A small detail about Fallout 76 and the B.E.T.A. of Fallout provides new information about the game: The PC version is only available through Bethesda.net.
Fallout 76 is not coming to Steam: Bethesda has confirmed after several inquiries that the PC version of Fallout 76 will not be released on Steam. This applies to both the B.E.T.A. coming in October and the full game releasing on November 14.
Fallout 76 only through Bethesda.net
In the FAQ for the B.E.T.A. of Fallout 76, it is mentioned that the beta test for PC is “only via Bethesda.net”. The shop page for Fallout 76 on PC also shows only a generic PC logo – none from Steam.
PCGamer has therefore inquired further with Bethesda and received the answer: Fallout 76 and the B.E.T.A. will only run through Bethesda’s proprietary launcher, not through Steam.
B.E.T.A. comes as Headstart: The fact that the PC version will exclude both the beta test and the immediate full game is likely because all progress from the B.E.T.A. will be carried over to the release version.
Steam not entirely ruled out: Currently, Bethesda’s statement is that Fallout 76 and the beta “will not” be released for Steam. It is unclear if this only refers to the release and a period thereafter, or to the game as a whole.
Fallout Shelter was also only available through Bethesda.net after its release in July 2016. The game only made it to Steam about a year later, in May 2017.
Whether Fallout 76 will also get a later Steam release or will never be playable on the platform remains to be seen. It will also show whether it was the right decision to ignore one of the most popular distribution platforms for PC.
As for the reasons, Bethesda has not yet commented specifically. However, PCGamer assumes that the company wants to strengthen its own platform Bethesda.net.
