Repo’s Upcoming Update Expands Cosmetics While Rejecting Microtransactions

REPO’s next update is moving into view, and semiwork has set clear expectations. The studio confirms that cosmetics are the central feature of the coming release, while reiterating its long-held stance against microtransactions. This direction aligns with earlier statements and sets the tone for how player customization will evolve within the paid early-access game[].

A new video posted to the semiwork YouTube channel offers the first official details. Developer Pontus addressed the ongoing requests for new levels and progression systems, acknowledging the demand but clarifying that these are not the immediate priority. The team is instead focused on building out cosmetic options for Semibots. Players have been asking for personalisation tools since launch, and the upcoming update plans to introduce them without shifting the game toward any paid model.

Pontus stressed that REPO will not adopt a store or purchase system for cosmetics. The stance was direct:

"If you happen to love microtransactions, I am going to disappoint you deeply because these cosmetics will be unlocked simply by playing the game and simply having fun." — Pontus

This message tracks with semiwork’s earlier commitment. In April, the studio said the game would never convert to free-to-play, citing the need to avoid microtransactions and any paid cosmetic structure. At that time, semiwork stated: "No, there are no plans to make the game free-to-play, as we don't want to add microtransactions or have cosmetics that you buy with real money." — semiwork

The team added:

"Things like cosmetics you will get for free by just simply playing the game, after buying the game initially of course." — semiwork

These previous comments set expectations long before cosmetic systems were even in active development. The new update now brings those plans into focus, making clear that unlockable accessories will arrive through standard play. REPO currently offers very limited customization outside of color changes, achievable through in-game currency or through mods, so the new system will represent a notable expansion of player expression.

Semiwork has not revealed the types of cosmetics being prepared. Details on skins, accessory categories, or animation-based options remain unannounced. Earlier Q&A sessions did mention incoming expressions, but their unlock conditions are still unclear. They may function as permanent rewards or simply be available to all players at the outset. The new cosmetic framework will likely define how expressions are organized within the game’s interface.

There is no release window for the update. Semiwork’s previous Monster Update arrived recently, and the studio had indicated it would take a short break before beginning work on the next phase. Despite that pause, development activity resumed quickly enough for the team to publish early information sooner than many players expected. Based on the typical early-access cadence, rollout before year’s end appears unlikely, but semiwork is not assigning dates this far out.

Cosmetics have long been one of the most requested additions to REPO. Players have repeatedly called for model variations, hats, and light-hearted cosmetic flair to offset the game’s darker themes. The update aims to provide those options without changing the game’s paid structure. It maintains the promise that all usable content remains either included in the base game or earnable through time spent playing.

Semiwork continues to emphasize that REPO’s design is grounded in straightforward progression. Unlocks will reflect engagement rather than payment, preserving the game’s original approach to fairness and pacing. That principle has been reiterated across developer communications, and the new update appears to be the first major test of how the studio plans to scale customization while adhering to that stance.

REPO remains in early access, and semiwork has used that period to refine its systems while keeping open lines of communication through Q&A videos and update briefings. Cosmetics represent a shift toward long-term personalization features, and the upcoming update will give early players the first look at how those systems will function. For now, the details are limited, but the studio’s position on monetization is settled: cosmetic progression will not be tied to real-world purchases.

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