In the span of what feels like a decade, Fallout 76 has undergone quite the redemption act. The online action role-playing game from Bethesda Game Studios launched in 2018 to little fanfare and a metric fuckton of hate from online communities. I was one of those fools who pre-ordered the game, and after a horrendous beta weekend, I canceled my pre-order altogether and ignored the launch until the release of Wastelanders.
But since the game’s release, developer Bethesda has put out regular updates — some major content updates and many, many minor bug fixes — to Fallout 76. Sure, as a now-long-time player of the pseudo-MMO, I would want a lot more content available, but what we have now is — being completely honest — in a good place.
So, should you play Fallout 76 in 2023?
A Peak at 2018
When Fallout 76 was first announced, fans — myself included — were absolutely ecstatic. Finally, a brand-new Fallout game to enjoy, we all shouted during the announcement trailer. And when Todd Howard hit the stage, promising greater detail than ever before, a bigger world, and multiplayer, we all lost our collective minds.
After all, a multiplayer Fallout title was always on everyone’s mind. It’s the perfect setting to explore with a few pals.
What we received, however, was far from perfect. It was an empty, lifeless experience with little to no player interaction besides the occasional troll, no NPCs to fill the game world, boring quests, a microtransaction store, and far too many bugs for even a Bethesda release.
It was horrid. Many put the game down and never returned, and if you venture to YouTube, you’ll still find copious amounts of analysis videos claiming this was the downfall of Bethesda and Fallout as a whole.
Hint: It wasn’t!
You Might Also Like:
- Where to Find Rare Weapons in Fallout 76
- How to Get a Backpack in Fallout 76
- Games Like Fallout But Not Quite Fallout
The Release of Wastelanders
Thankfully, not all hope was lost. Bethesda continuously supports its game releases well into the future, often with new content and bug fixes. Fallout 76 was no different.
In April 2020, we saw the release of Wastelanders. A free expansion to Fallout 76 that breathed new life into the multiplayer game.
The premise of Wastelanders saw the return of NPCs — specifically the Settlers and Raiders — who saw Appalachia as a land of opportunity. The player was then tasked with choosing a side and helping either faction break into Vault 79, where the remnants of the Secret Service were guarding the nation’s gold reserves. It’s up to you to divide the gold and create a new economy in the wasteland.
In all, we received NPCs to fill the world, a new main questline to follow, new weapons and armor to loot and craft, and a new in-game currency to unlock end-game loot.
Brotherhood of Steel
If you’ve played any of the previous Fallout games, you’ll know the Brotherhood of Steel. They’re a militaristic faction hellbent on saving humanity from itself by accumulating all of the old-world technology in the wasteland for themselves. It’s a noble cause that generally goes wrong due to their standoffish nature.
In Fallout 76, we received two free expansions focused on the Brotherhood: Steel Dawn and Steel Reign.
These content updates ask the player to help the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force to reestablish Brotherhood of Steel control in Appalachia. You’ll side with various parties within the faction, and decide the “fate” of the Brotherhood. Your choices don’t mean a whole lot, unfortunately. But it’s fun to wear power armor and join the BoS once again!
The Future of Fallout 76
Now, in 2023, Bethesda Game Studios continues to support Fallout 76. We recently received The Pitt Expedition, allowing players to return to Pittsburgh, just like in Fallout 3.
Even more recently, however, we saw the inclusion of Nuka World — a traveling fair with Nuka-Cola-themed games and lootables, alongside a new world boss, to kill some time.
But for many, a new expansion would be the pinnacle release of 2023. We want more content, with more end-game activities, new armor and weapons, and a whole lot more player interaction.
But at the end of the day, is Fallout 76 worth your time in 2023? Yes, absolutely. Even at full price, you’ll easily get your money’s worth. I’ve put more time in 76 than I have in New Vegas at this point, and I’ll likely keep playing it throughout the year. Even better is, the game goes on sale regularly!