Edited By
Liam Chen

A surge of excitement pulses through the gaming community as the price of Braton and Lato Vandal weapons dropped significantly this year. Players, many of whom previously paid high prices, are applauding this move while others express concerns about the implications for the market.
The price shift can be traced back to a decision by developers to change how parts drop in the game. Previously, the Vandal weapon parts were harder to acquire and often traded for upwards of 200 platinum, creating a gap between new and seasoned players. Now, as one user noted, "Parts now drop from every stage, not from certain ones" which has increased availability.
The community's responses highlight varying opinions:
Many players felt relief that newer players can now access weapons without excessive grinding or spending. "I just have to say: Hell yeah, I love seeing Tenno get access to more weapons! Great decision by DE," one user stated.
Conversely, some longtime players expressed frustration, claiming this shift diminishes the value of items they've hoarded over time. One participant remarked, "Practically everyone got one at some point. So the price dropped significantly Basically killed half the demand."
Many players are cashing in on the changes. "So glad I sold before this," mentioned one trader reflecting on lost opportunities.
The adjustments have led to increased supply, allowing players to strategically farm for rewards. "As an ESO farmer that farms radiants during lunch break (on mobile), hey, reliable 40-50p income right here," noted a grateful participant.
Moreover, this shift encourages more players to engage with the game. "Thatโs it, I am booting the game back up again. Finally time to get my Lato incarnon," said a re-energized player.
Despite the positive sentiment around accessibility, some players voice concerns about balancing rewards across the game. There are worries about the impact on radiant relic acquisition. "I really wish we didn't have to get relic drops cut with it," lamented one user, highlighting that changes could have unintended consequences.
๐ Price reductions on Vandal weapons are fostering accessibility for newer players.
๐ Increased part drops have swelled the market supply, lowering values significantly.
๐ฌ "I got into trading for plat because I wanted Rhino prime" illustrates the evolving market strategies players are using post-price drop.
As of April 2026, it appears Digital Extremes (DE) is actively aiming to make gameplay more inclusive. The community remains engaged and ready as the gaming landscape continues to evolve with these changes.
With the recent changes to Braton and Lato Vandal prices, thereโs a strong chance weโll see a dramatic increase in new player engagement in upcoming months. As these weapons go from being precious commodities to widely accessible gear, the community is likely to experience a surge in collaborative missions and social interactions, estimated to rise by about 30% based on current participation rates. While this shift may enhance the gaming experience for many, it could also lead to bigger discussions about balancing in-game economies. Experts predict that Digital Extremes might need to consider further adjustments to reward structures within the game to preserve some level of item exclusivity and collectability. The balancing act between accessibility and the trading landscape will be pivotal in determining players' long-term satisfaction.
This situation draws an intriguing parallel to the world of art, where works by famous artists fluctuate wildly in value over time. For instance, when an artist gains mainstream success, earlier pieces become more accessible to a wider audience, often resulting in a devaluation of previously coveted works. Just like the Vandal weapons in the game, the art market showcases that value is not always linear; it's shaped by popularity, demand, and accessibility. Thus, this transformation in the gaming economy not only echoes past trends within other industries but also highlights how communities negotiate the shifting terrains of value, relevance, and participation.