Bethesda released Patch 8.5 for Fallout 76 a few hours ago on all platforms (the download weighs 2GB on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, 1GB on PC).

　　This patch is part of the scheduled Wild Appalachia series of updates. There's a new in-game camera that will allow players to take all sorts of snapshots from the post-apocalyptic version of West Virginia, though the highlights of patch 8.5 are, for better or worse, the repair kits introduced to Fallout 76.

　　These have sparked quite the controversy within the game's community ever since they were announced. Designed to let players repair their equipment while out in the world, the basic repair kits are now available for purchase in the Atomic Shop, while the improved repair kits can be dropped by defeating the Scorchbeast Queen. The issue is with the basic repair kits, then, since Bethesda had long ago promised they would refrain from adding any Pay-to-Win elements from the game's shop. So far, all items available there were strictly cosmetic.

　　The developers have added a brief explanation, stating that while they got the community's feedback on the repair kits, it is their belief this new item only offers additional convenience. They've also vowed to ensure any advantage will be removed if live testing proves it's actually an issue.

　　Below you can find the detailed patch notes.

　　

Wild Appalachia

New Feature - ProSnap Deluxe Camera

The ProSnap Deluxe is a functional in-game camera you can use to fill your Photomode Gallery with snapshots of your adventures.

　　The ProSnap Deluxe can be equipped and favorited like a weapon.

　　Use the “Aim” button to look through the Camera’s lens, and then press the “Attack” button to snap a photo.

　　You can use a Tinker’s Workbench to build a ProSnap Deluxe and apply mods, like lenses.

　　The Camera uses Film to take photos, and you can use the Tinker’s Workbench to craft additional Film.

　　When you take aim with the ProSnap Deluxe, it will also display the names of nearby locations and creatures it recognizes in the viewfinder.

　　Learn to craft a ProSnap Deluxe Camera by finding a broken one on the corpse of a tourist who met their end in the Wasteland.

　　Once you’ve acquired a Camera, you’ll begin the new “Bucket List” quest, which allows you to finish the tourist’s photography collection, if you so desire.

　　Many new Camera-related Challenges have been added to Fallout 76 that you can complete using your ProSnap Deluxe.

　　

General

New Consumable Utility Item – Repair Kits

Repair Kits are new, single-use consumable items that immediately restore the Condition of an item in your inventory. They come in two forms: Basic Repair Kits and Improved Repair Kits.

　　

Basic Repair Kits

Each Basic Repair Kit you own can be used to restore one item in your inventory or Stash to 100% Condition.

　　Basic Repair Kits do not consume any of your crafting materials when repairing an item.

　　Additionally, they cannot be crafted, dropped, sold to vendors, or traded with other players.

　　After acquiring a Repair Kit, use it by opening your Pip-Boy, finding an item that you’d like to repair, selecting the “Inspect/Repair” option, and then choosing “Repair Kit"

　　The number of Repair Kits you own will be displayed to you on the “Repair Kit” button in the “Inspect/Repair” menu.

　　Basic Repair Kits are unlockable in the Atomic Shop using Atoms you’ve purchased or those you’ve earned by completing in-game challenges.

　　Please note: If you purchase Basic Repair Kits by entering the Atomic Shop from the game’s Main Menu, they will be added to your most recently played Character’s inventory. Prior to purchasing Repair Kits, please ensure you’ve logged into a world with the character that you’d like to receive them.

　　

Improved Repair Kits

Each Improved Repair Kit you own can be used to buff one of the items in your inventory or Stash to 150% Condition.

　　Like Basic Repair Kits, Improved Kits cannot be dropped, crafted, traded, or sold, and do not use any of your crafting materials when consumed.

　　Improved Repair Kits are not available in the Atomic Shop. They are rare items you can earn by completing in-game content.

　　They are currently dropped as loot by the Scorchbeast Queen and may be added as rewards for other types of in-game content in the future.

　　If you own both Basic and Improved Kits, you will be prompted to select which type you’d like to use when repairing an item.

　　

A Note on Utility Items in the Atomic Shop:

First, thank you to everyone in the Fallout 76 community who took the time to share their feedback and concerns about adding a utility item like Repair Kits to the Atomic Shop. Over the past couple weeks, we’ve examined all the feedback and today we want to share our thinking when it comes to these types of items and how they relate to the Atomic Shop. When we originally announced the Atomic Shop last year, we said that it will not provide anything that offers a competitive advantage. We remain committed to that statement and take it into account when we evaluate every new item that we bring to the Shop, both now and in the future.

　　While Repair Kits do offer a way to fix an item in the field, we feel you will find that they are a convenient option you can utilize during your adventures. If we find that Repair Kits do offer any sort of competitive advantage once they are available, we will make any changes necessary to ensure that advantage is removed.

　　Aside from purchasing Atoms, you can also unlock Basic Repair Kits using Atoms you’ve earned from Challenges. Additionally, the more powerful Improved Repair Kits will not be available in the Shop and can be earned by completing in-game content, like killing the Scorchbeast Queen.