Battle Passes from different games. He argues for a more attainable model, stating, “I’d love it if publishers would just let us get through these Battle Passes faster.” SkillUp emphasizes the desire for a more player-friendly approach that would entice him, and presumably others, to return season after season.
The Finals isn’t without its merits, though. The game itself has been praised for its destructible environments and a rich selection of customization options. Players can immerse themselves in battles across dynamically changing maps, employing a variety of gadgets and weapons. Yet, the game’s competitive nature and Battle Pass challenge cast a shadow over these features.
Looking beyond the Battle Pass, The Finals has also released a Tactical Tidings Set—a free, time-limited holiday bundle with winter-themed cosmetics. It offers a reprieve from the grind, letting players don Santa hats and wield festive weaponry. While this gesture is undoubtedly a nod towards seasonal generosity, it might not be enough to quell the underlying issues of the game’s reward structure.
For Embark Studios, addressing the Battle Pass concerns is paramount to maintaining player satisfaction and loyalty. The Finals stands as a robust competitor in the FPS genre, but the longevity of its player base hinges on how the developers respond to the community’s feedback.
Relevant articles:
– Players are frustrated with The Finals’ “impossible to finish” battle pass, forcing users to play 100-150+ hours just to complete it
– The Finals is too sweaty for its own good
– The Finals Tactical Tidings Set: All rewards, release date & how to get