Bethesda’s next entry into the Fallout franchise is almost here. The company has made a divisive decision by going entirely online rather than a singleplayer experience. With the game around the corner, not many details are known, and many gamers are confused about many aspects of the game, let’s go over everything we know so far about Fallout 76.
Timeline and Setting
Instead of going forward in time, Fallout 76 goes to where everything first started. Vault 76 was created to open up 20 years after the world ended by a nuclear holocaust. Set in West Virginia, players will have plenty of time to explore the early days of the apocalypse.
Players and NPCs
For the total player count, it is a little unclear. However, the total amount will be between 24 to 32. Players can team up in squads to make it easy to play with friends. If you die, you can be picked up or spawn on your teammates.
NPCs are mostly enemies. Monsters will be around to kill such as classic feral ghouls and new horrific creatures to blow to pieces. Robots and ghouls can be interacted with, but it is unclear what their purpose will be. Some robots can be vendors, but any other reason has not been confirmed.
If you see a human character, then that is a real person. The game will be mostly other players or monsters to fight.
PVP will be allowed, but systems are in place to prevent griefing. If you shoot someone, the damage will be minimal. If that player decides to shoot back, then the damage will be normal so everyone involved can fight. If you kill a player, they will only drop their junk.
Looting and Exploration
The map will be four times bigger than Fallout 4. Just like every other Fallout, players will be able to complete missions, loot buildings, and explore the massive world. West Virginia will be getting its first major look from the outside world, a state that many in real life tend to not think of, but millions of players will be walking around its streets.
Looting an item off a table takes that item away. Other players will not be able to get said item. If something is in a drawer or enemy, then the loot is for each individual. When fighting a creature, if everyone in your party manages to do some damage then everyone gets whatever drops. You might see one thing in a container or enemy, but your friend might find something different.
Survival
The survival mechanics will be light, but not much has been said. While you may need to eat, sleep, drink, worry about radiation, and keep your weapons in good condition, the extent of its importance is unclear.
Perk System
The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. perk system is revamped entirely. Each letter gets special cards that relate to that ability. Players will be able to level up these cards and build a set amount to create a class for any situation. If you go solo, then you can have a different build compared to when your friends come online.
Building and Crafting
Building and crafting from Fallout 4 is back. The main difference is that there are no limitations as to where you can build, at least that we are aware. If a threat of destruction to your home comes up, then you have a portable device to take it with you to build somewhere else.
Like previously said, if you die you lose your junk. You will want to track your junk back down because that will be useful when you need to craft items.
Nukes
One big difference in gameplay will be the introduction of nuclear weapons. Nuclear codes can be found to unlock the destructive missiles. An area will be eviscerated and become irradiated for an unknown amount of time. Every player on the server will see on their map a red circle that will represent the bomb’s radius. Once the radiation dies down to a deadly, but tolerable level if you have the right gear, then the loot quality will be increased, perfect for people wanting to get the best possible weapons and armor.
Fast Travel
Players can fast travel to areas that they have discovered for a cost. Quickly getting to Vault 76 will always be free as a safe and an easy spot for players in trouble.
V.A.T.S.
The aiming system that has been prominent in the last few entries will be different due to its online setting. Instead of stopping or slowing down time, V.A.T.S. will work in real-time and will only aim at the person or monster as a whole target. If you want to hit a specific part of their body, then specific perks will be required.
Mods
Bethesda has always been a major supporter of players modding their games. Modding will be a feature in Fallout 76, but not at launch. The developers need to get the game to be 100% before thinking about additions to the experience.
Post-launch Content
Any new updates with new content will all be free.
Microtransactions
The dreaded microtransactions will be a feature in Fallout 76. Do not be scared; the microtransactions are only for cosmetic items only. Even then, everything can be unlocked in-game.
Release Date and Platforms
Fallout 76 releases on November 14 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
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Tristan Zelden 