With the new update for the test server, Fallout 76 brings one of the changes that players have been wishing for a long time and which was supposed to be released in 2020. Skill loadouts allow for quick switching between different builds – and they are not the only major innovation.
What are loadouts? Fallout 76 will soon allow you to use different combinations of perks from the game in loadouts that you can easily switch between. This way, you can build two builds simultaneously and choose which one you currently need.
With the upcoming skill loadouts, you can reset your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats for free, which was previously only possible through lengthy level-ups. This allows you to easily create multiple loadouts or builds.
The feature was originally announced in the roadmap for 2020, but was postponed after the “Steel Dawn” update to 2021. For the community, loadouts and the free redistribution of S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats have been frequently requested wishes.
Skill loadouts are an important change
What do I get from the loadouts? The builds allow you to engage in different activities with the same character without having to constantly shuffle perk cards back and forth or even having to change attributes first. For example, you can:
- use one loadout for combat and another for building
- create different weapon and armor loadouts, for example for power armor
- assemble loadouts for solo and group play
- specialize perks for specific areas, like those with high radiation or for boss encounters
At the start, only two loadouts will be available per character. More may be unlockable in the future, possibly through the Atom Shop, as Bethesda states.
How can I use them? From level 25 onwards, you can set and switch loadouts at card machines in your camp or at train stations, completely for free. So it will likely not be possible everywhere and at all times, but at least in these “rest areas”.
The update itself will be deployed to the test server of Fallout 76 from Friday, February 5 (PC; Bethesda.net). The new content will later come in an official update. When that will be is still not determined.
Further changes to camps, melee combat, and more
After the increase of storage capacity already fulfilled a major wish of the community, the PTS update will bring additional important content. Along with the loadouts, several useful changes and some that are meant to improve quality of life will come:
- Camp slots: You can build up to three different camps at different locations and switch between them
- aim assist for controllers will be improved and crosshairs will now remain on the target when aiming
- when crafting, large quantities can now be produced via a slider
- daily operations will grant more rewards and receive new locations, such as the old raid Vault 96
- the world map will display more activities, such as radiated areas
- the melee system will be overhauled
The upcoming PTS update contains a lot of changes that should improve Fallout 76. After the developers laid the groundwork for a better game in 2020, they are already delivering the first tests with improvements that many players desire in 2021. You can learn more about the upcoming year in our outlook, how Fallout 76 will continue in 2021.
