Bethesda has given its survival MMO Fallout 76 the biggest update in years. Because of this, over 20,000 players are currently playing on Steam, and fans are sure that even more will join once Season 2 of the series is released.
This is the current status of Fallout 76:
- On December 2, 2025, Burning Springs, the latest and biggest update in 5 years was released.
- According to SteamDB, the update has brought in over 20,000 peak players – almost double compared to the 12,000 shortly before. The last time the game had this many players was during the
Skyline Valley
update in June 2024. - With 71% positive reviews, Fallout 76 is currently rated slightly lower than its overall rating (78%), but it is still well received (on Steam).
What’s included in the new update: The highlight of the update is the second map expansion of the game. You can now leave Appalachia via the “Point Pleasant” bridge and visit the rural regions of Ohio. For the first time, the map was expanded with Skyline Valley in June 2024 – also back then with a ghoul gimmick.
Especially interesting for fans of the series is the ghoul from the Fallout show on Amazon, who can now be found as an NPC in Fallout 76. You can take on bounty hunts as a new activity with him, where you must eliminate a strong target in a random area to obtain new items with legendary effects (1-3 stars).
Additionally, there is a new story as well as a new season, new events, and a RAD Rover as a pet for your base. The season mainly offers cosmetic skins for your gear and components for your camp.
“We’ll definitely get a boost when Season 2 drops”
The season and the “Burning Springs” update are set to be released shortly after the appearance of TV spots for Season 2 of the series, which likely created a bit of hype on its own.
On Reddit, fans are certain that the Fallout series will lead to an influx of players. Already at the launch of the series, nearly 40,000 players were playing solely on Steam, and shortly after that, the number even exceeded 70,000 (according to SteamDB). Additional players are joining from PS5 and Xbox as well as from the older Fallout games. The series apparently has a certain appeal:
“This literally got me into Fallout. I played Vegas, 3, and 4 for the first time this year. Now I’m into Fallout 76. It’s been all Fallout for me this year.”
Nu_Eden on Reddit
The second season of the series starts on December 17, 2025, with the first episode on Amazon Prime. You can find our overview with all info on release, cast, and the episodes of Fallout Season 2.
Even though Fallout 76 is apparently benefiting from the hype surrounding the series and even players who previously had no interest in the series are now wandering around Appalachia, the guy who is literally “in the game” is not part of this new player base: The coolest guy from Fallout Season 2 has never played the games and wants to “catch up in a few years” for a good reason.
