UPDATE: This is not the helmet that came with the collector’s edition, instead the standalone version that can be purchased through GameStop. Our initial source had the incorrect information. Including a statement from Bethesda below with the correct changes.
The Fallout 76 launch was less than ideal, and many would call that a drastic understatement. Though the concept was intriguing, fans have been asking for a way to play in the Wasteland with friends for awhile now, the execution was poorly handled and the result has left a lot of questions about Bethesda and where they go next. That’s not even counting the backlash circa Collector’s Edition bag but now it looks like the bag material may be the least of Bethesda’s worries because another coveted collectible item – the Power Armor helmet – is now being recalled because of mold concerns.
The United States Product Safety Commission has officially issued a recall notice for the collector’s item that was a GameStop incentive. According to the warning, the risk comes from the mesh fabric found within the helmet which could ultimately harm the wearer’s respiratory health and could even breed infection.
Bethesda also offered clarification on the helmet specifically when numerous reports pointed towards the collector’s edition:
“The helmets that are being recalled are not from our Fallout 76 Power Armor Edition, but are instead of a different line of helmets sold exclusively by GameStop,” a Bethesda representative told Prima Games. “The Fallout 76 Power Armor Edition helmets are unaffected.”
Like me and purchased this helmet? You need to contact GameStop and follow the instructions found here.
When asked if Fallout 76’s perceived failure could doom the Fallout franchise or the Bethesda name as a whole, Todd Howard mentioned earlier this year: “I’m sure it’s had some. It would be naive to say it’s had zero. But I think if people come to the game now and see what’s going on there, I think they’ll be surprised. I’m really, really proud of what everybody’s done on the game.”
That being said (on a personal note), despite its flaws I have been enjoying creating my own character and building awesome things with gaming friends that I usually co-op with, but the title was handled in a very niche way so the criticism makes sense. That being said, the constant problems they’ve had over materiels is more than a little worrisome. Hopefully, this matter is handled swiftly and without issue.
