To mark the near-conclusion of Fallout TV season 2, Bethesda has made Fallout 76 free-to-play for a limited time while introducing a $30 DLC pack featuring NCR Ranger Power Armor from the series. The bundle has drawn criticism for its price and exclusion from in-game purchases. Fans express frustration over the monetization approach despite the game's improvements since its 2018 launch.
Bethesda Softworks is tying its online multiplayer title Fallout 76 to the Amazon Fallout TV series by offering the game free-to-play until February 5 for Xbox and PC players, or February 4 for PlayStation users. This promotion coincides with the penultimate episode of season 2, providing newcomers access to all updates, including the recent Burning Springs content themed around the show.
Alongside the free trial, Bethesda released the Mojave Bundle, a $30 DLC pack that includes the NCR Ranger Power Armor—worn by the character Maximus in the series—along with items like ranger power armor paint, an NCR flag, a New Vegas neon sign, an Ad Victoriam super sledge, a Legion legate outfit, and player titles. Notably, the bundle cannot be purchased using Atoms, the game's premium currency earned through challenges or the $13 monthly Fallout 1st subscription; it requires a direct real-money payment.
The pricing has upset many in the Fallout 76 community, particularly long-time players who have weathered the game's rocky post-launch period since 2018. On Twitter, user RyGuy (@rydirium) posted on January 29, 2026: “This is CRAZY. They love making you pay a stupid amount of money for NCR stuff.” A Reddit user lamented, “I can’t stay silent about how aggressively cash-grabby Bethesda has become since Microsoft acquired them... Clearly, Bethesda’s focus isn’t on fixing the game or delivering a solid experience anymore – they’re just trying to squeeze every cent out of players.”
Steam reviews for the bundle are mixed, with some noting “Never underestimate the power of brand recognition” from the show, while others complain it “should've been in the atomic shop/earned via quest. I'm tired of Fallout being the staple of microtransactions.” For context, the entire Fallout 76 is currently on sale for $8, and all mainline Fallout games can be bought for less than $30. This comes as Amazon made season 1 available for free on YouTube temporarily, highlighting contrasting approaches to fan engagement.
