Fallout 76 releases in a few days and while many gamers already experienced the beta there are some things you need to know about the game before it launches. Bethesda has implemented many changes to the formula to ensure the game works within its multiplayer environment while remaining loyal to the core mechanics. Here are 10 things you need to know about Fallout 76.

V.A.T.S Is Real Time

The popular V.A.T.S. system that gave players a way to deal critical amounts of damage and help those who struggle with aiming has been altered in Fallout 76.  As a multiplayer experience, you cannot have the same slowdown and aiming system found in previous Bethesda Fallout games. Instead, V.A.T.S. now operates in real time where the player must keep their targeting reticle on an enemy to increase the chances of hitting the target.

You can still target will better accuracy, just not without the time slowing period and the cinematic camera that usually involves V.A.T.S.

No Human NPCs

As a multiplayer-only experience, players shouldn't expect Fallout 76 to have the same type of story as the previous Bethesda Fallout games. The beta provided a short idea of what to expect, a series of missions provided through key items and people with the overall goal being to retake West Virginia that has been taken over by the creatures following the nuclear apocalypse.

Because of this, there are no humans other than opposing players. You'll still encounter Ghouls, hostile robots, and mutated creatures but the people who survived and lived during the fallout period have died. Leaving behind nothing but skeletons and diaries detailing their final moments. The hostile human players will be active players so don't expect to see the Brotherhood of Steel.

Bounty System

One of the most asked questions about Fallout 76 was how PvP would be handled. Players cannot take part in PvP until level 5, meaning they're immune to all player damage till then. Once you reach level 5 players who attack other players will be marked and a bounty placed on their head. The more you kill the higher the bounty, making players who actively kill other players a bigger target. And if killed the bounty is taken from your funds.

Nuclear Weapons Are Available

Bethesda is giving players access to nuclear weapons. You find these keys in the environment and then access the weapons to be used. Activating the missile will alert everyone in the area and alter the terrain where the missile landed, allowing players to encounter unique enemies and special material only available through this method. However, the area will also be a hotbed of radiation where means anyone caught within the surrounding area will need radiation protected gear or face heavy radiation poisoning. 

Building Bases Using C.A.M.P.

Like Fallout 4 players can build small settlements where you can craft weapons and items. Unlike Fallout 4 you can pick up and change your location at will but building a base comes with problems, such as having to defend the area from hostile enemies and players.

Microtransactions and Free DLC

Pete Hines has stated Bethesda plans to support Fallout 76 for as long as possible by providing free updates. However, the game will support cosmetic microtransactions called Atoms where the player can directly purchase items or earn them in-game. 

Not Steam

Fallout 76 will be launching on Bethesda's only launcher and not through Steam. This is likely for Bethesda to cut out the middle man and according to Pete Hines:

“In this particular case, it’s an online game and we felt like when it comes to the PC that being able to directly serve our customers,” Hines said, “and having that one-to-one relationship was hugely important and key to us being able to do the best game possible.”

Bethesda did a similar thing with Fallout Shelter when it launched on PC before bringing it to Steam about 8 months later. It's likely Bethesda will keep the launch period on their own launcher then move it to Steam after the game begins to lose traction so to entice dedicated Steam users to try the game then.

Very Big Patch

One of the more annoying rumors spreading is that Fallout 76 will need 54 GB of free space for a day one patch, which is about the same size as of the base game. According to Microsoft's store, the base game will need 52.89 GB of space. This could be in response to the data Bethesda obtained from the beta but the sheer size of the patch has many annoyed as day one patches keep growing bigger.

Food and Water Are Needed

Those who enjoyed Fallout: New Vegas' hardcore mode will enjoy the fact that Fallout 76 will feature a survival system. Players will need to eat and drink to maintain their health to survive. During the opening hours, players are taken through an extensive training session of how to clean water and prepare food. This system ensures that players have to use many of the supplies provided to them instead of horde everything.

Leveling Through Card Packs

You'll still earn experience and use points to upgrade certain skills. S.P.E.C.I.A.L. returns, with players able to invest into Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Luck but then you choose 1 of 3 perk cards related to that skill to invest into. Since these are random players have to choose the best cards available to them and can upgrade them further, up to rank 3. Each slot can only be equipped with 1 card but players can swap and trade cards with allies.

Fallout 76 launches on November 14th for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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