battle passes
Seasonal unlock systems
A battle pass is a monetization system in video games where players purchase access to a tiered reward track, unlocking cosmetic items and bonuses by playing during a limited season.
Progress typically requires completing challenges or earning experience points: I need to grind out the battle pass before it expires.
The model, popularized by Fortnite, has become standard in free-to-play games.
Yearly division or series
- tierHorizontal structural layer
- unlockOpen a secured closure
- progressionSequential forward movement
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
skins · rewards · premium · XP · grind · challenges · missions · quests
Horizontal arranged levels
- unlocksDisengages a fastening
- XPGaming progress currency
- levelingMaking flat or equal
- grindCrush into particles
milestones · rewards · completion · ranking · advancement · experience · earning · tracking
Outer animal coverings
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- emotesActs with exaggeration
- spraysDisperses liquid finely
- bannersLarge displayed cloth signs
avatars · accessories · outfits · gliders · pickaxes · charms · voice lines · loading screens
Minor digital goods payment
- premiumAdded cost for better
- purchaseGoods obtained for payment
- subscriptionPaid recurring access
- free-to-playNo-cost base game model
paywall · currency · V-Bucks · coins · bundle · upgrade · refund · storefront
season
Yearly division or series
- tierHorizontal structural layer
- unlockOpen a secured closure
- progressionSequential forward movement
cosmetics · skins · rewards · premium · XP · grind · challenges · missions · quests · battleground
tiers
Horizontal arranged levels
grind · milestones · rewards · completion · ranking · advancement · experience · earning · tracking · progress bar
skins
Outer animal coverings
banners · avatars · accessories · outfits · gliders · pickaxes · charms · voice lines · loading screens · titles
microtransaction
Minor digital goods payment
- premiumAdded cost for better
- purchaseGoods obtained for payment
- subscriptionPaid recurring access
free-to-play · paywall · currency · V-Bucks · coins · bundle · upgrade · refund · storefront · seasonal
- Gaming Cultureesports, streamers, tournaments, Discord, Twitch
- gaming businessmicrotransactions, loot boxes, DLC, pay-to-win, free-to-play
- Mobile AppsClash of Clans, Fortnite, Spotify, Duolingo, Pokemon Go
- digital giftsgift cards, e-gift cards, music credits, subscription boxes
- game contentDLC, expansions, quests, boss fights, levels
- engagement hooksSkinner box, dopamine hits, near misses, loot boxes, gacha
battle passesloot boxes
Paid random virtual rewards
expansion packs · microtransactions · subscription model · subscription services
battle passescomplete edition
Text without omissions
definitive edition · cheat codes · open access · sandbox mode · new game plus
battle, pass, battles, battled, battling, battler, combat, combatant, combative