At the current QuakeCon, there was new information about Fallout 76 and leveling up. How do we develop our characters? How do the perks work, and how do we make our character unique? We summarize all the news.
At QuakeCon, Todd Howard, one of the leading developers of Fallout 76, explained how the character system works in the upcoming online shooter.
The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system returns, and there will be a wide selection of perks. These are intended to give players plenty of freedom in choosing their skills.
This is how your character progresses in Fallout 76.
Whether charismatic or brutal butcher – You are SPECIAL
Fallout fans are likely familiar with the SPECIAL values. With these, you determine in which direction your character should develop. In addition, you unlock perks that fit this path.
Do you want to be a stealthy murderer? Focus on trading? The SPECIAL values help you specialize.
But what does S.P.E.C.I.A.L actually stand for? Each letter corresponds to a specific attribute:
- S stands for Strength
- P stands for Perception
- E stands for Endurance
- C stands for Charisma
- I stands for Intelligence
- A stands for Agility
- L stands for Luck
SPECIAL points are available up to level 50
This is how character progression works in Fallout 76: With each level-up, you receive a skill point to increase one of the SPECIAL values. The higher you level these, the more perks you can equip for that attribute.
The maximum level in Fallout 76 is level 50.
Even without NPCs – Charisma remains important: Some players expressed concerns beforehand that charisma would be pointless without NPCs. Who are you going to charm and deceive if there are only players on the servers?
At first glance, it seems that the focus of charisma will be shifted to the group. Thus, those perks that strengthen the group will likely benefit mostly from charisma. Details on this have not yet been released.
This video from Bethesda illustrates what the SPECIAL system and perks are all about:
“Being a Better You” – The Perks in Fallout 76
Even after reaching the final level 50, players will continue to receive perk packs to keep experimenting. But how do you get perks, and what can you do with them?
This is how you choose your perks: When you level up, you earn not only skill points but also perk packs. These packs contain several cards that you can equip.
Once you equip one of these cards, it works as a perk and grants you specific abilities.
Hungry? Chew some gum: The cards come with a variety of abilities. Howard mentioned a perk that causes the player to hunger more slowly if they have previously eaten a piece of gum.
Other perks even have group effects. By leveling up the charisma value, you can equip a perk that reduces the effects of radiation for the whole group.
All perk cards can be upgraded: The shown perks could be upgraded and had multiple levels. Upgrading the cards works by combining two of the same perk cards.
Note that the required values also increase. So, if you have…
- a perk for which you need to increase the strength value
- and upgrade this with the same perk,
- the requirements will also increase, and you will need a higher strength value
When do you get perk packs? Initially, you receive a pack for every second level-up, later for every fifth level-up, even after level 50.
The perk system is designed to provide extensive variety and options: According to Todd Howard, there will be a large selection of various perk cards that will give players plenty of room for experimentation.
First Look at Character Creation – Photo Mode Confirmed
First look at the character editor: Alongside the SPECIAL and perk systems, a first look at character creation has been provided. Although the options were not shown, they are probably as diverse as in Fallout 4.
So you can probably expect a comprehensive editor that allows you to influence many aspects of your character’s appearance.
Photo mode confirmed: After finishing the character, you can take a picture of your creation. The photo mode offers many options and allows you to create some works using frames, filters, and other effects.
Edit your character’s appearance – Anytime! It has also been confirmed that you can edit your character at any time. If you are dissatisfied with your character’s appearance, you can simply go back to the editor and start over.
How extensive the photo mode and the editor will ultimately be, we will have to wait to see until the beta of Fallout 76.
This will go online in October and will contain the full scope of the game. Even your progress will carry over after the beta.
