2018-12-04T10:55:47 01:00

What's new in Fallout 76? The differences to Fallout 4

Fallout 76 brings some new features to the wasteland that gamers weren't used to in Fallout games before. But what are the differences between Fallout 76 and Fallout 4?

Here you can find out

what new gameplay elements there are
how existing systems have been improved
and what else is new.

Those who loved Fallout 4 will also have a lot of fun with Fallout 76. While the new installment isn't simply a sequel (strictly speaking, it's a prequel to its predecessors), the game sticks to some tried-and-true principles - and adds a few new ones

Crafting is still an important part of the game, and the Pip-Boy accompanies us through the war-torn world outside of Vaults 76. However, in the new world of Appalachia (in West Virginia), besides the fact that players can launch nuclear missiles themselves, there are some more far-reaching innovations. We'll tell you what they are here.

1. Multiplayer instead of singleplayer
2. A feast for C.A.M.P.ers
3. The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system reshuffles the cards
4. V.A.T.S. aims in real time
5. A world so big it no longer fits on the Pip-Boy

1. Multiplayer instead of single player

Probably the biggest change for Fallout fans is the fact that they are no longer the only players in the world. Fallout 76 doesn 't have a single playeror offline mode. It is purely an online multiplayer role-playing game with survival mechanics and takes place on dedicated servers that host up to 24 players at a time.

Furthermore, there are no human NPCs. All the people you meet are other players. If you team up, you'll be stronger in the fight for survival. For example, events with small bosses spawn, which you can complete much more efficiently together.

It is possible to go to the server in a team of up to four players and explore the Appalachia region. For all the loners who prefer to dig through the junk and fight nasty mutants alone, there is of course no need for teambuilding. Moreover, other players pose no threat to you. However, there is a kind of PvP mode: If a player attacks you, this is an invitation to a duel. If you fight back, you accept the duel.

If you prefer to be left alone, that's no problem either: If you don't accept the invitation to a duel, the other player will only cause minimal damage to you. And if you continue to hit and kill a player anyway, the manufacturer Bethesda will not be squeamish with you: For a bounty, the person is released for shooting until his death by another player and marked as "Wanted".

2. A feast for C.A.M.P.ers

Crafting and modding are at the forefront of survival in the post-apocalyptic expanse of Appalachia. Of course, there are once again various workbenches, cooking stations and other crafting stations scattered around the world that can be easily used.

What's completely new, however, is that you'll also have a mobile base that you can set up wherever you want at any time. This Computer Aided Assistance System for Mobile Production, or C.A.M.P. for short. , offers you the possibility to set up home, store inventory and produce everything you need to survive.

All the workbenches and stations you have built in your base are available whenever you need them. For a small fee of a few crown caps, you can simply rebuild the C.A.M.P. in the location of your choice. Our guide will tell you how to make your life as a camper as easy as possible and how to make your base safe.

3. The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system reshuffles the cards

From Fallout 4 and the parts before you know the tried and tested S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. Here you can level up the attributes Strength, Perception, Stamina, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Luck with skill points. So far, so familiar. What's new in Fallout 76 is that you also have skill cards, also called perk cards.

Each level increase allows you to add a new card to the corresponding attribute. The skill cards give you bonuses to different abilities. For example, some Charisma-based cards give a bonus to team skills, while those who want to become a crafting expert should rather go for skill cards of the Intelligence category.

The more points you have assigned to an attribute, the more and higher quality cards you can equip there. By the way, you don't have to commit yourself in terms of skills: The points for the attributes are still unchangeable, but you can reorder skill cards at any time and re-equip them appropriately for any situation.

4. V.A.T.S. aims in real time

The Vault-Tec target support system V.A.T.S. is known from Fallout 4 and the previous games. The fact that Fallout 76 is only played online directly affects its operation. Until now, V.A.T.S. slowed down the time during aiming so that you could think about which body part to aim at in peace. That's over now. Online, you'll have to operate the aiming support system in real time.

5. A world so big that it doesn't fit on the Pip-Boy anymore

In Fallout 4, you only had access to the world map via the Pip-Boy - in a familiar monochrome-green look. Fallout 76 is significantly larger than the Commonwealth in Fallout 4 and comes with a map that you can access via the control menu outside of the Pip-Boy (Options button on PS4) and that shows you the world of Appalachia in glorious colors. You can clearly see where your destination is, where you are, and where the other players are hanging out.

Visually, West Virginia is also a pleasant surprise outside of the map view. Especially in terms of colors, Fallout 76 outshines its predecessor Fallout 4. To enjoy the post-apocalyptic spectacle to the fullest, Fallout 76 has a photo mode that lets you hide the UI and take unforgettable pictures of your stay in Appalachia.

For the best tips on how to survive in the wasteland of West Virginia, check out our Fallout 76 survival guide. You can find more information about Fallout 76 in our overview article.