Fallout 76 had a disastrous launch, we can all agree on that. But through consistent updates, Bethesda has managed to salvage the once maligned online iteration of Fallout into a pretty good game. The Fallout Worlds update is the latest addition to Fallout 76 and while it looks promising, its best features are, of course, locked behind a paywall.
After recently finding myself without anything to play and having read that Fallout 76 had turned itself around, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in Appalachia. And I can say, without any sarcasm, that Fallout 76 is much better than I expected it to be. Except for one reoccurring gripe – the fact the game is clearly designed to get you to spend real money. Yes, many online games are nowadays. But Fallout 76 wastes no opportunity trying to take cash from your wallet. From its scavenging and loot mechanics to the scarcity of caps and the Atom Store, everything seems to be built with that in mind.
Enter the Fallout Worlds update.
How does Fallout Worlds update work?
It allows Fallout 76 players to experiment with the game’s developer tools by granting players their own separate private servers (dubbed “Custom Worlds”). As a result, it offers the opportunity to experience Fallout 76 in an entirely customisable and creatively fun way. Fancy playing with unlimited ammo? Go for it. Want to build a base that floats in mid-air? Why not. Pretty much every option in the game is at your fingertips… But only if you pay a pretty extortionate premium for “Fallout 1st”.
Besides the aforementioned Custom Worlds, the Fallout Worlds update also offers “Public Worlds”. These are similar to the custom private servers in that they aren’t tied to the rules of the normal game. However, they are themed and Bethesda choose what whacky differences apply. Also unlike Custom Worlds, Public Worlds aren’t locked behind the Fallout 1st paywall. Which is something, at least.
Does Custom World progress carry over to Adventure Mode in Fallout 76?
No – progress made in private Custom Worlds (as well as the new Public Worlds) doesn’t carry over to the standard Adventure Mode. And, for that reason, many fans feel let down by the Fallout Worlds update.
On the one hand, I can see why Bethesda chose to disable character progression in Custom Worlds. The game’s rules and mechanics can be tweaked in seemingly hundreds of different ways. And that means there’s no level playing field for levelling up. However, by disabling progression, Custom Worlds and Public Worlds are rendered somewhat meaningless. While fun, what’s really the point in investing hours of your life (and hard earned cash) into something that ultimately goes nowhere. I can appreciate it’s a difficult balance, but some element of progression should have been included.
Fallout Worlds Cost
The Fallout Worlds update is free. However, to access all its features (including Custom Worlds), players must be Fallout 1st members. And that comes at a hefty premium.
- 1 Month – $12.99/£11.99
- 12 Months – $99.99/£99.99
On top of the new Custom Worlds, players also get Private Adventure mode, an unlimited Scrapbox, a Survival Tent, 1,650 Atoms (in-game currency) per month, a Ranger Armor outfit, special icons and emotes, and exclusive cosmetics.
It’s worth noting that to access Custom Worlds, only the host needs to be a Fallout 1st member. So if you have a group of friends you regularly play with, it might seem more appealing if you split the cost.
Whether you can justify spending that kind of money is up to you. But it does cost more per month than a PlayStation Plus subscription (£6.99). And that gives PlayStation players three free games every month. So, if you ask me, it’s borderline extortionate when you consider all it does is give you access to content in a game you’ve already purchased.
Is Fallout 76 Good Now?
With the release of the new Fallout Worlds update, many people will be wondering if Fallout 76 is worth trying in 2021. I would say it is. While not perfect, it has massively improved since its initial release. And crucially, it finally feels like an actual Fallout game.
However, the continued profit-first mentality that Bethesda seem to be applying to Fallout 76 still lets it down. In the same vein, the grind for new players is slow and difficult at first. When you get into the meat of the game, get some good weapons and Power Armor, it’s really fun. But it feels as if the slow grind is just another element geared towards extracting cash. And it’s a shame.
All that said, Fallout 76 is much better than it was. There’s a lot to enjoy even without the premium stuff and fans of the series will undoubtedly find something to love about it. I’d recommend you give it a shot.
Will you be giving the new Fallout Worlds update a try? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
