Priced at $10 (1,000 Lux) for the premium track, fans have branded it the "worst value for your money" in live-service shooters, citing lackluster cosmetics and predatory design. This article dives into the backlash, pass contents, and Bungie's response.
The Rewards Pass Breakdown
Titled "Achromatic Rush," the pass spans six pages with free and premium rewards unlocked via SILK earned through gameplay. It does not expire, and progress carries over. Premium unlocks better weapon styles, stickers, charms, and one Runner Shell (character skin).
Key Premium Rewards
| Page | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1 | Achromatic Rush (Superior Magnum MC Style), Fresh Cut (Deluxe Retaliator LMG Style) |
| 2-3 | Blue Sky (Deluxe BRRT SMG), Jagged Intent Sticker, Satiated Bliss Charm |
| 4-6 | Achromatic Rush Runner Shell, various Deluxe styles for V85, V99, etc. |
Free track offers basic schemas and backgrounds, but critics call everything "meh recolors."
Why Fans Are Furious
- Poor Quality and Quantity: "One single character skin. Seriously?" Only recolored camos, ugly stickers/charms limited to one weapon (duplicates needed for more).
- No Currency Refund: Unlike Fortnite or Helldivers 2, no Lux back to fund future passes.
- Predatory MTX Ties: $10 Lux packs fall short for some skins (1,100 vs. 1,120 needed).
- Bungie Deja Vu: Sticker limits echo Destiny 2's launch shaders: "Welcome back launch Destiny 2 shaders."
Reddit's r/Marathon exploded: u/Lemouni called it "the worst value I've ever seen," u/Remarkable_Winner_95 dubbed it "worst battlepass ever." On X, posts like "lame ass money grab" and shares of Kotaku's "Woof, The Marathon Battle Pass Is Bad" went viral.
Comparisons
| Game | Battle Pass Strengths |
|---|---|
| Helldivers 2 | Lux-like currency from gameplay/free track |
| Fortnite | Funds next pass |
| Marathon | No refund, limited items |
Bungie's Swift Response
Bungie acknowledged the "poor quality items, no premium currency back" and cosmetic limits. Upcoming:
- Patch Next Week: Easier gameplay (more nav points, crates, ammo).
- Lux Fix: $10 bundles to 1,120 Lux (from 1,100), 20 Lux credit to early buyers.
They promise more value improvements.