Download Bethesda's MMORPG Fallout 76 here
For years, Bethesda has treated gamers to great titles from franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. How many hours have we all spent in Skyrim or New Vegas? They are essential parts of any gamer’s library.
Now Bethesda has tried something relatively unorthodox for them: an MMORPG set in the Fallout universe. Read on to see how Fallout 76 differs from other entries in the Fallout series, and whether it’s something you should try.
Country Roads Take Me Home!
Fallout 3 took you to the Capital Wasteland around Washington, D.C., New Vegas to the Mojave Desert, and Fallout 4 to Boston. With Fallout 76, you’re in beautiful Appalachia in the state of West Virginia—a setting Bethesda underscored by using John Denver’s famous song Country Roads in its promotion.
Like most Fallout games, with the exception of New Vegas, you are a vault dweller who, after many years underground, must reclaim a world ravaged by nuclear war. You overslept for the big event and are the last to leave your vault—only to be met by a strange feeling when you emerge. Where is everyone? Appalachia is empty due to a mysterious threat that you’ll unravel through messages left by its missing residents.
Plays like a real Fallout game
Fallout 76 largely follows the same formula as earlier Fallout games. It’s an FPS in an RPG setting. There are tons of weapons, power armor, and an almost endless number of places to explore as you learn more about the fascinating Fallout world.
There are, however, several key differences. At first, there weren’t any human NPCs in the main storyline—only other players on your servers. Later expansions such as Wastelanders and Steel Dawn have added raiders, settlers, and Brotherhood of Steel characters.
The classic V.A.T.S. system returns, adapted for an online environment—it no longer pauses time. You’ll see percentage hit chances for different body parts and have a button to activate a critical attack.
As in Fallout 4, you can also build your own C.A.M.P. in most places in the world. Construct whatever you like as long as you’ve found Plans for the various furniture and materials.
Fallout 1st - a convenience subscription
A subscription called Fallout 1st has been introduced, and there are several good reasons to consider it.
First, you receive a monthly grant of ATOM, which is used as currency in the in-game store to buy cosmetic items for your character and C.A.M.P. You’ll also regularly get free items in the shop. You gain access to a Survival Tent and a Scrap Box, too. The Scrap Box lets you store all your scrap and junk with no limit, so you can collect as much as you want. Your Survival Tent can be deployed anywhere in the world. It acts as a mini C.A.M.P. where you can scrap items, store what you find, and craft. It also serves as a fast travel point you can use without spending caps.
Looks a lot like Fallout 4
One criticism many fans have is the game’s design. They think it looks a bit too much like Fallout 4—and that’s fair. A lot of assets and models were simply reused in Fallout 76.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but players were promised something graphically prettier and more unique. It isn’t that. That said, it’s not ugly or unappealing either. Roaming Appalachia is a beautiful experience with plenty to see.
Your classic item menu on the Pip-Boy is the same as in the other games. That’s generally true for most of the technical systems.
Conclusion
Fallout 76 has received a lot of harsh criticism over the years, much of it deserved early on. But looking at it today, the game has come a long way from its launch. There’s a ton of new content, it feels like a real Fallout game, and the multiplayer elements are fun and engaging. It’s easy to recommend.
Download Fallout 76
