Fallout 76's 2021 roadmap introduces alien invaders this winter

Bethesda reveals Fallout 76's full 2021 content roadmap, complete with some big narrative-driven experiences, quality-of-life changes, and a new extraterrestrial myth that Fox Mulder would be proud of.

Queue up the X-Files music: Aliens are coming to Fallout 76 this winter. Well, more specifically, an Appalachian alien myth (likely the Flatwoods Monster spotted in West Virginia in 1952). Today Bethesda outlined Fallout 76's full 2021 roadmap of content, confirming a new narrative expansion, big private world changes, and visitors from the stars.

Content-wise, the roadmap's main event is Steel Reign, the epic conclusion to the Dawn of Steel expansion released in 2020. Steel Reign will move the storyline farther along when it launches in Summer, complete with new quests, NPCs, locations, and new legendary power armor.

Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:

• Spring 2021 (Season 4) - Locked and Loaded update, focused on upgrading character/CAMP, new CAMP Slots, new SPECIAL loadouts, mannequins, aim assist on consoles
• Summer 2021 (Season 5) -New Steel Reign expansion, concludes Dawn of Steel story, new quests, NPCs, legendary crafting and legendary power armor, new locations
• Fall 2021 (Season 6) - Worlds are Changing, big updates and changes to private server worlds
• Winter 2021 (Season 7) - Tales from the Stars, alien encounters, 4-star legendaries, new ritual seasonal events, alien-based public challenges, "reappearance of an Appalachian myth," and CAMP pets

Bethesda is also holding a developer Ask Me Anything on the Fallout 76 subreddit. Here are the times:

Developer AMA details

• Start: 11:30 a.m. ET

• End: 1:00 p.m. ET

Here is what's included in Bethesda's own words:

SPRING

Get Locked & Loaded with our Spring update! Introducing S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Loadouts, C.A.M.P. Slots, Mannequins, and an all-new Daily Ops expansion, this update is just loaded with new features to explore! For a deeper look at the new features, check out the Inside the Vault article here. Can't wait to see these new features for yourself? Players who own Fallout 76 on the Bethesda.net launcher can test out all these new features and more in our current iteration of the PTS right now.

Additionally, we hope you haven't packed away all your snow gear just yet as Armor Ace returns, this time in a fierce battle against Commissioner Chaos and the Yukon Five! Season 4 brings all-new rewards to the Scoreboard, from cosmetics, to consumables and everything in-between.

SUMMER

Last year we met The Appalachian Brotherhood of Steel, witnessed a conflict between the ranks and discovered new obstacles in their path. Steel Reign concludes the story of The Brotherhood, introducing all new quests, locations, NPCs, and powerful new rewards. Whose side will you take? Your choices will change the Wasteland.

To survive the Wasteland, you need good gear! This summer, craft specific Legendary items using Legendary modules. Tailor your build to perfect your playstyle.

FALL

The winds of change are coming, and with it an evolution to Private Worlds! Stay tuned to future Inside the Vault articles for more information as we get closer to release.

We're also bringing another expansion to Daily Ops to bring you even more ways to play.

WINTER

You're already a legend in the Wasteland but are you truly legendary? Gear up with all new four-star Legendary Weapons and Armor! Then, after you've spent a long day out foraging in the Wasteland, come home to your very own C.A.M.P. Pet!

Face off against all new dangers with an all-new out-of-this-world event. Public Challenge: Invaders from Beyond will unite everyone across the server to complete challenges, face off against all-new foes and earn some stellar new rewards.

The Cultists of Appalachia are up to something sinister in a brand-new Seasonal event: The Ritual! Help the cultists in Point Pleasant prepare an exciting and dangerous ritual, and they'll repay you with unique rewards.