When Fallout 76 was released last November, it was met with overwhelming negativity. And though I was a definitely bummed out that my favorite developer had chosen to not only make back to back Fallout games instead of moving on to upcoming games Starfield and, more importantly, The Elder Scrolls VI after Fallout 4, but make an online multiplayer Fallout game instead of focusing on the single-player RPGs they’re so darn good at creating, I still didn’t hate the game like so many others did.

But despite the negativity, Bethesda has pushed forward. And for their annual showcase at E3 2019, they announced some big additions coming to Fallout 76. The first is a free update called “Wastelanders,” which brings human NPCs and branching dialogue to the game; while the second is “Nuclear Winter,” a free 52-player Battle Royale mode.

You can see trailers for both of these updates as well as a developer diary for the Battle Royale mode below.

One of the biggest problems I had with Fallout 76 was that it felt so empty with almost no NPCs. I understood what Bethesda was doing—this was when the vaults first opened after all, and they wanted the world to be inhabited by only players—but it was so different from the main games in which you often bumped into characters to interact with, obtain quests from, trade with, and so on.

Getting quests in 76 was basically just finding a holotape or a dead body. So the fact that they’re adding NPCs, including branching dialogue, is significant. Hopefully it will help the game a great deal for those who do enjoy playing but who have no real interest in interacting with or attacking other players.

But if you are into the whole attacking other players thing, the Battle Royale mode will likely be your kind of update. I have no real need for it but I suppose if you’re going to do any sort of online multiplayer game with combat like this these days, folks are going to expect some sort of Battle Royale mode.

If you’re interested in playing Fallout 76, anyone can play for free starting today and running through June 17th. If you play and decide you want to buy a copy, you can pick one up on Xbox One, PS4, and PC now.

Be sure to click right here for much more from E3 2019!

Trailers

Wastelanders is a massive free update to Fallout 76 that fundamentally changes the Wasteland, coming Fall 2019.

One year after the opening of Vault 76, other humans have returned to Appalachia. Factions of Settlers and Raiders aim to make the world their own and claim a rumored fortune. Embark on a new main quest of choice and consequence, interact with characters and their unique stories, and collect powerful new weapons and armor. Your choices decide their fates.

Nuclear Winter is an all-new 52-player PvP Battle Royale mode, free for Fallout 76 players. Get a Sneak Peek starting June 10, 2019.

Nukes have set the world ablaze and the battle to claim your spot as Overseer of Vault 51 has begun – will you be the last one standing or be consumed by the ring of fire? Rank up, unlock exclusive perks and build your C.A.M.P. to weather the storm in true Fallout fashion. Scavenge for weapons, supplies, and nukes to take on other players and creatures and earn unique cosmetic rewards.

Video

Catch up with some of the team at Bethesda Game Studios behind Fallout 76’s newest mode, Nuclear Winter. Nuclear Winter’s sneak peek is available during the Fallout 76 Free Trial Week from June 10 – 17.

Nukes have set the world ablaze and the battle to claim your spot as Overseer of Vault 51 has begun – will you be the last one standing or be consumed by the ring of fire? Rank up, unlock exclusive perks and build your C.A.M.P. to weather the storm in true Fallout fashion. Scavenge for weapons, supplies, and nukes to take on other players and creatures and earn unique cosmetic
rewards.

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