As we previewed last night, the Fallout 76 team (re-)announced the free Wastelanders content update at the Bethsoft presentation last night. It’s expected to “totally change the game” with the addition of human NPCs with full dialogue trees and longer-term stories, and unveiled the Nuclear Winter battle royale mode.
“People are returning to Appalachia in the massive free Wastelanders update! Year one of Fallout 76 was all about the opening of Vault 76 and players settling the Wasteland. In Year two, other humans are returning to reclaim Appalachia. That’s right – human NPCs are coming to Fallout 76! This huge update introduces a new main quest full of choices and consequences, and a lot of memorable characters with unique stories for you to interact with. Factions of Raiders and Settlers aim to make the world their own and claim a rumored fortune. Who you side with is up to you, and your choices will determine their fates. Both the Settlers and the Raiders will present you with unique companions, stories and plenty of new weapons and armor to earn. Wastelanders will fundamentally change the way you experience Fallout 76, and it’s set to arrive in fall of 2019.”
As for Nuclear Winter? It’s coming sooner rather than later. “Announced in our 2019 roadmap and detailed during the Bethesda E3 2019 Showcase, Nuclear Winter is a brand-new mode in Fallout 76 that pits you against your fellow players like never before,” the studio says. “The battle for the role of Vault 51’s Overseer has begun. In Nuclear Winter, you’ll take part in a 52-player fight to the death. Rank up, unlock new and exclusive Perks, deploy a C.A.M.P. and even launch nukes. As the ring of fire closes in, will you be the last one standing?
The team has promised some major improvements to the game’s combat system with the release of the game’s 10th patch next month, according to the latest dev blog. With the improvements, players should be able to avoid getting caught with their proverbial pants down thanks to the ability to interrupt weapon-swapping and -holstering animations by firing them, and a reduction in the time it takes to aim down sights will make them a bit quicker on the draw. In addition, the update will add targeting reticles to many weapons that were previously without them, allowing for more accurate shooting.
Meanwhile, though, you remember those Fallout 76 collector’s bags? You know, the ones that were advertised as being legit canvas bags but ended up being made of cheap nylon instead, sending players into an uproar that ultimately forced Bethesda to promise replacements, accidentally leaking players’ personal information in the process? Well, it looks like players might finally be receiving those replacements, as the studio announced on Twitter that the team is “expecting to ship the Fallout 76 CE canvas bags starting next week” and that it will be following up with players who submitted support tickets about the issue as soon as “the final date is confirmed,” whenever that may be. Either way, players expecting a replacement bag should probably keep an eye out for more information in the coming days.
The game’s newly announced free trial week begins today, and you can check out all the trailers below.
