Starfield, the latest Bethesda RPG available on Xbox Series consoles and PC, initially lacked a major graphics feature: the highly anticipated Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This caused players to turn to fan-made Starfield DLSS mods to enhance their gaming experience. One of such mods has been created by PureDark, which has prompted some controversy due to its paid nature.

PureDark is known for creating DLSS3 and DLSS2 mods. He placed his most advanced Starfield DLSS3 mod behind a $5-per-month Patreon paywall. The mod incorporates Digital Rights Management (DRM) to identify authorized users. On the other hand, PureDark's DLSS2 mod is accessible for free on NexusMods.

While PureDark has been providing these mods via his Patreon for years, the recent launch of Starfield and the consequent demand for the mod has stirred up the debate on paid mods. Some argue that modders should be compensated for their work, much like game developers, whereas others believe mods should always be free, emphasizing the community-oriented nature of the modding scene.

Despite PureDark's DRM authentication for his mod, it has been bypassed by some members of the modding community. The modder defended his decision to provide his advanced DLSS mods on Patreon and dismissed concerns about charging for his service. He argues that his subscription service offers access to all his previous mods and ensures their continued update, asking if $5 is too much for such a service.

Addressing the speed at which the Starfield mod was cracked, PureDark said it was anticipated and outlined plans to add ‘hidden mines’ to his mods to make cracking more difficult. This would ensure that although cracked mods may sometimes work, they would be unreliable and lack the support he provides to his patrons.

However, PureDark's paid mod received backlash on social media platforms, most notably on a platform referred to as 'X'. Users criticized the implementation of DRM in a paid mod. PureDark, not deterred by the criticism, stated that subscribers are satisfied with the $5 fee and see it as a fair deal.

In the wake of the controversy around PureDark's paid mod, an alternative free Starfield Frame Generation mod was released on NexusMods by a modder named LukeFZ. Despite similarities to PureDark's mod, LukeFZ claimed his motivation was more about experimenting and learning about graphics programming rather than responding to the paid mod issue.

As the paid mod debate continues, it's confirmed that Starfield will have official DLSS support in the future. Thus, even if you stand against the idea of paying for mods, there will be an official option available at some point. In the meantime, players exploring Starfield can consider both paid and free third-party DLSS mods.