How Is Uncharted 4’s First Free Content Drop?

Last week, Naughty Dog dogged rolled out the first major bundle of post-launch content for Uncharted 4. Alongside update 1.08 and a subsequent pair of patches, it delivered some welcome new features, including changes to ranked play, a levelling system, and plenty of new unlocks for fans to spend their hard earned relics on.

At a glance, Sunken Ruins is perhaps the biggest addition of the lot. It’s the first new map to join Uncharted 4’s stock selection, styled after one of the story’s later levels. As is common in many map designs, it follows a three-lane structure, each with their own asymmetrical terrain.

At the centre we have a waterlogged library of sorts, flanked by the two alleyways. Both feature a multitude of low walls and high ledges to use as cover, making it a map suited for close range loadouts. That said, when the action moves to the very top and bottom of Sunken Ruins, there’s a nice amount of open space connected by underwater channels. Being able to swim in Uncharted’s multiplayer adds to its fluid movement system, allowing players to stealthily circle around an enemy squad for a pincer attack.

Away from the new map, Naughty Dog has delivered bags of new unlocks for players to work towards. In total, we’re looking at over a hundred vanity items, from hilarious dance moves to a range of Mystical inspired headwear. It’s not just cosmetic stuff either. Five new weapons were bundled in, as well as four new boosters and the Path of Indra, a powerful Mystical which teleports players to targeted allies.

Together, these new additions enable a range of different playstyles. For instance, those who love their sidearm as much as their rifle can use the Gunslinger booster to switch between the two almost instantly. Meanwhile, those who like to play support will love the new Gifting booster, tossing gear charges to passing teammates.

As for the guns, they do a great job in filling the gaps between Uncharted 4’s current arsenal. The P-90 is fast with a bulky clip yet feels a bit use at long range. In contrast, the Arrowhead A3c can pick targets off afar, suiting those players who don’t get on with the Copperhead SR7.

However, both the best and worst thing about all of this new content is that it’s completely free. When laying out its plans for Uncharted 4’s online multiplayer, Naughty Dog promised a steady trickle of worthwhile content that would be without charge. It’s the same kind of strategy we see in free-to-play titles and one that helps to avoid the online community in the way that map packs so often do.

Some fans will find that the gameplay requirements needed to unlock new vanity and loadout items shocking, however. Up until now, players could spend 150 relics to purchase random chests, each one stuff with a handful of cosmetic options. With only 10 relics being paid out for each online victory, that would seem steep if not for Uncharted 4’s daily challenges. Whether it’s completing a set amount of plunder matches or downing enemies with a grappling hook, these mini objectives are the easiest way to rake in relics, spewing a few hundred relics each time.

However, to unlock a random cluster of the new vanity items, you’ll need to spend 2000. If you’re looking for something a little more flashy (or simple want one of the new weapons or boosters) then top that up by another thousand.

In order to unlock goofy hats and masks for our favourite Uncharted characters, suddenly we’re having to pay more than ten times the cost. Instead of busting chests every couple of days, you’d be lucky to do one a week.

There’s a reason to all this and, in a way, we saw it coming all along. Free-to-play games, especially MOBAs, are known for charging an eye-watering levy for luxury skins. For games like Dota 2, League of Legends, and Heroes of Newerth, these microtransactions are part of what helps to keep them running.

Sure, having forked out the best part of fifty quid, Uncharted 4 players have already paid their way, but that doesn’t prevent them from trying to monetise the game further. That was the plan all along, and developers and publishers are always keen to keep money trickling in, whether it’s through these microtransactions or paid season passes and DLC. The only thing different here is how it’s being positioned and the fact players can still unlock some swag through gameplay alone.

Although a little bit of a shock to begin with, as a season pass holder I quickly came to terms with this first content drop and what it spells for the future of Uncharted 4. The only thing I can really pick holes in is the amount of playable content rolled out thus far. With no new games modes (yet), all we’ve really seen is one lonely, albeit fantastic map. Considering how previous Uncharted map packs would deliver four new battlegrounds at a time, I’m now left longing for more.