The 2020 Wastelanders update finally addressed one of the primary concerns surrounding Fallout 76, namely the lack of NPCs and meaningful dialogue choices. Both of these features have been staples in the Fallout franchise and their absence in Fallout 76 made the game disappointing to many long-time fans. Since the re-introduction of these features, however, the game has significantly improved. Fallout 76 is better off returning to its roots.
Fallout 76 introduced several big changes that set it apart from other games in the series. Primarily, it is an online multiplayer game, while other mainline titles in the franchise have been single-player. The focus on action and PVP over the narrative focus of previous games drew heavy criticism from Fallout fans initially, with many citing a lack of gameplay purpose leaving the world to feel empty and flat in terms of design. The absence of human NPCs, and the fact that Fallout 76's dialogue options weren't as in-depth as what was seen in other Fallout games, added to this feeling in the eyes of many players.
The Wastelanders update was released in April 2020 and finally took steps to add some long-requested features back into the game. Human NPCs and meaningful story choices gave players interactions they felt were sorely missing from Fallout 76 upon launch. Other gameplay aspects like faction reputations and companions also made an appearance. While the Wastelanders update didn't fully redeem Bethesda in the eyes of some players, particularly those who were upset by Fallout 76's microtransactions and extensive bugs upon launch, it did take significant steps to make the game feel more like a proper entry in the series.
NPCs Make Fallout 76 Feel Like A Fallout Game Again
Combat may be a prominent feature in the Fallout games, but in the eyes of most players, it's not what makes the series stand out. Engaging storylines and characters are what arguably draws many fans back into the series time and time again. The unique worldbuilding of the franchise can't stand out well on its own without well-written and meaningful decisions to cement the player as part of the Fallout world. The strength of its storytelling is what sets Fallout: New Vegas apart from other games in the franchise, even years after its release - and it's also a big part of why Fallout 76 fell short of player expectations.
However, the game has come a long ways from where it started in 2018, and it's possible that even more big updates could be coming in the future to further shape Fallout 76 into a compelling part of the series. The return of characters, dialogue choices and other factors that add to player freedom and significance did a lot to improve the design of the game. Some fans even feel that Fallout 76 has managed to grow past its lackluster launch entirely. Fallout 76 seems to be at its best when it returns to what endeared so many Fallout fans to the franchise in the first place, and further expansions should focus on adding more of these long-time gameplay staples.