At E3, Bethesda announced a major update for the online game Fallout 76 that introduces NPCs. The developers talked about how deep the relationships with the residents of Appalachia will be.
What was announced? At E3, Bethesda presented the update “Wastelanders” for Fallout 76. In this update, the survivors of the nuclear war return to the Appalachia region. This means you will see and interact with NPCs.
These NPCs have quests for you that will usher in a new story.
NPCs are coming!
Why are there now NPCs? When Fallout 76 was released, it was met with criticism. Not only because of its technical state but also because it lacked NPCs. For many fans of the Fallout series, non-player characters are simply part of the experience, as they played a large role in the fun of the single-player segments and contributed to the atmosphere with their stories.
Bethesda has taken this criticism to heart and is now introducing NPCs with Wastelanders.
What role do the non-player characters fulfill: In the trailer for the Wastelanders update, it’s shown that you can talk to the NPCs. Your attributes like charisma and perception play a significant role. You receive missions from characters who want to build a new life in Appalachia.
As Bethesda’s Jeff Gardiner revealed in an interview, the conversations with the NPCs are intended to be even deeper than in Fallout 4. The dialogue system is more reminiscent of Fallout 3.
Moreover, it is possible to develop romantic relationships with the characters.
Romance in the post-nuclear wasteland
What do these romances look like? Romances have played a role in earlier installments of the Fallout series. It is possible to get to know NPCs so well that they fall in love with you. This is also true in Fallout 76.
Regarding sex, it is still somewhat unclear. In Fallout 4, for instance, it was possible to have sex. However, nothing was shown. You would lie down with your loved one in a bed, the screen would go black, and you would receive a buff. This may also be the case in Fallout 76.
What are NPCs not? Don’t expect the non-player characters to be full-fledged companions. They do not accompany you on your journeys and do not fight with you. However, they will wait for you in your camp and of course at their homes.
How do players react to the NPCs? Surprisingly, the fans of Fallout 76 seem to be divided in opinion regarding the introduction of NPCs. Some are very pleased because this was lacking in the game. Others find it unnecessary because players are essentially the NPCs.
sloanj1400 writes on Reddit: “Thank you, Bethesda. I was one of the Fallout 4 role-players who had hope for the series but was frustrated due to the direction it had taken. Now you show that you listen to your players. I’m really looking forward to the autumn!”
julianfrikke opines: “Although I am excited for this update… Why only? The game was marketed with “no NPCs”. I feel betrayed.”
When will the update be released? Wastelanders will be released in autumn as a free update for Fallout 76. A specific date has not yet been set.
Currently, you can play Fallout 76 for free:
