Fallout 76
LOTS OF FUN – AT FIRST…
$69 | PC, PS4, XO | fallout.bethesda.com
I’VE PLAYED A lot of Fallout 76 solo, which is mostly doable with the exception of public events designed around groups and the occasional blunder of winding up toe-to-toe with a powerful monster. It’s a relief so much of Fallout 76 can be tackled alone, and in some cases it’s actually better that way: all that reading and listening to the story is easier without carrying on a conversation with friends at the same time.
But I’ve teamed up with pals and strangers, and not only is it a fun way to explore and fight, it doesn’t stop you from going your own way. Being on a team doesn’t mean you need to be your partner’s constant wingman: you can spread out as far as you like, travel on your own anywhere you want, and quickly rejoin them via fast-travel when you want or need to. This casual approach to co-op makes Fallout 76 a great hangout experience, a way to play solo and in a group at the same time. Even joining an event with complete strangers is great, not just to pick up some quick XP or get some backup in a tough fight, but to see what kind of gear they’re packing, what they’re wearing, have a chat, or offer a trade.
Despite the considerable issues with the PC version, I’ve still had long stretches of fun with Fallout 76. I really wish PvP had more at stake than lost junk (or at least more willing participants) but the world retains a lot of what I love about Bethesda’s previous RPGs with finely crafted environments, enjoyable weapons and crafting, and surprising little scraps of story to uncover and investigate. Like Valley Galleria, though, it doesn’t take long to for the shine to fade, the once-fascinating areas to lose their wonder among the mobs of identical enemies I’ve killed there time and time again.