Bethesda launches new subscription model for Fallout 76

Bethesda has announced a new premium subscription for $100 a year that only offers private servers and some measly in-game items.

Fallout 76 continues to be the game that keeps on giving.

If a broken game at launch, shoddy merchandise, false advertisement, and a lack of updates wasn’t enough, Bethesda has decided to offer Fallout 76’s dwindling player base the opportunity to play in private worlds for $100 a year or $13 a month in what it calls ‘Fallout 1st’.

Never mind that Fallout 76 was virtually unplayable at launch, void of substance, and a thorough rip-off. Bethesda has also announced a delay for its upcoming ‘Wastelanders’ update that will include NPCs and, ya know, something to actually do in the open world.

The online backlash has been deservedly fierce, with Twitter users labelling the company as ‘tone deaf’, ‘greedy’, and ‘a joke’. Unfortunately, this new Fallout 1st subscription scheme is another sign that Bethesda has lost its way as it continues to drive one of its most beloved IPs into the ground, with little sign of slowing down.

What is Fallout 1st?

Fallout 1st is a subscription model that will allow players to use private servers. You’ll also receive 1600 ‘atom points’ to use at the in-game cosmetics shop, a new fast travel option, an exclusive outfit, an emotes package, and an infinite storage system. You can still play the game in its current state without this subscription, but you won’t be able to create worlds that are only available to you and your friends.

These types of subscription models are common practice for MMORPGs, such as World Of Warcraft and League Of Legends, and are even available for games like Minecraft. Asking consumers to pay for private server costs is not a new thing. Usually players can tweak settings and personalise the world to suit them, creating custom rules and game scenarios that are unique.

The difference here is that most of these other subscription-based games have a solid foundation with plenty of content to keep you playing. They’re expansive, immersive experiences that are worthwhile and designed for the long-haul. The same cannot be said for Fallout 76, which won’t allow you to change any settings or features in private servers. All you’re paying for essentially is a gate that bars other players from entering your server.