NCSoft has, once again, managed to break its own promises. Despite assuring various media outlets ahead of the official launch that "as of the February 11th transition to a monthly subscription model, the service would continue without any additional monetization," they promptly introduced loot boxes and paid items upon release. This all unfolded just four days after the server opened for early access.

Lineage Classic originally teased a paid season pass, only to backtrack following a massive player backlash. At the time, they claimed they would "focus on assisting early character growth" by removing paid rewards or converting them into free or Adena (in-game currency) items. They explicitly promised that even when the monthly sub kicked in on February 11th, there would be no extra monetization, insisting they would "operate in a way that preserves the core fun of the game" and remain user-friendly.

However, come the 11th, the day of the official launch, Lineage Classic quietly introduced two new paid items: the 'Mystery Cube' and the 'Scripture of Atonement Box'. The 'Mystery Cube' has particularly ruffled feathers; it is a 3,000 won gacha item that can be purchased 10 times per account, per month, offering random chances at potions, teleport scrolls, mithril ore, and various buffs.

To sweeten the deal, using the item 10 times grants a 'Mystery Lucky Box' as a bonus. This box contains the highly coveted Armor Enchant Scrolls and Weapon Enchant Scrolls, with drop rates of 9% and 1% respectively. It is, quite frankly, a blatant attempt to manipulate players into spending 30,000 won for the set.

Gamers are, predictably, furious. The move is being slammed as double-dipping—charging a subscription fee while still pushing loot boxes. Even with the monthly purchase cap, players fear this is a slippery slope toward a full-blown 'pay-to-win' model. The official forums are currently a bonfire of complaints, with users asking, "Didn't you promise not to introduce gear-related monetization?", "You said no cash shop items, yet here we are on day one?", and "Is it not consumer deception to pull this stunt just four days after launch?"

The criticism is particularly sharp regarding the sale of 'Zel' (Armor Enchant Scrolls) and 'Day' (Weapon Enchant Scrolls) through these randomized cash items. Players who feel betrayed are now demanding refunds, sparking further outrage over transaction fees and deduction policies, with many threatening to report the company to the Consumer Protection Agency.

An official from NCSoft has yet to provide any comment on the matter.