Why Fans Love Fallout 76: Wastelanders

Fallout 76, Fallout 76 NPCs

When Fallout 76 was released, fans were immensely disappointed. Everything from the lack of NPCs to the gameplay itself, fans were not happy with it. This year, Bethesda released their most recent expansion for the game, Wastelanders, to fix these issues. Although still not the best, the reviews are much better than they were at launch. This is why fans love Fallout 76’s new update, and what it adds to the previously disliked game.

NPCs are Back

Adding NPCs really shows off Bethesda's strongest feature in their games.

When Fallout 76 was first released, there were no NPCs. This ideally would push the multiplayer aspect of the game, forcing players to build societies together. Unfortunately, the game seemed lifeless and bland without them. So, Bethesda added NPCs with Wastelanders, making the game lively once again.

Not only does this boost the immersion and entertainment of the game, but it also adds easier access to resources, as AOTF’s Wastelander’s review says. With more resources, players can have a much more entertaining experience without any game-breaking strategies.

Revamped Main Quest

A nice Fallout hiking trip is a great replacement for the real thing when we have to stay at home.

As shown in the gameplay trailer from E3 2019, the main quest line has been revamped to a new and improved version. The new version is bigger, more complex, and allows a deeper immersion for the game’s playthrough. The questline lasts about 12 hours, which is essentially a mini version of a full Fallout game.

Since Fallout fans love the RPG aspect of Bethesda's games, which has dominated the scenes for years, reintroducing a campaign was very appealing to fans.

Other Gameplay Changes

Even after a Nuclear Explosion, the world continues to be colorful.

Besides NPCs and stories, the game has also added new locations, weapons, enemies, and a new reputation system. The reputation system is based on how many quests and works you do for different settlements, and how much they trust you. As you rise in rank, settlers will sell you better goods, some being faction-based items. This acts in a similar way to the Karma system.

Not only is there nostalgia for older Fallout games in the reputation system, adding all these bonuses has given the game more life and made it more exciting for fans to enjoy.

Still Not Perfect

Power Armor is a staple of the Fallout Franchise, Fallout 76 recognizes this.

Despite Wastelander’s many steps in the right direction, there are still a few things fans would like to see changed. A review of the game from Rock Paper Shotgun says the game still has too much time in menus, difficult key bindings, confusing perk card system, and gun mechanics that don’t feel right.

While Bethesda’s art project still has a long way to go to be amazing, Wastelanders has improved it and fans are beginning to enjoy the game significantly more because of this.

Born in Yorkshire, England, Calum was born to run through a medieval land fighting off hordes of barbarians. Now, he climbs around the slums of south Seattle surviving quarantine Kyle Crane Style.
Gamer Since: 2012
Favorite Genre: RPG
Currently Playing: Dying Light
Top 3 Favorite Games:Dying Light, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn, Fallout 4