Bethesda has been getting some unsavory attention from fans due to a new feature being added to Fallout 76 that has been taking as a pay-to-win mechanic. The new Repair Kit feature is scheduled to release some time after Patch 8. There will be two types of Repair Kits, basic and improved.
In regards to how these are obtained, Bethesda stated that Improved Repair Kits “are rare items that we plans to award to you for free as you take on various types of in-game contents.” However, the backlash from fans comes from the Repair Kits which “will be unlockable in the Atomic Shop using Atoms you’ve purchased or those you’ve earned for free by completing in-game challenges.”
Players expressed their concerned by way of a Reddit thread dedicated to the issue stating that having these kits available at the shop will give those with funds an unfair advantage to repair on the fly over those without the funds.
They feel as though these paid for items impact the gameplay directly, and argue that this goes against the companies promises that the game would not incorporate any play-to-win items. Bethesda had a bit to say during the matter regarding the feedback they were getting about the mechanic.
“We read tons of feedback and suggestions from the Fallout 76 community, and Repair Kits were a popular request that we wanted to get into players’ hands. We also felt we could try out something new with these, both in-game and in the Atomic Shop. As we look to the future, we’re exploring ways we can bring other community-driven ideas to the game as well, such as refrigerators for C.A.M.P.s, ammo and food converters, and even the ability to send scrap to your stash without having to head home.
“Repair Kits are our first attempt at a utility item like this, and we plan to make adjustments based on your feedback, so we hope you’ll share your thoughts with us when they go live later this month.”