NCR Power Armor Fallout 76 is stuck between a rock and a hard place

Minor spoilers ahead Fallout season 2

Fallout 76 went all out to capitalize on the hit Amazon series. The ghoul himself is the source of the rewards in Burning Springs, a spin in Ohio that is meant to evoke memories of New VegasMojave Wasteland — the current setting of the show. Players can also unlock the Vault 33 jumpsuit, making their character look like they come from Lucy and Norm's home. Fallout 76However, the latest attempt at synergy has sparked anger as what should have been a celebrated addition instead kicked up a hornet's nest and led to community outrage.

From the second, Maximus donned a never-before-seen set of NCR power armor to battle some Deathclaws, Fallout the community demanded its use in video games. While modders could answer challenges for games like Fallout 4it was up to Bethesda to add it to the game with live services Fallout 76. And luckily, it didn't keep players waiting for a stunning NCR Ranger-like lineup, adding it within mere days of episode 7 airing. However, while Bethesda would normally be celebrated for its timely addition, it is instead criticized for the cost of the armor set and the problematic bonus item.

The NCR Power Armor is a brand new design that has never appeared in the games. The instant popularity of the design shows that those who work at Amazon Fallout series knocked it out of the park again.

Issue #1: NCR Power Armor Fallout 76 is exclusive for $30

fallout-76-mojave-bundle — fallout 76 mojave bundle

While Fallout 76 used to have expensive cosmetic item packs – the Atomic Angler pack, which has since been replaced by this controversial new pack, also cost $30 and was full of fishing items – they said the packs don't rely on New Vegas nostalgia. If players are willing to spend that much on the bundle, they'll get the following items, called the Mojave Bundle:

Skin NCR Power Armor
Legion Lagate clothing
Item NCR Flag CAMP
CAMP item with New Vegas lettering
Ad Victorium Prefix and Tribune Suffix
Unique Super Sledge with 4-star “Charged” mod

While the community was quick to call out the bundle as overpriced, the fact that none of the items are purchasable on their own is particularly problematic. If someone wants the NCR Power Armor but isn't interested in the Caeser's Legion set, they're out of luck because they'll have to pay for both (and other items) just to get what they're looking for. Even worse, this bundle is a standalone PlayStation or Microsoft Store purchase that exists outside of the Atomic Shop. This means that even if players have tons of atoms saved up from in-game purchases, grind challenges, or a Fallout 1st subscription, they're completely worthless in this pack. Players will need to spend a separate $30 to get this sought after Power Armor, even if they are a dedicated player with lots of atoms.

Predictably, this sparked the usual debates about video game microtransactions, with players offended by Bethesda's approach to the package. Many wish that the items were also offered separately and could be purchased for atoms, but there is no telling if Bethesda will give in to the criticism and make such a change. Others are disappointed because the deck seems to be taking advantage of casual players who come from the show and really want to get something out of it. However, this is only half the story regarding the Mojave Bundle controversy.

Players were quick to point out how other standalone packs like Atomic Angler regularly sold for around half off. As such, they advised players to wait for the discount Fallout 76the latest pre-purchase package, with one looking likely later in 2026.

Issue #2: True or not, gamers fear Fallout 76 will pay to win

Another issue with the bundle is that for the first time, players can directly purchase the end mod. Normally, four-star mods need to go through high-end activities such as Fallout 76's raid, but purchasing the Mojave Bundle instantly gives you the four-star “Charged” mod. This mod allows them to use light attacks to create three charges and then they can perform a heavy attack to create an AoE explosion that consumes said charges. It's fun and can be useful for certain builds, but it worries players that newer users may be paying to essentially “skip ahead” in the endgame grind.

Sure, the mod might not be good enough to actually be considered pay-to-win, but making it available this way could become a slippery slope. If this pack is selling well, what's stopping Bethesda from including more (and better) 4 star mods in future packs? While the pay-to-win argument may be a bit over the top for now, this deck sets a troubling precedent that explains the backlash. It's also worth noting that while there's only a 1% chance to unlock a mod when the new Super Sledge is dismantled, players can craft and destroy the weapon to get plenty of these mods. They can then sell them in their stores and effectively print caps, Fallouticonic currency.

Fallout 76's Mojave Bundle will hopefully be a learning experience for Bethesda

While it's too late to remove the 4-star mod from this particular pack, the backlash against it will hopefully deter future inclusion of mods in any packs Bethesda releases in the future. Additionally, it's clear that players want to be able to purchase multiple items individually, which doesn't seem like such an extreme request considering how other live service games like it. Overwatch 2 allowing players to hunt individual items in a pack if they don't want the whole thing. There is still time to sell the NCR Power Armor and other items separately, ending the controversy in its early stages. This is completely understandable Fallout 76 it needs to continue to make money on cosmetics to justify free content drops like Burning Springs, but there's room for a much more consumer-friendly approach than what was used with the Mojave Bundle.