Preparing for the Atlantic City Expedition, Enhancing New Player Experience, and More: Insights from Fallout 76 Dev

Fallout 76 has undergone significant improvements since its initial release, thanks to various free expansions and updates. The upcoming Atlantic City updates, divided into two parts, will introduce players to a previously unexplored region with fresh questlines and a new Season's content. These updates will also revamp the way new players are introduced to Fallout 76's Appalachian wasteland. In a recent interview, Jonathan Rush, the Art Director of Fallout 76, provided insights into what players can expect from the new Atlantic City updates. Rush discussed how players can prepare for the upcoming adventures and highlighted the major changes that will be implemented in the first Atlantic City update, set to release on December 5, 2023.

Rush anticipates the players' enthusiasm as they delve into the multitude of fresh Atlantic City destinations, discovering the inhabitants and creatures that inhabit them.

Rush: The allure of the Atlantic City/New Jersey region as a suitable choice for the new expeditions became evident right away. The mere mention of "Atlantic City" evokes a range of possibilities, especially when combined with the post-apocalyptic ambiance of Fallout.

Why did the decision to choose completely new environments for the upcoming expeditions come about, following the exploration of a familiar location from the franchise by the Pitt expeditions?

Rush: Exploring Atlantic City in Fallout is a unique experience unlike any other locations in the series. This expedition presents a thrilling chance to take the story in exciting and uncharted directions, as it will be the first time the Fallout universe delves into this region.

Q: Fans who know the area have praised Fallout 76's portrayal of Appalachia. With that in mind, how much has the contemporary infrastructure played a role in shaping the development of Atlantic City locations in Fallout 76?

Modern-day references hold significant importance for us, just like the references specific to the 1950s era. Apart from the direct references, there is a wealth of information to be gained by observing how these distinctive spaces have evolved over the years.

Our primary objective is to create realistic environments that enhance both the storytelling experience and gameplay. Players familiar with Atlantic City will identify various elements inspired by the region's authentic qualities, while those who have never visited will perceive it as a one-of-a-kind space for adventure.

Fans have been quick to point out that venues, such as the recently established casino, appear to be inspired by the setting and style of Fallout: New Vegas. But is there more to this resemblance than meets the eye?

Rush: That's an astute observation, but the similarity is merely coincidental. The distinctive backdrop of Atlantic City provides a completely different environment, offering ample room for distinctive narratives and characters unlike anywhere else. While gambling is a shared feature, the similarities end there, as the two settings are markedly dissimilar.

Are franchise veterans likely to recognize any of the new factions, characters, and creatures introduced in the Atlantic City updates in Fallout 76, despite the game's prequel setting?

Rush: The expansion packs, "Boardwalk Paradise" and "America's Playground," introduce an array of fresh factions, characters, and creatures. Are they directly linked to previous Fallout games? No. However, they do have connections to Fallout 76 and the region of Appalachia. The forthcoming updates will unveil the connection between our Appalachia and Atlantic City.

Q: It was previously announced that the Atlantic City update would be released after the upcoming calendar year. Could you provide insight into the factors that led to the decision to separate these updates and why the first update will be arriving early?

Rush: The initial update will introduce Atlantic City and two missions to players. This will include various new locations in the region, as well as fresh factions, characters, creatures, and rewards. The second update will expand the Atlantic City playing area, providing even more distinct locations and a third mission. Players will also have access to several Atlantic City quests and the freedom to explore.

The missions will delve into the contrasts and conflicts among the new factions. On the other hand, the subsequent quest content will predominantly focus on how these factions impact the residents of both the region and Appalachia. The decision to split these releases into two parts was primarily driven by the different experiences players encounter with these types of content, and how they tonally support the narrative we aim to convey through the updates.

Q: With the recent updates aligning with the launch of new Seasons, what connection, if any, exists between the Atlantic City updates and the upcoming Seasons in Fallout 76?

Rush: The Pitt expeditions, including their recent modifications, have significantly influenced the development of the Atlantic City expeditions.

Rush: Our team takes great pride in the effort we've put into developing expeditions, and we wanted to make sure that all our players have the opportunity to experience the content, adventures, and rewards that come with it. To achieve this, we have taken a major step by removing the fuel requirement, allowing players to easily dive into expeditions whenever they wish, just like hopping into a Vertibird.

Our players not only crave more missions, but they also appreciate the immersive story-driven content. To cater to their desires, we are committed to adding extra quests, areas to explore outside of the missions themselves, and exciting rewards. These spaces hold immense potential, and in the future, we will introduce more ways for you and your friends to enjoy them together.

Q: What do you recommend that vault dwellers should do to prepare themselves for the Atlantic City expeditions?

Q: What are the intended outcomes of the ongoing process that includes experimenting with features that redesign parts of the new player experience on the Public Test Server?

Rush: To enhance the experience for new players, our objective is to provide them with more choices as they venture out of the Vault. The Overseer has entrusted you with a significant responsibility, and it's crucial for us to ensure that you are well-prepared. Upon exiting the vault, players will have the option to enter Appalachia as a seasoned adventurer, equipped with higher-level loadouts and gear. Alternatively, they can choose to start as a fresh dweller, introducing a different kind of challenge. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to encounter our various factions earlier through random encounters and discover new points of interest in the forest region. It seems there may even be a new dungeon waiting to be explored!

Q: Is there anything else you would like to mention regarding Atlantic City?

Make sure to visit "The Neapolitan" and try your luck at our tables or slots. Word is, it's also home to the world's largest slot machine. We enjoy joining our players and embarking on exciting adventures together. Looking forward to seeing everyone there, as the Bethesda Games community is truly outstanding!

Fallout 76 is an action role-playing game developed and published by Bethesda. It was released on November 14, 2018, and is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The game features online multiplayer gameplay and is powered by the Creation Engine. It is rated M for Mature due to its depiction of blood and gore, drug references, intense violence, strong language, and use of alcohol. According to How Long To Beat, the estimated gameplay time is 34 hours. Additionally, the game is available for purchase at the Playstation Store.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Fallout series, I am thrilled about the upcoming Atlantic City update for Fallout 76. The addition of a new region to explore, complete with fresh questlines and a new season's worth of content, is incredibly exciting. I can't wait to delve into the uncharted territory of Atlantic City and discover all the secrets it holds.

The decision to choose Atlantic City as the setting for the new expeditions is a great one. The city's rich history and iconic landmarks provide a perfect backdrop for a post-apocalyptic adventure. I'm particularly interested in seeing how the developers have incorporated the modern infrastructure of Atlantic City into the game. I'm sure it will be a fascinating and unique experience to explore this familiar location in a completely new way.