Fallout 76 takes us to Ohio for the first time in series history when its Burning Springs update releases this December. Described as the game’s “biggest update ever,” its launch coincides with the premiere of Amazon’s TV show set in Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic universe.
As you probably expect, Fallout 76’s Burning Springs update adds a brand new region to the northwest part of Appalachia’s map. Taking inspiration from both Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas, it promises “desert, deathclaws, and raiders” alongside a new story chapter, a wealth of new rewards, and points of interest.
Fallout 76 Burning Springs Update
In the footage we saw during a hands-off press event, Vault Dwellers arrive in the new region by crossing the rebuilt Point Pleasant Bridge, although the developer did confirm that there are a few areas you can swim through to get there.
Responding to a distress call, they reach a rather heavily defended checkpoint, and, after slaughtering their way in, a series of events we won’t spoil lead to eventually meeting potential main antagonist, the Rust King.
Being a figure who clearly values strength over anything else, he asks Vault Dwellers to prove their mettle in his arena. Surviving this gauntlet means that you can then go on to freely explore Fallout 76’s newest region – Burning Springs.
The introduction alongside a few subsequent snippets of quests we saw successfully establish stakes while encouraging exploration, but story is not all we’re getting.
Two new public events are also on the way when Fallout 76’s Burning Springs update releases. The first one, named Sinkhole Solutions, revolves around defending against waves of enemies that attack a machine called The Stomper. While slaughtering radscorpions and other creatures, you also have to destroy their nests.
The second, Gearin’ Up, tasks us with aiding The Beastmaster in fitting with armor the Rust King’s tamed Deathclaws. This process involves gathering scrap armor while fending off raiders and ghouls attracted by the noise.
As the event progresses, the tamed, armored Deathclaw even joins in to fend off the raiders with you, culminating in a battle against a legendary Deathclaw Matriarch.
One thing to note is that Fallout 76’s Burning Springs update doesn’t just launch at the same time as Amazon’s TV series premieres; it also features one of its characters.
The Ghoul, voiced by Walton Goggins, appears as an NPC. When found in the large hub of Highway Town, he allows us to take on Bounty Hunts.
These come in two tiers – lower-level Grunt Hunts, which can be completed by 1-2 players, “providing a steady source of experience, caps, and legendary items,” alongside tougher Head Hunts that take the shape of public events which anyone can join for greater rewards.
As their name suggests, they involve tracking down a target and eliminating them. More often than not, we’ll also have to violently deal with out their friends, who aren’t too keen about our murderous intentions.
Head Hunts in particular can also reward us with “new mods benefitting human and ghouls playstyles alike.” Unique to Burning Springs, they both take place in one of 20 custom preset locations.
In addition, Fallout 76’s Burning Springs update will also be accompanied by Season 23 – named Blood and Rust –, while introducing a new camp pet – the rad hog –, new weapons, fish, local legends, as well as places to fish in its new region.
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