Uncovering the Enigmatic Origins of Fallout 76's Jersey Devil Cryptid

Highlights

Experience the exhilarating new Fallout 76 Expedition, Atlantic City, as it transports players to the captivating Garden State of New Jersey. Prepare for a remarkable journey filled with unparalleled excitement, thrilling adventures, the allure of gambling, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face-to-face with the mythical legend, the Jersey Devil.

The Expedition is divided into two parts, offering players distinctive content and quests in Atlantic City and the Pine Barrens. During the game, players will have the opportunity to interact with different factions, including the Municipal Government, The Family, and The Showmen. The legendary Jersey Devil, which closely resembles real-world folklore, is anticipated to appear in Atlantic City as one of the enemies.

Bethesda has announced the next update for Fallout 76, called The Pitt, which takes players to New Jersey along the Appalachian Trail. In this new Expedition called Atlantic City, players can explore the famous town on the East Coast for the first time in the Fallout franchise. This two-part update offers everything one would expect from a trip to the Jersey Shore, including excitement, adventure, gambling, degeneracy, and encounters with cryptid creatures. One of the highlights is the opportunity to encounter New Jersey's infamous legend, the Jersey Devil.

Fallout 76: Atlantic City is the second Expedition to be added to the game, following The Pitt, and it is the seventh major update since the game's release in 2018. The update will be released in two parts, with the first part called Boardwalk Paradise coming out on December 5, and the second part, America's Playground, to be released at a later date. Each part of the Expedition will feature unique content and quests, taking place in Atlantic City and its surrounding areas, including the Pine Barrens forests in Southern New Jersey. The legend of the creatures that inhabit these mysterious woods plays a significant role in the main quests of the Expedition. Fans have eagerly awaited the opportunity to investigate and encounter the Jersey Devil, and soon, cryptid hunters will have their chance.

Fallout 76: Atlantic City's Jersey Devil Quest

In Fallout 76's Atlantic City, unlike other locations in the franchise, a well-functioning civilization emerges. The city boasts modern amenities such as running water, electricity, and various entertainment options. This organized society is governed by three distinct factions: The Municipal Government, The Family, and The Showmen. Each faction has a specific responsibility in maintaining the city's infrastructure, overseeing the casinos and vices, and providing live entertainment, respectively. Their collaboration is essential in ensuring Atlantic City's continued functionality.

Despite their occasional disagreements, the initial part of the Expedition reveals that these factions are forced to cooperate in order to survive a looming threat lurking in the neighboring forests. This threat is revealed to be connected to the presence of Devils, miniature versions of the infamous Jersey Devils. Aside from encountering these smaller cryptids, there is also a formidable Jersey Devil roaming the Pine forests, further adding to the danger.

The Legend of the Jersey Devil in Fallout 76 closely mirrors real-world folklore. According to the tale, a woman named Jane Leeds bore 12 children and, upon learning she was pregnant with a 13th, placed a curse upon the unborn child, rendering it a devil. In 1735, during a stormy night in Atlantic County, New Jersey, Jane Leeds gave birth to a creature possessing hooves, a goat's head, bat wings, and a forked tail. It is believed that this child escaped into the Pine Barrens and has resided there ever since.

Antonio Russo, a prominent figure in the Russo crime family and a former member of the Lombardi Atlantic City mafia family, recounts the story of the Jersey Devil in Fallout 76. In the narrative of Fallout 76: Atlantic City, Russo successfully eliminates a Jersey Devil and makes a significant discovery. The creature's blood proves to be a highly addictive substance with potent effects. Taking advantage of this finding, Russo capitalizes on the situation and begins selling the substance as a narcotic called Devil's Blood to wealthy individuals frequenting his casino.

The development team has mentioned that the role of the Jersey Devil as a boss enemy in the main quest line is still uncertain. However, it is worth noting that the Jersey Devil is featured on a collectible cryptid trading card in Fallout 76, making it a distinctive addition to the existing cryptids in the game. The setting of Atlantic City, with its juxtaposition of the ocean and dense pine forest, adds an intriguing element. Moreover, the introduction of new creatures and factions makes Fallout 76: Atlantic City an experience worth exploring. Fallout 76 is currently accessible for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.