ELDEN RING Tarnished Pack

As much as I love Elden Ring, this is a bad thing, this shouldn't have been a microtransaction at all. This should've been a free update due to how small it is, not something that cost 5 dollars.

Alot of people are sounding really braindead. So, because there's cosmetic "skin" options in the game, this dlc pack is instantly "oblivion horse armor 2.0." There are complaints that this isn't free. Complaints about SoTE, directed at the Tarnished Pack. That this is a sign of the end times, fromsoft turning to "microtransactions." This dlc pack adds: 2 starting classes both with completely new sets of gear (never been done in any other fromsoft souls dlc to date) 3 alternative appearances for Torrent, which do "look" like they should nor do they change his stats. 2 NPC Invaders, both bringing weapons and clothing items new to the game, and a few more weapons than that. This dlc costs $5 USD. So I ask, in what way is this like an activision micro? How does this compare to gacha purchases? Here you are getting permanent, static content added to the game. Not locked to a single character, not a 30 day pass. Both cosmetics, and equipment with stats and even a few new weapons which have affected PvP Meta. A good thing. Balance will happen naturally, people do not start with a working knowledge base on how to counter every opposing option. It doesn't make it p2w. You do not need this content to enjoy Elden Ring, and Elden RIng will not be dangling this in your face every 5 minutes trying to get you to purchase it. If you've played Elden Ring alot and want more developer-made content and a few new cosmetic options not previously available, this is a fine purchase that wont hurt your wallet, and assuming you're not expecting SoTE2 there's little reason to be bitter over it. Lastly, I personally think it is a *good* sign of things to come for Fromsoft to add content to a 4 year old game in a new port and still offer that to all other console releases and pc as well. I do not think $5 is to big an ask by any means to continue supporting a studio that makes games I love.