Exploring the Creative Decision Behind Fallout 76's Atlantic City Setting

Since its release in 2018, Fallout 76 has introduced numerous additional locations to the game. These include modifications to existing locations as well as the return of locations from previous entries in the franchise. However, the forthcoming Atlantic City updates for Fallout 76 will take the franchise into a completely new region, featuring several exciting new locations.

Our website recently had the opportunity to interview Jonathon Rush, the Art Director for Fallout 76, to discuss the significance of the new Atlantic City locations and the importance of introducing Expeditions in a never-before-seen environment. The existence of the Atlantic City Expeditions was first hinted at in the game during Season 12, creating anticipation among fans. Thankfully, the extensive updates are drawing nearer with each passing day.

Taking the Franchise to New Destinations

As per Rush, the East Coast region holds immense untapped potential as a prominent post-nuclear wasteland within the Fallout franchise. Alongside the opportunity to introduce fresh cryptid adversaries inspired by local folklore, the region offers novel factions, characters, and other adversaries. Furthermore, it provides an avenue for distinctive storytelling prospects:

The upcoming expedition in Atlantic City will be a unique addition to the Fallout universe, offering a fresh and exciting opportunity to push the story in new and challenging directions. Unlike previous expeditions, which reintroduced familiar locations, Fallout 76's latest venture will be a completely unprecedented experience for players.

Fallout’s Signature Post-Apocalyptic Twist

Not only will players be able to discover unseen and unique locations within the Fallout universe in this new region, but they will also encounter a host of fresh characters and adversaries. While the formidable Jersey Devil has been unveiled as a significant threat in the upcoming update, players will also cross paths with three new factions of survivors and face a novel enemy type known as the Overgrown. In addition to the explicit additions to the locale, the opportunity to explore Atlantic City also serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching devastation caused by the Great War, the overarching narrative framework of the Fallout franchise, in the distant regions of North America.

Although Atlantic City was not directly targeted during the nuclear warfare of the Great War, it did experience the consequences of the conflict, just like any other location within the Fallout franchise timeline. As a result, there are new elements in Atlantic City, but those who are familiar with the city will still recognize certain aspects. According to Rush,

We strive to create authentic environments in our games, immersing players in the story and gameplay. Those who know Atlantic City will appreciate the familiar elements we've incorporated, while those new to the city will discover a unique and exciting adventure. Fallout 76 players who are familiar with Appalachia have appreciated the accurate depiction of the region, so it is equally important to maintain the natural identity of Atlantic City while staying true to the overall Fallout atmosphere.

Fallout 76 is a video game developed and published by Bethesda. It belongs to the Action and RPG genres and is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game was released on November 14, 2018. It features online multiplayer gameplay with the Creation engine. The ESRB rating for Fallout 76 is M for Mature, due to its depiction of blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, strong language, and use of alcohol. According to How Long To Beat, the average playtime for the game is 34 hours. If you are a PS Plus subscriber, you can find extra and premium content for Fallout 76 on the PlayStation Store.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the new Fallout 76 Atlantic City update. I have been playing the game since it was released in 2018 and exploring a new region will be a refreshing change. I am particularly interested in the new cryptid adversaries inspired by local folklore. I think it will be fun to encounter new factions, characters, and enemies. I am also looking forward to seeing how the Great War has affected Atlantic City. I think it will be interesting to see how the city has changed since the bombs fell.

Overall, I think the Atlantic City update will be a great addition to Fallout 76. It will provide players with a new and exciting experience and expand on the game's lore. I can't wait to explore the new region and discover all of its secrets.