Epic Games has done it again! They fixed the issue that allowed users to get a free Winter Soldier skin through Drama’s PS+ subscription just a few minutes before they made the announcement that the ‘Winter Soldier Revolution’ bundle would be available for the entire PS Plus subscriber base for free. It looks amazing on paper. But, the community’s view has been mixed with excitement, irritation, and not understanding the whole idea of these free bundles together.
The suspicions of the players were awakened right away. Some users said that they had already seen this skin before, meaning it was the same one that you could really easy get using a Costume Token from the in-game exchange market. This seems to be the place where the misunderstandings and people’s problems begin. A user by the name of YokaiGhost was able to articulate it in such a way that it was somewhat unpleasant even for the most veteran players. The user pointed out that in order to obtain the skin via the exchange market one must first spend a Costume Token for acquiring the skin and then still fork out 564 units for the MVP pose, nameplate, emote, and spray which come along with it. But, with the PS+ bundle, one gets the skin, MVP pose, nameplate, and spray for free… still the 564 units have to be spent just to acquire the emote. Now the question is, where is the point then? It is almost the same cost whichever way, leading the players to ask why they are calling it “free” when in reality you are still spending in-game currency.
Some players couldn’t have worse luck with the timing. Numerous comments have been made by disappointed players saying they had literally just spent their valuable Costume Tokens on this very skin right before the free bundle was released. A very dissatisfied player posted, “I just used my costume coin on it 😒”. Another user added, “I used my coin on this bruh” in that typical disappointed tone we can all relate to. And one user pointed out that this is actually the SECOND time the skin has been given away for free, which is really tragic for the ones who had previously bought it at the full price. “People who bought it at full price gotta be fuming,” commented one observer, and we completely share that feeling.
The matter of cross-progression is also very tricky as it adds another twist to the issue. Because of how it is set up, some players end up getting skins twice. “This is the second time I’ve been able to get a free skin thanks to cross-save, and it’s a skin I already own,” said one player, indicating that the system is cross-device isn’t very user-friendly. The topic of what is shared among the platforms also attracted quite a “heated” discussion in the replies, with players debating whether accounts can be merged or if it is just simply that whatever happens on one platform is immediately shown on the other.
And I wonder if the skin design could be elaborated on for a moment? The reception may be characterized as very carefully with a single word—mixed. “Ugliest skin on earth🙏” was one player who without hesitation proclaimed. Moreover, another player labeled it just “ass” and argued that was the reason it had to be given out for free twice. Ouch. But the majority just loathe it, players still being really pleased to receive it without utilizing any in-game tokens or dollars. “Niceee I already claimed with a costume token” was one joyful user amidst others who may have realized that they could have saved that token for something else. What was I saying again?
If anything, this whole case has demonstrated how the cosmetic system of Marvel Rivals can at times feel quite chaotic and convoluted. Gamers have to make these types of calculated guesses about whether it is wiser to use their already limited Costume Tokens or to wait and see if something goes free later. This is creating a peculiar FOMO situation where no one is sure what the best move is. For instance, do you spend your token now for a skin you like or do you wait until the skin becomes a PS-plus freebie after many months? It is gambling, but with more steps involved and more frustration than just that.
Some players have recounted incidents and it turns out there is a silver lining to it. “Patience paid off” remarked one who nearly used their token on this skin but decided to wait. And, for newbies who haven’t got any Winter Soldier skins so far, this is definitely a win. “W to those who don’t have it!” cheered one user who had previously owned the complete bundle, thus revealing that at least some part of the community shares this sentiment and is happy for the others to have free items.
Ultimately, the entire Winter Soldier PS+ debacle reveals the deeper issues inherent in Marvel Rivals’ cosmetic and free content management. Gamers expect the developers to keep them very informed of what is coming.
