The Gears of War 4 season pass is something that sounds ridiculous. While this is a major game, one which could very well be a system-seller, and seems like it could be one of the best games of the year, the season pass is $49.99. That’s only $10 less than the game itself! Asking us to pay that kind of fee for something when we don’t even exactly know what is in it is insane. Normally, I’d say, “Screw it” and have discussions with people about the justification behind such things. However, The Coalition is doing things that are making such a purchase seem more plausible.
There are three things that make the Gears of War 4 season pass sound like it might be worthwhile. This is a recent development, as there used to only be two things that lessened the crazy. While the sheer number of maps and advance access firmly established themselves as possibly worthwhile, the new wealth of cards has made the whole affair seem like it could actually be a good deal.
Initially, the Gears of War 4 season pass was only going to have six Gear Packs. These are the game’s microtransactions that add bounties, characters, emblems, Horde abilities and equipment, and weapon skins. Normally, people would pay earned in-game credits or real cash for these packs of random cards. The season pass now gives you a 17-pack Starter Air Drop that provides 85 random cards. That’s five cards per pack, which can expand your playable character roster, make your weapons look better, and give you bounties that will help you earn credits or experience faster. While the 85 cards you’ll get are random, the Card Creation system will let you destroy a card for Scrap to make the card you do want. The season pass is giving you a head start on getting absolutely everything.
Then, there are the maps. Gears of War 4 will be getting more additional maps than any previous title, with 24 scheduled to arrive in the year after its release. That’s two maps a month. To compare, Gears of War 3 had 18 maps and Gears of War: Judgement had only nine. That’s an amazing number of new places to explore and will keep you coming back every month to play. It’s quite a show of support.
Even that improves when you consider that season pass access to 24 maps includes something people who don’t commit won’t get – early access. Only people who are willing to pay the $50 price for all Gears of War 4 ‘s DLC will be able to see and enjoy the Developer Playlist. They’ll be able to try out not only those maps before launch, but also other modes and features before anyone else. That sort of opportunity is one we aren’t offen afforded in games. It’s something of a luxury.
Let’s be real here. A $50 season pass is ridiculous. That’s quite a fee to charge for additional, nonessential content. It’s completely understandable if Gears of War 4 players want to skip it. But, with all the things The Coalition is bringing and putting in this season pass, you have to wonder if the opportunities and additions offered might make it worthwhile.