Fallout 76 is an online action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2018. Set in a post-apocalyptic West Virginia, the game is a prequel to previous Fallout titles and takes place in the year 2102, 25 years after a nuclear war devastated the Earth. Players assume the role of a Vault 76 dweller, emerging from one of the first fallout shelters to explore, rebuild, and survive in the wasteland. The game features a vast open world, rich in lore and environmental storytelling, and is populated by mutated creatures, hostile factions, and scattered remnants of pre-war civilization.
Unlike earlier Fallout entries, Fallout 76 emphasizes multiplayer gameplay, with players sharing the world and capable of cooperation or conflict. Initially criticized for bugs, lack of NPCs, and performance issues, Bethesda gradually improved the game through regular updates, including the introduction of human non-playable characters, new storylines, and expanded gameplay systems. Additions like the Wastelanders and Steel Dawn expansions brought renewed interest and positive reception. Over time, Fallout 76 evolved into a more polished and engaging experience, appealing to both solo players and those seeking a shared online world. It stands as a unique entry in the Fallout franchise for its focus on community-driven survival and exploration.