Fallout 76’s Atomic Shop opens. What does it sell?

Fallout 76’s Atomic Shop opened in last night’s beta test. This is the marketplace where users can redeem Atoms, a virtual currency that will one day be available for real money, for in-game items. The stuff on hand gives a good idea of what Bethesda Softworks intends to do with the shop and how it will affect the game.

Mostly, it appears to have cosmetic items. To recap, those who’ve played the Fallout 76 beta may have noticed they were awarded 10 “Atoms” for arbitrary acts — crafting a weapon or contracting a disease. Atoms aren’t spendable in the game itself. The option to acquire additional Atoms is grayed out at present.

In the CAMP tab of the Atomic Shop, a “clean small generator” and a “clean purifier” are available for 300 atoms — but this seems to describe their appearance rather than what they produce. So instead of a diesel-belching generator, the CAMP has something more sightly. Similarly, a “Nuka Cola Stash” means that’s the design on the box, not what’s inside.

Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks

Emotes can have a gameplay purpose, sort of, in that “Dying of Thirst!” or “So Hungry” could signal to strangers you’re willing to barter for that. But all of the necessary gestures are already in the emote wheel.

Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks

The game’s photo mode is likewise a place for folks to get additional poses when touting their latest scorchbeast kill or whatever. At present, the Vault-Boy thumbs-up is the only one players have. Picture frames are also available to dress things up.

My question will be how this is compatible with mods; mod support is promised, but no one has any idea when it will be offered. Granted, mods mimicking Atomic Shop items probably won’t be usable in the main game with other people, but if I’m playing solo on a private server later (a preference many have expressed), it may obviate any need for Atom-purchased hats, jumpsuits and the like.

Fallout 76 launches Nov. 14 on PlayStation 4, Windows PC and Xbox One. The beta continues Thursday, Nov. 1, from 2-11 p.m. ET on all platforms, and again Saturday from 5-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-9 p.m.