Brawl Stars is gearing up for one of its most significant updates yet with the introduction of the Pro Pass. This new feature aims to enhance the gameplay experience by offering both free and paid tiers, each packed with enticing rewards that cater to both casual players and dedicated fans willing to invest a bit more.
Introducing the Pro Pass
The Pro Pass functions similarly to the existing Brawl Pass, featuring a free version and a premium option. While the free pass offers a substantial number of rewards, the paid Pro Pass takes it a step further by unlocking additional exclusive content. The paid Pro Pass is priced at $25 for a four-month duration, breaking down to approximately $6.25 per month. This pricing strategy positions the Pro Pass as a valuable investment for players looking to maximize their in-game gains.
Free Pass Rewards
Completing the free pass rewards players with a variety of valuable items spread over the four-month period. These include:
- 34 Rank Drops
- 34 Star Drops
- 8 Mythic Star Drops
- 8 Legendary Star Drops
- 1 Hypercharged Star Drop
- 50 Gems
- 6 Pro Tier Skin Upgrades
Additionally, players will receive three to four additional legendary star drops as tail-end rewards, offering even more prestige to those who complete the free pass.
Pro Pass Premium Rewards
The Pro Pass premium tier offers everything available in the free pass, plus additional exclusive rewards. These include:
- 5 Pro Tier Skin Upgrades
- 600 Gems
- 11 Pins
- 2 Sprays
- 3 Profile Icons
- 5,000 Coins
The inclusion of 600 gems and multiple skin upgrades makes the Pro Pass a compelling offer for players who want to customize their brawlers extensively and gain a significant edge in the game.
New Pro Rarity Skins
One of the standout features of the upcoming update is the introduction of Pro Rarity skins. These are the first upgradeable skins in Brawl Stars, allowing players to enhance their brawler’s appearance and abilities progressively. For instance, the initial Pro Rarity skin will be for Colt, and players can unlock various upgrades such as new attack effects, models, takedown effects, spawn animations, and even color variations or chromas at higher levels. This system not only provides aesthetic enhancements but also rewards players with functional upgrades as they progress through the Pro Pass.
Rank System Overhaul
The update brings significant changes to the rank system, aiming to make progression more engaging and less grind-heavy. Key changes include:
- Introduction of Pro Rank and Masters 1, 2, and 3
- Adjusted ELO gain and loss, especially in Legendary League and higher
- Removal of floor protection from Mythic and up, allowing players to drop back to Diamond from Mythic if they lose matches
- Faster matchmaking at lower ranks and more restrictive matchmaking at higher ranks to ensure fair competition
- Reset mechanics adjusted so players drop six minor ranks instead of reverting all the way to Bronze, reducing the grind at the start of a new season
These changes are designed to keep high-tier players more engaged and make the journey to the top more rewarding by ensuring that each rank feels meaningful and worth striving for.
Battle Cards and Permanent Rewards
Battle Cards have received a facelift, transitioning from Bronze to Pro League styles. The new designs feature cool backgrounds and refreshed aesthetics, though some players might miss the old icons. A major improvement is that Battle Cards will no longer decay, meaning that once a player reaches, say, Mythic or Pro League, their Battle Card remains permanently in their collection. This change ensures that players retain their prestigious Battle Cards without the frustration of having to reacquire them each season.
Gadgets Get Unlimited Uses
Another significant update is the unlimited use of gadgets across the entire game. Previously, gadgets had limited uses per match, but now players can use them as much as the game duration allows, with cooldowns varying based on the gadget’s strength. Weak gadgets might have a cooldown as short as seven seconds, while stronger ones could have cooldowns up to thirty seconds. This change allows for more strategic depth and flexibility in gameplay, enabling players to adapt their tactics on the fly.
New Game Modes in Ranked Play
Brawl Stars is also experimenting with new game modes in ranked play, rotating monthly to keep the ranked experience fresh and exciting. The first of these new modes is "Cleaning Duty," a reimagined version of the Jellyfish mode. There are hints that Brawl Hockey might also make an appearance, although it’s still under tweaks and not officially confirmed yet. These new modes offer varied gameplay experiences, encouraging players to diversify their strategies and playstyles.
Pro Pass Progression and XP Boosts
The progression system for the Pro Pass is extensive, featuring 100 tiers over four months. Players advance through tiers by winning ranked matches and rising in rank from Diamond to Mythic, or by engaging with Brawl Stars Esports broadcasts. While watching broadcasts isn't necessary to complete the pass, doing so can accelerate progression and provide additional rewards. The season rewards also include new items like skin upgrade items and Pro Pass XP speedups, making the climb to the top even more rewarding.
Balancing and Reworking Brawlers
In addition to the Pro Pass and rank system changes, the update is expected to include balance adjustments and possible reworks for several brawlers. Speculation includes a potential rework for Amber, though this has been debunked based on developer builds. However, other brawlers like Janet, Chester, Grom, Mo, and Crow might see tweaks to their abilities and star powers. For example, Janet’s star power that increases her shot charge rate might become a standard ability, while other brawlers could receive improvements to make their skills more viable in the current meta.
Hypercharge Enhancements
Six Hyperchargers have been confirmed for the upcoming update, with possibilities of more being added. These include enhancements for Mandy, B, Meg, Lola, Mr. P, and Shade. Hypercharger hides might feature new icons and effects, further enriching the gameplay and allowing players to customize their brawlers even more. The roadmap suggests that Supercell plans to have every brawler equipped with a Hypercharger within a few months, potentially making these a staple feature in future updates.
Impact on Player Engagement
These updates are poised to significantly impact player engagement. By enhancing the progression system and introducing new ways to earn and showcase rewards, Brawl Stars is fostering a more dynamic and rewarding environment. The Pro Pass, with its mix of free and premium rewards, caters to a wide range of players, ensuring that both free-to-play enthusiasts and those willing to invest financially feel valued and motivated to continue playing.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Brawl Stars update, centered around the new Pro Pass, represents a major evolution in the game’s structure and rewards system. With a wealth of new features, including unlimited gadget uses, enhanced Battle Cards, and a revamped rank system, players have much to look forward to. Whether you’re aiming to climb the ranks, customize your brawlers with Pro Rarity skins, or simply enjoy the new game modes, this update promises to enhance the overall Brawl Stars experience. Stay tuned for more detailed sneak peeks and prepare to dive into the next chapter of Brawl Stars with confidence and excitement.
