Skate 4's third season drops March 10 with Grom, a new skating location that expands the game's tutorial island. The area includes fresh sections to skate, but EA and Full Circle have locked it behind a paywall for most players. If you don't own the skate.Pass Premium subscription, you'll either need to wait for a limited-time event or spend in-game currency for temporary access.
Premium pass holders get unlimited access to Grom starting day one. Everyone else gets a brief window in April during a "grand opening" event. After that event ends, free players must pay 500 rip chips (the game's earnable currency) for a single day of access. That means Grom stays behind a gate for the majority of Season 3 unless you're paying or grinding.
Use code TRYHARD33 at checkout to redeem this offer before code expires again.
Get 33% Off GAMES+ Subscription
Backlash over locked content
The restricted access has sparked pushback from the Skate 4 community. Before the game launched in early access last September, EA explicitly said map areas wouldn't be paywalled as part of the free-to-play model. Grom's gated rollout contradicts that statement, especially since the island is mostly a reworked version of the tutorial zone with a few additions.
Players on X and Reddit called out the discrepancy between EA's original promise and the new access structure. EA responded by pointing to Skate 4's early access status and said development plans shift based on ongoing feedback.
Monetization concerns grow
The Grom paywall raises broader questions about how EA plans to monetize Skate 4. The publisher previously committed to avoiding paid loot boxes and pay-to-win mechanics. Some players worry that locking an island behind premium access could signal more aggressive monetization down the line. The timing doesn't help, either. EA is reportedly in talks for a sale involving investors tied to Saudi Arabia, which may add pressure to boost revenue.
Grom remains the centerpiece of Season 3. Premium subscribers get full access immediately. Free players either participate in the April event or spend 500 rip chips each time they want to visit.
What this means for future seasons
The Grom situation highlights the tension between live service content and player expectations. EA and Full Circle say they're listening to feedback, but the rollout has already damaged trust. Whether the studio adjusts its approach for future seasonal content depends on how loud the backlash gets.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Grom Island be available in Skate 4?
Grom Island launches with Season 3 on March 10. Premium pass holders get immediate access. Free players can visit during a special April event.
Do I need to pay to access Grom Island?
skate.Pass Premium holders get unlimited access. Free players need to spend 500 rip chips for a one-day pass after the April event ends.
Is Grom Island different from the tutorial island?
Grom expands the tutorial island with new areas. The core layout stays similar, but the update adds sections and features not in the original zone.
Why is there controversy over Grom Island?
EA said before launch that no map areas would be paywalled. Restricting Grom access for non-premium players breaks that promise, which sparked criticism from the community.
Will future updates in Skate 4 require payment?
EA says Skate 4 is in early access and development plans change based on feedback. The Grom paywall has raised concerns about whether future seasonal content will follow the same model.
Can I earn rip chips through gameplay?
Yes. Rip chips are earned by playing Skate 4, so free players can unlock temporary Grom access without spending real money.
