Fallout 76

77%
Game Brain Score Based on 70,816 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • stability
Fallout 76 Game Cover
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"Fallout 76" is an online multiplayer role-playing game set in the post-apocalyptic United States. Players explore a vast open world, complete quests, and build/manage settlements while battling mutated creatures and other players. The game features iconic Fallout series elements, including retro-futuristic technology, intense V.A.T.S combat, and a dark sense of humor.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

77%
Audience ScoreBased on 70,816 reviews
story2,802 positive mentions
stability4,074 negative mentions
  • story13,914 mentions

    The story in Fallout 76 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its lack of depth and engagement compared to previous entries in the series. While the game features a variety of quests and some interesting side stories, the main narrative often feels like a series of repetitive fetch quests, lacking the rich storytelling and character development that fans expect from Fallout. The addition of NPCs and updates has improved the experience, but many players still find the overall plot uninspiring and the quest mechanics frustrating, particularly in multiplayer settings where quest progress is not shared among team members.

    • “The addition of NPCs and dynamic quests in recent updates has further enriched the storytelling, providing a more traditional Fallout experience.”
    • “The stories in the quests are very fun and interesting, and they add so much to the Fallout lore.”
    • “The game has transformed from a sparse, empty world to one bustling with NPCs, engaging quest lines, and various faction choices.”
    • “It has multiple storylines, but unlike its single-player counterparts, it does not concentrate as much on narratives and character development.”
    • “The main storyline sucks and is relatively uninteresting.”
    • “The story is boring up to the point I played and doesn't have the flair of previous games.”
  • gameplay4,494 mentions

    The gameplay of Fallout 76 has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its similarities to Fallout 4, including familiar mechanics like crafting and base building. While some appreciate the engaging gameplay loop and cooperative elements, others criticize the game for its grindy nature, bugs, and the necessity of a subscription for optimal gameplay features. Overall, players find the experience enjoyable, especially with friends, but acknowledge significant room for improvement in mechanics and content depth.

    • “The gameplay is super fun, especially once you figure out a good build to use.”
    • “I truly enjoyed the gameplay and will continue to do so because the community is so friendly to new players along with the game being super flexible between high level players and my low level stats.”
    • “The core mechanics feel familiar yet refreshed, with a mix of scavenging, combat, and crafting that keeps you engaged for hours.”
    • “Even at this late date, there are still massive glitches in gameplay, graphics, and lots of bugs.”
    • “A game with underbaked mechanics, from durability systems where you spend more time fixing guns than you do using them to underwhelming quests where you wonder what you're supposed to be doing just to realize the quest is bugged.”
    • “Gameplay loop gets old very quickly and the entire game is effectively weight/inventory management between shooting trivially easy enemies.”
  • stability4,182 mentions

    The stability of Fallout 76 remains a contentious topic among players, with many acknowledging that while the game has improved since its rocky launch, it is still plagued by numerous bugs and glitches. Common issues include freezing during startup, quest-related bugs, and graphical glitches, which can detract from the overall experience. However, some players find the game's charm and community engagement outweigh these technical shortcomings, making it enjoyable despite its imperfections.

    • “Thank you Todd Howard for a perfectly functional and bug-free game.”
    • “It started off a hot dumpster fire, but got a lot better as time went along; overall it is now an enjoyable game, mostly bug-free.”
    • “And somehow, against all odds, I've been having a shockingly bug-free experience.”
    • “I cancelled my Fallout 1st, and will no longer play this buggy crap game.”
    • “Almost every time I try to start the game, upon the 'signing in' screen, it just freezes and won't load and I have to exit out entirely, usually using task manager to do so, and hope it loads the next time, which it usually doesn't.”
    • “The game is a buggy/glitchy mess.”
  • graphics2,592 mentions

    The graphics of Fallout 76 receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that they are similar to or a downgrade from Fallout 4, often describing them as dated or lacking in detail. While some appreciate the vibrant environments and improved lighting effects, others criticize the frequent graphical glitches, poor optimization, and low frame rates, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, the visuals are seen as a significant aspect of the game, but many feel they do not meet modern standards, leading to frustration among players.

    • “Great graphics, decent gameplay, great map.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, as they say its one of the 'nicest' online communities in all of online gaming.”
    • “The graphical enhancements since launch have transformed the environment into a vibrant, post-apocalyptic landscape that beckons exploration.”
    • “This game is 6 years in the making and still bad, I have a 2 thousand dollar PC and I still get 20-30 fps and the graphics are shockingly horrible to the shading and even the particles that look like plain PDF files flying around.”
    • “The performance leaves a lot to be desired and graphics are somehow worse than Fallout 4, though the environments and map design are well made.”
    • “The graphics are worse than Fallout 4 and somehow run at about a third of the frame rate.”
  • grinding2,106 mentions

    The grinding aspect of Fallout 76 is a significant point of contention among players, with many describing it as excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some enjoy the grind for resources, gear, and crafting materials, others find it repetitive and frustrating, particularly in the late game where the focus shifts to daily quests and resource farming. Overall, the game is characterized by a heavy emphasis on grinding, which can detract from the enjoyment for those seeking a more narrative-driven experience.

    • “There is a grind of course to get to level 50 and get those legendary items and build items with cores, but it's not tedious.”
    • “Its not too grindy, and progression feels on-par with other Fallout games.”
    • “Overall it's a fun loop if you're into Fallout, not too grindy and it looks pretty good.”
    • “This has been such a massive setback and a spit in my face since I have been grinding for this for already a month.”
    • “You find a fun build after grinding for 100 hours and it gets patched and becomes useless.”
    • “The game is very grindy though, maybe a bit too much grinding for a Fallout game.”
  • optimization1,588 mentions

    The optimization of Fallout 76 has been widely criticized, with players reporting persistent performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. Many users have noted that the game feels poorly optimized compared to its predecessor, Fallout 4, and often requires manual tweaks to configuration files to achieve acceptable performance. Despite some improvements over time, the game's optimization remains a significant barrier to enjoyment for many players, leading to a mixed reception regarding its overall playability.

    • “This is the best and worst of Bethesda performance, but if you look up an optimization guide you might have little to no issues like I do.”
    • “There are some performance issues but those exist with any game these days and realistically these issues really don't detract from overall enjoyment.”
    • “The game has been improving over the years but it got less optimized over time as well... what used to be 60 fps is now 30-45 fps ever since early December.”
    • “The performance leaves a lot to be desired and graphics are somehow worse than Fallout 4, though the environments and map design are well made.”
    • “This game is still an un-optimized, buggy mess.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized and does not utilize the full potential of the graphics card.”
  • monetization1,144 mentions

    The monetization in Fallout 76 has been widely criticized as excessively aggressive and predatory, with many players feeling that it detracts from the overall experience. Despite being a full-priced game, it features numerous microtransactions, including a subscription service, which many consider a cash grab. While some cosmetic items can be earned through gameplay, the constant push for in-game purchases and the presence of paywalls for essential features have left a sour taste for many fans of the franchise.

    • “Despite its microtransactions, it's refreshing that you can earn plenty of in-game currency through gameplay.”
    • “The microtransactions do not make the game 'pay to win'; for the most part, they just add aesthetic items.”
    • “Overall, Fallout 76 delivers a lot of enjoyment, but it would be great if the developers reconsidered their monetization policy.”
    • “Moreover, the game's monetization strategies, which include in-game purchases and microtransactions, have sparked valid concerns about fairness and value.”
    • “The massive influx of new players and money from the Fallout TV show has not improved the game at all; instead, it increased the monetization.”
    • “The monetization and balance team hate the player base.”
  • humor720 mentions

    The humor in Fallout 76 is a mixed bag, with many players finding joy in the game's quirky glitches and absurd situations, often leading to hilarious moments during gameplay. While some lament the absence of the darker humor characteristic of earlier titles in the series, others appreciate the lighthearted interactions and funny dialogue from NPCs and robots. Overall, the game's comedic elements, including its bugs and community interactions, contribute to a fun, albeit chaotic, experience, especially when played with friends.

    • “If you're not collecting deathclaw eggs while chasing murderous assassin robot chicks in a waist-deep toxic swamp, collecting every disease on the planet and using a piece of radioactive biscuit as your only healing item... well, then it can be really relaxing to build your own military base or cozy little camp, discover the world's mysteries, get lost in buildings or just join others in shooting at various events for more funny costumes!”
    • “Came for the game, stayed for the funny glitches.”
    • “The few bugs that I have encountered were more of those ones that are hilarious because something funny happens or it's just a moment where you sigh like why.”
    • “But Jesus Christ, the radio host is so lame; hell, most of the NPCs' voice lines are unbearably unfunny.”
    • “Fallout 76 is a bad game and the humor is not funny anymore; try different jokes.”
    • “So many glitches in this game, it's not funny.”
  • music630 mentions

    The music in Fallout 76 has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the nostalgic soundtrack and ambient tracks that enhance the game's atmosphere. While some enjoy the classic tunes and the immersive experience they provide, others criticize the limited selection of songs on the radio and the repetitive nature of the music. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point of the game, though players express a desire for more variety and new additions to the music library.

    • “The soundtrack is absolutely amazing.”
    • “The sound design and music is also pretty good - the old songs on the radio are ok, some being much better than others... but I was fine with listening to the ambient soundtrack such as the green meadows track and the upbeat jazz whitespring, each of which I can listen to for hours.”
    • “The music, especially appalachian radio, is fantastic.”
    • “The worst in-game music ever!!!!”
    • “The music doesn't seem to have a uniting theme and often seems inappropriate to the scene.”
    • “The in-game music is a complete and utter failure.”
  • atmosphere408 mentions

    The atmosphere in Fallout 76 is a mixed bag, with many players praising its stunning landscapes, detailed graphics, and immersive sound design that evoke the familiar post-apocalyptic vibe of the Fallout series. However, some critics feel that the multiplayer aspect detracts from the traditional solitary atmosphere, leading to a less immersive experience. Overall, while the game captures the essence of the Fallout universe, opinions vary on its effectiveness in delivering a cohesive and engaging atmosphere compared to previous titles.

    • “The landscapes are rendered with stunning detail, creating an atmospheric and realistic post-apocalyptic world.”
    • “The atmosphere is so captivating, the world looks so vibrant and beautiful, yet it still has that Fallout uneasy feeling when you look at the remnants of the old world.”
    • “The game boasts a richly detailed world, with stunning landscapes, atmospheric lighting, and distinct environmental storytelling.”
    • “Game lacks substance, atmosphere, and progression.”
    • “Was met with a rude reminder that any redeeming qualities this game once had in its atmosphere and setting that I had come to love are entirely gone.”
    • “The atmosphere is just not there.”
  • emotional254 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is mixed, with many players highlighting the overwhelmingly wholesome and supportive community that enhances their experience, fostering connections and positive interactions. However, the game's narrative and quests are often criticized for lacking emotional depth and engagement, leading to feelings of disappointment and nostalgia for previous titles in the series. While some players find moments of genuine emotional resonance, particularly in the voice acting and environmental storytelling, the overall sentiment leans towards a lack of impactful emotional engagement in the gameplay itself.

    • “Exploring Appalachia, building a home, developing relationships, and making choices that affected me emotionally cultivated a sense of living within a reality that was decisively worth my time.”
    • “Yet it's the human moments I discovered that offered something deeply touching.”
    • “The npcs made me feel comfortable to listen to, and I really love the story in this game so far.”
    • “This game is lacking anything you liked about the old Fallouts and replaced it with meaningless quests, a boring story, and repetitive enemies.”
    • “Bethesda must have lost some good employees over the years; what a boring storyline and playthrough.”
    • “This time you had to go and complete the utterly complex but thoroughly boring storyline of one of the factions to complete the game.”
  • replayability196 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game has improved significantly since its initial release, with many players noting the addition of new content, events, and quests that enhance the experience. While some reviews mention a lack of immersion and repetitive gameplay, others highlight the game's diverse gameplay loops and community engagement, leading to a generally positive outlook on its replay value. Despite some criticisms, many players find it infinitely replayable, especially with friends, and appreciate the ongoing updates that keep the game fresh.

    • “Endlessly replayable end game with meaningful goals to work towards.”
    • “Incredibly fun, lots of replayability.”
    • “Replayability is high too, with repeatable quests, daily quests, events, and every 3 months, a scoreboard, similar to other battle pass systems from other games.”
    • “Simply put, the lack of immersion combined with the developers prioritizing money over gameplay make this a standard legacy game with very little replayability.”
    • “Least replay value of all the Fallout games; get to level 300 once and you will be satisfied for a lifetime.”
    • “It feels like a cash grab banking on the hype and nostalgia of previous players of Fallout, and I don't see the game having any replay value if it continues with the way they're handling the game.”
  • character development58 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the engaging storylines, unique encounters, and well-acted NPCs, while others criticize the lack of depth and meaningful progression, particularly due to the removal of traditional skill systems in favor of a more superficial card-based approach. Many reviews highlight the game's rich lore and variety of quests, but also note that character development can stagnate after reaching max level, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction. Overall, while there are elements of strong character design and customization, the execution leaves room for improvement.

    • “Such a wonderfully crafted world with highly detailed lore and character development.”
    • “The encounters are interesting, unique and the voice acting and character development are excellent.”
    • “The character development, crafting, events, quest lines are amazing and, at this point, I can say that every day I discover new things to do.”
    • “It has multiple storylines, but unlike its single-player counterparts, it does not concentrate as much on narratives and character development.”
    • “The complete removal of a traditional skill system in favor of these laughable cards is a disgrace to the franchise and an insult to fans who have come to expect depth and customization in their character development.”
    • “The 'cards' character development is so much more shallow than the traditional RPG-style development, and the fact that you can just remove characteristics at any time means that none of them really define who you are in the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Fallout 76

Play time

63hMedian play time
244hAverage play time
33hMain story
294hCompletionist
14-200hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 722 analyzed playthroughs

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