Do I Need to Play Fallout 4 Before 76? A Wastelander’s Guide
The short answer is no, you absolutely do not need to play Fallout 4 before diving into Fallout 76. While both games exist within the same Fallout universe and share certain mechanics, they offer distinct experiences and narratives that are largely independent of one another. Think of them as siblings, sharing the same DNA but forging their own paths. However, understanding the nuances of each game can certainly enrich your overall experience with the Fallout franchise.
Understanding the Fallout Universe
The Fallout universe is a retro-futuristic post-apocalyptic setting, characterized by its unique blend of 1950s aesthetics and technology with the grim reality of nuclear devastation. Each game takes place in a different region of the former United States, and while there are recurring factions, technologies, and themes, the stories are generally self-contained. This allows players to jump into any game without feeling completely lost.
Fallout 4: A Lone Wanderer’s Journey
Fallout 4 is primarily a single-player experience. You play as the Sole Survivor, emerging from Vault 111 into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Your main quest revolves around finding your kidnapped son, Shaun. Along the way, you’ll encounter various factions, build settlements, and make choices that impact the fate of the Commonwealth. It is a story-driven game where your actions have meaningful consequences for the Non-Player Characters (NPCs) you encounter.
The gameplay in Fallout 4 emphasizes exploration, combat, and character customization. You can explore a vast open world, scavenge for resources, craft weapons and armor, and build elaborate settlements. The combat system is a refined version of previous Fallout games, offering both real-time shooting and the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (VATS) for strategic targeting.
Fallout 76: Rebuilding America Together (or Alone)
Fallout 76 is an online multiplayer game set in post-nuclear West Virginia. It takes place earlier in the Fallout timeline than any other game in the series, just 25 years after the bombs fell. You emerge from Vault 76 as one of America’s best and brightest, tasked with rebuilding civilization. Unlike Fallout 4, Fallout 76 initially lacked human NPCs and focused on player interaction and collaborative gameplay. While human NPCs have been added with updates, its core remains a multiplayer-centric experience.
Gameplay in Fallout 76 involves exploring the Appalachian wasteland, completing quests, fighting mutated creatures, and building your own camp. The game features a crafting system similar to Fallout 4, but with added emphasis on resource management and survival. While the game is primarily multiplayer, you can play solo. You may want to play the beginning quests with other players just so you have a better understanding of what Fallout 76 has to offer.
Shared Elements and Key Differences
Both Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 share several common elements:
- Setting: Both games take place in the Fallout universe, with its distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic and post-apocalyptic themes.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Core gameplay mechanics such as VATS combat, item crafting, and character SPECIAL (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, Luck) system are shared between the two games.
- Factions and Creatures: Recurring factions such as the Brotherhood of Steel and mutated creatures like ghouls and super mutants appear in both games.
However, there are also significant differences:
- Focus: Fallout 4 emphasizes a story-driven, single-player experience, while Fallout 76 focuses on online multiplayer gameplay and emergent player interactions.
- Story Structure: Fallout 4 has a distinct main questline, while Fallout 76 features a more open-ended narrative with multiple questlines and events.
- Settlements: Settlement building is a core feature of Fallout 4, while camp building in Fallout 76 is more focused on providing a base of operations and crafting hub.
So, Which Should You Play First?
Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences. If you prefer a narrative-driven single-player experience, start with Fallout 4. If you’re looking for a multiplayer survival game with a vibrant community, dive into Fallout 76. There’s no wrong answer here, but understanding the nuances of each game can help you make an informed decision. Maybe you should check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more resources on the topic!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Fallout 76 connected to the other Fallout games?
Yes, Fallout 76 is connected to the other Fallout games in the sense that they all take place in the same Fallout universe and share common lore, factions, and technologies. However, each game has its own independent story and characters.
2. Is Fallout 76 better than Fallout 4?
“Better” is subjective and depends on your preferences. Fallout 4 excels in its story-driven single-player experience, while Fallout 76 offers a unique online multiplayer experience. If you enjoy playing with friends and exploring a dynamic world, Fallout 76 might be more appealing. If you prefer a focused narrative and character-driven experience, Fallout 4 might be a better fit.
3. Can I play Fallout 76 solo?
Yes, you can play Fallout 76 solo. While the game is designed as a multiplayer experience, all quests and content can be completed without interacting with other players.
4. Is Fallout 76 a standalone game?
Yes, Fallout 76 is a standalone game. You do not need to have played any other Fallout games to understand or enjoy it.
5. What is the chronological order of the Fallout games?
The chronological order of the main Fallout games is: Fallout 76, Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4.
6. Is Fallout 76 more demanding than Fallout 4?
Yes, Fallout 76 generally has higher system requirements than Fallout 4. This is due to the game’s larger world, more complex graphics, and online multiplayer components.
7. How many hours does it take to beat Fallout 4?
The main story of Fallout 4 takes approximately 27 hours to complete. If you aim for 100% completion, including side quests and exploration, expect to spend around 158 hours.
8. How many hours does it take to beat Fallout 76?
The main story of Fallout 76 takes approximately 33 hours to complete. Achieving 100% completion, including all quests, events, and challenges, can take around 314 hours.
9. Is Fallout 76 still fun in 2023?
Many players still find Fallout 76 enjoyable in 2023, thanks to ongoing updates, new content, and a dedicated community. The game has improved significantly since its initial release and offers a unique multiplayer Fallout experience.
10. Why did Fallout 76 initially have a poor reception?
Fallout 76 had a rocky launch due to technical issues, bugs, and a lack of compelling content. Many players were also disappointed by the initial absence of human NPCs and the focus on multiplayer gameplay. However, Bethesda has worked to address these issues with subsequent updates.
11. Do the choices I make in Fallout 4 affect Fallout 76?
No, the choices you make in Fallout 4 do not affect Fallout 76. Each game has its own independent storyline and characters.
12. Is Shaun in Fallout 76?
No, Shaun is not in Fallout 76. Shaun is a character exclusive to Fallout 4, and the game’s events occur long after the timeline of Fallout 76.
13. Is Fallout 5 confirmed?
Yes, Fallout 5 is officially confirmed by Bethesda, but it is not expected to be released for many years. Todd Howard has stated that it will be Bethesda’s next big RPG after The Elder Scrolls VI.
14. Is Fallout 76 scary?
While Fallout 76 is not a horror game, it can have moments of suspense and unease, especially when encountering certain creatures or exploring abandoned locations. The game features a variety of mutated monsters and unsettling environments.
15. What is the best order to play the Fallout games?
There’s no single “best” order, but two common approaches are:
- Chronological Order: Fallout 76, Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4.
- Release Order (Modern First): Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4, Fallout, Fallout 2.
The chronological order allows you to experience the events of the Fallout universe in order, while playing the more recent games first can make it easier to adjust to the older titles’ gameplay mechanics.