10 Worst Microtransactions That Ruined Games

Today, microtransactions in video games are almost standard practice. They’re particularly prevalent in free-to-play games, where revenue is generated by selling items such as character skins or gacha packs. Interestingly, this trend extends to paid games like Diablo 4, which also provide additional costly cosmetic items for players to purchase beyond the base game price.

As a gamer, I’ve come across games where the balance between gameplay and microtransactions is spot on, making for an enjoyable experience. However, there are others that take it too far, turning their in-game offers into relentless attempts to squeeze money out of players, which significantly affects the overall enjoyment of the game. The following list includes some of the worst offenders when it comes to microtransactions in gaming history, ruining the player experience almost entirely.

10. Character Changes in Mecha Break

It’s still in its infancy, but it’s clear that the decision to offer $5 microtransactions for changing the gender of your pilot has stirred up controversy from the get-go. Players have been vocal and critical about the microtransaction model in this mech shooter, resulting in a divided reception soon after its release.

In a more recent development, Mecha Break has eased up on its most criticized microtransactions. Now, modifying the gender of your pilot is complimentary, and there are additional free customization options available even with paid skins. It remains to be seen if this game can bounce back from its initial unfavorable impression, as you’ll see with other games on the list, it might not be a straightforward recovery process.

9. Monster Hunter Character Vouchers

Character Customization Tickets have been a fixture in the Monster Hunter series for some time now. Despite microtransactions becoming increasingly prevalent in the gaming industry, players continue to dislike them. These tickets are the sole means of personalizing your character within games such as Monster Hunter World. However, they require an extra payment over the game’s initial price.

In a departure from expectations, Monster Hunter Wilds hasn’t shied away from persistent microtransaction practices. After an initial free character editing session, players are required to purchase Character Edit Vouchers to make further adjustments. These vouchers come in packs of three, with each pack priced at approximately $6.99. While this may not seem excessive when compared to other microtransactions, it’s a point of contention given that the base game retails for $69.99. Despite its popularity, these vouchers are one of the most criticized aspects of Monster Hunter Wilds.

8. Paid Event Tickets in Pokemon Go

Prior to its acquisition by Scopely, known for its heavy use of microtransactions, Pokemon Go has gradually been raising its paywalled content. Initially, the game offered microtransactions but in recent years, an increasing number of in-game events and features have become exclusively pay-to-play. Previously, most events contained some Research Story content and tasks for free players. However, over time, a larger portion of the game has been made accessible only with paid tickets.

Currently, each event provides a pass or ticket that enhances the number of spawns, rewards, and offers an advantage to players. Certain events lack Research options without purchasing a version. With more game elements becoming premium, there’s diminishing motivation for free-to-play users of Pokemon Go to log in regularly.

7. Marvel Strike Force Price Creep

The original release of Marvel Strike Force, which initially reassured Pokemon Go enthusiasts about the game’s sale to Scopely, was lauded for its player-friendly free-to-play model. In the beginning, most in-game transactions were affordable and cosmetic, making them easy to bypass without impacting the gaming experience. However, as time passed, the cost of in-game items escalated while the free rewards available in the game dwindled.

Currently, it’s challenging to obtain event rewards in many games unless you invest real-world money for additional advantages. The costs of Battle Passes have risen over time as well, making the game more expensive even for those who are willing to spend. Consequently, many gamers find progress in Marvel Strike Force slow if they’re not prepared to spend money, leading some to abandon the game.

6. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Story Endings as DLC

It’s really frustrating when certain games keep crucial parts of their story hidden behind paid downloadable content (DLC), especially when they market the game as complete without it. Games like Asura’s Wrath and more recently Pokemon Scarlet & Violet have been known for this practice, leaving players feeling short-changed after purchase.

Admittedly, I found myself genuinely appreciating the game titled “Scarlet & Violet.” However, I can see why numerous Pokémon enthusiasts may have felt let down by it. Setting aside the graphics issues and glitches, the narrative was generally sound. Nevertheless, some crucial storylines remained unresolved within the main plot. Specifically, the mystery surrounding Area Zero is left largely unexplored, with our characters failing to fully understand its secrets. Instead, any further investigation into this matter is relegated to downloadable content (DLC), not just one but two separate pieces. I believe that even purchasing both DLCs doesn’t provide a complete resolution of these loose ends. To put it plainly, using DLC in this manner, on top of an already-paid game, seems excessive.

5. Multiversus Narrator Voices & Skins

Although Multiversus has ceased operation due to several factors, it stands out as one of the rare games on this list that is completely delisted now. Many gamers attribute its disappointing performance to the game’s annoying microtransactions. Alongside a paid Battle Pass, Multiversus also offered numerous microtransactions for features that players felt should have been included in the game from the start.

Besides having the option to purchase skins, you can also opt for paying to unveil voiceovers in specific scenes. Several characters were concealed behind a pay barrier too, and even those available without charge needed a significant effort to unlock. Consequently, many players have left the game, leading to its complete removal from the marketplace.

4. Battlefront 2 Early Access Microtransactions

microtransactions where you could pay to play.

The fierce reaction to the microtransactions was so strong that Electronic Arts decided to remove them before the official release of the game. To this day, many players link Battlefront 2 with problematic microtransactions that have left a lasting negative impression on its image. In fact, even today, gamers are cautious about playing it due to concerns that it could turn into a pay-to-win situation.

3. NBA2K MyCareer & MyTeam Costs

Over time, the NBA 2K series of sports games has gradually incorporated more elements for purchase within the game. This has given it an unfortunate reputation for expensive in-game expenses. In fact, it’s become notorious enough to inspire a class action lawsuit due to the high cost of the game’s Virtual Currency.

Games such as NBA 2K25 feature a variety of in-game purchases beyond the initial cost of the game. The modes MyCareer and MyTeam within the game specifically demand a substantial amount of in-game money to unveil fresh players, upgrade them, and more. This aspect has given the game a negative image among numerous gamers, who argue that a $70 price shouldn’t encompass so many extra costs.

2. Roblox “Pay to Play” Unlocks

The popular gaming platform, Roblox, primarily caters to a younger demographic. However, there are concerns among parents that certain games on this platform may pose potential risks to children, especially when it comes to microtransactions. Although Roblox is free, numerous “games” or “experiences” within the platform incorporate paid features. In some instances, advancing in the game, such as moving up a level, might be restricted by these microtransactions.

Certainly, if you can’t progress in a “free” game without spending money, that’s a significant concern for both adult gamers and parents of young players. In fact, the microtransactions in some Roblox experiences can significantly impact the gameplay experience, making it difficult or even impossible to continue without providing payment information.

1. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Horse Armor

Often praised as the pioneering instance of in-game additional purchases, the notorious horse armor from the initial version of “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” undeniably holds the top spot on our list.

While it’s not accurate to say that the horse armor directly caused “Oblivion” to be ruined, it did pave the way for where we are now by demonstrating that players would pay real money for in-game items like pixels. In essence, the horse armor from “Oblivion” has indirectly impacted many other games negatively due to this trend of microtransactions.

2025-07-24 20:21