During E3 last year, Bethesda finally announced human NPCs are coming to Fallout 76 with the Wastelanders update, and though the schedule changed later on, the massive update now has a confirmed release date attached to it. April 7 is when the Wastelanders update will be landing, bringing fully voiced human NPCs, a brand new main quest, new locations, enemies, reputation system, and more.
Alongside that, the long-time-coming Steam release for the multiplayer title will also happen on the same day. Atoms or memberships will not be transferable between the Bethesda.net and Steam versions of Fallout 76, Bethesda explained. However, purchased items from the Atomic Shop will be shared across the two platforms when using the same account.
Wastelanders is described as a new beginning for players, both veterans and new. Details on some of the major changes the update will bring to Fallout 76 can be read below:
- New Main Quest and Revamped Original Main Quest – Uncover the secrets of West Virginia by playing through an all-new main quest as well as a revamped original main quest line – with friends or solo – starting from the moment you leave Vault 76. New and veteran players alike will take on new missions, explore new locations and fight with (or against) the new faces that have made their long-awaited return to West Virginia.
- Human NPCs – Befriend or betray new neighbors who have come to rebuild, and experience Appalachia through the eyes of its residents.
- New Creatures and Gear – Take down newly mutated creatures finding their way to the region and earn the highest tier of weapons and armor.
- Choices and Reputation – Alter the fates of those you meet with classic dialogue trees. Decisions affect your standing with each faction through an all-new reputation system.
Although the expansion-sized update will be free to all Fallout 76 players, Bethesda is offering a couple of "faction-themed content" packs - Raider and Settler - that have cosmetic and C.A.M.P. items. These packs will also be bundled with the new Fallout 76: Wastelanders Deluxe Edition for any interested new players.
Both this and the standard Fallout 76: Wastelanders version will be purchasable on Steam starting on April 7. The private server hosting Fallout 1st memberships and item DLC packs will be available for purchase also.