Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. May 12, 2020
    80
    The 60+ hours worth of new and refreshed content is definitely a step in the right direction after the base game’s troubled launch and enhances the existing shoot and loop formula well. While some technical problems persist, the way the team has handled the expansion has given much needed life into the wasteland that can only be further improved upon with subsequent updates. The bulk of Wastelanders’ new story-centric quests are definitely better played solo, but the new events, daily quests and discoverables that come with the update are equally as fun to experience with friends old and new, and signify a brave new direction for the online title going forward.
  2. Apr 26, 2020
    78
    Wastelanders gives to the longtime Fallout lovers an experience way more similar to the series they always knew. Unfortunately, the overall experience it still is plagued by bugs and Creation Engine looks and feels as outdated as ever.
  3. Apr 26, 2020
    75
    Wastelanders represents a small revolution for the general enjoyment of Fallout 76, a return to the classic canons of the saga that opens up new and interesting perspectives on the future of the title. A year and a half after the game's release, Bethesda has finally followed up on the audience's demands by implementing a long series of substantial changes that significantly alter the game's narrative balance.
  4. Apr 27, 2020
    70
    Fallout 76 has improved with the introduction of Wastelanders. The region of West Virginia now feels more alive with an increased populace, deeper quests and a greater focus on your place in its living, breathing world. But many of its problems remain, and haven’t been improved with such a major expansion. Far few players occupy each session, making multiplayer feel like a lazy afterthought instead of something that defines the experience.
  5. Jun 1, 2020
    65
    Playing solo can still be entertaining, but the moments of loneliness hang over the player like a cloud while they’re traveling from point A to point B. In the end, it comes down to personal preference — some will enjoy the solemn journeys found in Appalachia, while others will only play when friends are online, but even without them, the Wastelanders update is a step in the right direction.
  6. Apr 26, 2020
    60
    The Wastelanders update at least solidifies Fallout 76 as something that’s worth recommending to series fans who are interested in multiplayer. The new storyline is great, but not as easy to play with friends as it should be.
  7. Apr 26, 2020
    50
    Wastelanders transforms Fallout 76 from a technical and conceptual disaster to a merely flawed online experience, which has a far better online community than it deserves.
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 64 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 64
  2. Negative: 22 out of 64
  1. Aug 1, 2020
    7
    This should have been in the release version as it would have been dampening the poor response. It fixes some of the problems the main gameThis should have been in the release version as it would have been dampening the poor response. It fixes some of the problems the main game has since its release. It added real NPCs, humor and interesting quests or a better story to the game while giving you better dialog options and some new endgame content. Also it fixes some bugs. I am admitting that it is probably too late to turn the tide. However it improves the main game tremendous and it should be praised. While I resigned this game I will say it is a good time to begin if you are still interested in Fallout 76. For me I will instead play Fallout New Vegas as it is far superior (as Fallout 3 and 4 are too). I will also try the Outer Worlds as it is praised as great Fallout experience. Full Review »
  2. Aug 3, 2020
    6
    I made it all the way to level 50, killed the SBQ, completed all the main quests, built an elaborate camp, paid for 1 month of Fallout 1st,I made it all the way to level 50, killed the SBQ, completed all the main quests, built an elaborate camp, paid for 1 month of Fallout 1st, and even earned the 76 hours played achievement.

    For Fallout fans, i would say this is worth it to go through the Wastelanders main story... if you can stomach the bugs and server disconnects. After getting through the main content, I just couldn't handle it anymore and have hung this game up.

    It was fun while it lasted, even better with friends, but ultimately the server disconnects and bugs/glitches killed this for me.

    I recommend this to Fallout fans, get in, get out, and wait for Bethesda to release the next Fallout that is single player only, or... go back and enjoy some good ol' FO4.
    Full Review »
  3. Jun 21, 2020
    7
    With this latest DLC adding in some long requested features, 76 now feels like a more traditional Fallout experience. NPCs have made their wayWith this latest DLC adding in some long requested features, 76 now feels like a more traditional Fallout experience. NPCs have made their way to Appalachia and they've brought with them an exciting new main quest with decision making and humorous writing that feels like a direct response to The Outer Worlds, allies that can live with you at your camp (shame you can only have one at a time), a dialog system straight out of 3 and New Vegas, and skill checks galore. All of which make the game more enjoyable than ever. However, there is a misconception being spread by the community that this update has fixed everything. That's simply not true. It's definitely in the best state we've seen since launch, but Bethesda still has a long way to go to before "it just works."

    Wastelanders does patch several outstanding issues, but in the process reintroduces some old ones while bringing it's own into the mix. I feel like the graphics have taken a bit of a hit and gameplay has gotten really choppy in the starting "Forest" area. I've also had a recurring problem with quest markers not showing up and my advancement of the ally Sofia's storyline was repeatedly halted as my progress would fail to load most of the time when coming back after having logged out. With exploits at all time high to boot, 76 is arguably at it's most disappointing on the technical side of things thus far.

    While bugs and glitches have always been the no. 1 complaint with this game, another point of contention has been the lack of endgame content. This is something Bethesda tried to address here with a fourth currency and a faction reputation system. Grinding dailies and public events will increase your standing with the locals and allow you amass gold bullion. Both of which are required to unlock the plans for the newly added weapons, armors, and other goodies. This a very repetitive and lengthy process as outside of fairly rare random encounters there are only 3-4 methods of building your way to maximum status with everybody, and they're on a timer that forces you to wait until they reset after completing them. Still, it is nice to have a reason to keep coming back after making your way through the core offerings.

    A big question that's been on minds of many since this has dropped is whether or not now is a good time to jump on as a newcomer. I'd say yes, as Wastelanders does offer some legitimately good Fallout gameplay and storytelling. The only caveat being that if you are trying it out for the first time you must make it through a portion of the original's divisive story missions first, as most of this new stuff is locked off until you reach level 20 and have completed all of the tasks for the raider robot Rose. For those who have already seen and done everything in the base game or at least met those requirements, returning is a no-brainer.

    This latest wave of DLC might not have "saved" 76, but it has given it the best foundation it's ever had to build upon. With fun new questlines and more promising updates on the horizon, the game's future has never been brighter or it's present more agreeable than it is right now. As a result, I still look forward to seeing where Bethesda takes things from here, which hopefully includes a step up in their efforts to squash all of the bugs in their code because that is the primary concern with this title.

    7.5/10
    Full Review »