Fallout 76 Lunchboxes Sound Suspiciously Like Loot Boxes
By Ford James ·
Before Fallout 76 was released, Bethesda claimed that the game wouldn't see loot boxes introduced in any fashion, and that the only microtransactions would be cosmetic. It looks like that's not the case anymore.
If you’ve played Fallout Shelter, the free-to-play mobile vault simulator set in the Fallout universe, then you’ll be familiar with lunchboxes. If you haven’t, then they’re basically loot boxes that give you a gameplay boost. Not ideal, but in a free-to-play mobile game? Not a big deal, especially since you definitely don’t need them to progress in the game.
With the latest Fallout 76 update - which is a full price, $60 game - some users have found evidence that lunchboxes will be making their way to the game. In a Reddit post by /u/JesMaine, the exact file names and descriptions have been detailed. Accompanying almost all of the “Lunchbox” references in the files is the ATX prefix, which represents the Bethesda Atom Shop. This essentially means that lunchboxes will be sold for Atoms, the premium microtransaction currency in game.
"Lunchbox's" appearing in Fallout 76 .esm files, no current need to panic but might be worth keeping an eye on. from r/Fallout
Also included are files referring to the animation when a player opens a Fallout 76 lunchbox. Like Activision and Sledgehammer Games introduced with Call of Duty: WWII, the act of opening a lunchbox will be visible to any players around you in-game. This way, they can see what you receive and will be tempted to spend money on the game themselves, in the hopes they also receive something worthwhile.
Possible “rewards” from Fallout 76 lunchboxes include XP boosts that apply to everyone on the server, an increase to your weight limit, and increased radiation and damage resistance. No doubt there will be more possible rewards when the mechanic is properly introduced, though it’s not confirmed.
When Bethesda outright said that Fallout 76 would not have loot boxes, this feels like a kick in the teeth to players who have enjoyed and supported the game throughout the turmoil so far. How low will they stoop before trying to right their wrongs with this game? In other Fallout 76 news, weekly events will be kicking off in early 2019 - provided there’s still a player base after this latest fiasco.
Thanks, PCGamesN.