Fallout 76 gets three free expansions in 2019

Fallout 76 may not be the game it should (or could) be just yet, but it's come a long way since launch. The game's journey is far from over and Bethesda plans to roll out a ton of new content throughout this year.

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The online-only disaster that was Fallout 76 at launch has morphed into something that more resembles a competent service game (which it totally wasn't at launch). There's still a lot of hiccups, and Bethesda has a lot more work to do, but things are moving along. The studio isn't giving up on their multiplayer Fallout game.

Today Bethesda announced a big roadmap for their experimental online game that sees considerable expansions planned for 2019. Fallout 76 is set to get three major content updates called Wild Appalachia, Nuclear Winter, and Wastelanders, each of which brings new things like modes, quests, loot and features. These expansions will be totally free, and will release across Spring, Summer, and Fall.

Wild Appalachia, the expansion for Spring 2019, will include a bunch of new quests and a new survival mode that promises "high-stakes PVP". I'm not too sure about that myself... The next two updates are more nebulous, but Nuclear Winter will have a new mode set in the atomic wastes that offers a "new way to play."

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Fall's Wastelanders promises to be the biggest Fallout 76 update yet. There's no mention of NPCs or anything like that, but Wastelanders will offer a big new story arc with consequences. We're not sure what to expect, but I really really hope meaningful NPCs can be put in at some point, in some way. Remember that Bethesda has to make the game meaningful and fun before it just lobs on more content and monetization options; fun is the most important element to any live service game and is the main motivator for engagement.

Check below for more info on each expansion:

WILD APPALACHIA

RELEASE: SPRING 2019

A mythical beast, a lost generation of scouts, and the strongest brew this side of the wasteland. Welcome to Wild Appalachia - a series of new quests, features, events, crafting systems and more starting on March 12 and appearing over several weeks. Wild Appalachia includes:

• New Quests: Shear Terror! - Uncover the 'encryptid' secrets of Appalachia in a new series of quests and encounters to separate monsters from myths.
• New Quests: Ever Upwards - Journey to the deepest reaches of the woods with new stories for the legendary Pioneer Scouts. Earn merit badges, climb the ranks, and earn a customizable backpack for increased utility.
• New Features: Legendary Vendor and Scrapping - Locate the mysterious Purveyor to exchange and scrap your unwanted legendary items for new legendary gear. For every star rating on a legendary item you scrap, increase your chances to get the legendary weapon or armor of your dreams.
• New Features: C.A.M.P. Decorating, Player Vending, Functional Camera - Use items from your stash to decorate your C.A.M.P. Build vending machines and flag items for sale. Simply set your prices and walk away to continue your adventures in Appalachia, being sure to capture all your favorite memories using the new functional camera. The vending machines do all the work, you just need to count the caps.
• New Features: Brewing and Distilling - Go on a new quest to discover the secrets of the forbidden brew Nukashine and bring the party back to your C.A.M.P with new brewing and distilling systems and recipes.
• New Seasonal Event: Fasnacht Parade - Chase away Old Man Winter and quicken the coming of spring with the ancient festival of Fasnacht! Join the celebration and complete this new limited-time event to earn unique rewards in the form of festive Fasnacht Masks.
• New Game Mode: Survival - This all-new game mode brings a higher-stakes PvP experience with fewer restrictions, increased rewards, and new challenges plus all the original content of Adventure Mode.

NUCLEAR WINTER

RELEASE: SUMMER 2019

Summer will bring another series of major updates to Fallout 76, including Nuclear Winter - an entirely new way to play that changes the rules of the wasteland.

• New Game Mode: Nuclear Winter - An entirely new way to play Fallout 76, completely changing the rules of the Wasteland.
• New Vault Raids: Vaults 96 and 94 Opening - For our most seasoned players, test your strength in all new high-level group Vault Raids.
• New Feature: Legendary Players - An all-new prestige system will allow players above level 50 to become Legendary, resetting their characters with all new more powerful abilities.

WASTELANDERS

RELEASE: FALL 2019

Embark on a tale with true choice and consequences in Wastelanders - our biggest and most ambitious update for 76. Wastelanders will include a new main questline, new factions, new events, new features and even more surprises.