Bringing with it NPCs, a brand-new Main Quest, and a revamped version of the original story that launched with Fallout 76 in 2018. As a free update for all players this is easily the biggest content drop to date for the game, and one that we'll be diving into to see just how it changes up the experience.

Here's the launch trailer.

New Main Quest and Revamped Original Main Quest – Uncover the secrets of West Virginia by playing through an all-new main quest as well as a revamped original main quest line – with friends or solo – starting from the moment you leave Vault 76. New and veteran players alike will take on new missions, explore new locations and fight with (or against) the new faces that have made their long-awaited return to West Virginia.

Human NPCs – Befriend or betray new neighbors who have come to rebuild, and experience Appalachia through the eyes of its residents.

New Creatures and Gear – Take down newly mutated creatures finding their way to the region and earn the highest tier of weapons and armor.

Choices and Reputation – Alter the fates of those you meet with classic dialogue trees. Decisions affect your standing with each faction through an all-new reputation system.

Since launch Fallout 76 has had its fair share of problems from bugs and performance issues through to fundamental design quirks like the lack of NPCs that resulted in the experience - for us - falling short of the online Fallout game we were looking for. With Wastelanders we're cautiously optimistic, because the idea of a fully voiced and detailed Fallout story playable with friends is still something to get excited about.

In addition to being free for all players, Bethesda is also releasing Content Bundles with bonuses as follows. Themed after the new factions.

Raider Content Bundle

• Mine Car Planter – A small planter for your crops when no dirt is available (buildable in your C.A.M.P.)
  
• Raider C.A.M.P. – Change the look of your Vault-Tec C.A.M.P. deployable to give it a Raider edge
  
• Raider Stash Box – Raider-themed Stash box for your C.A.M.P.
  
• Raider Faction Flag – New flag for your C.A.M.P. that show off your allegiance to Crater
  
• Raider Pathfinder Outfit – Look like another resident of Crater with this outfit (includes mask and bandana)
  
• Raider Conquest Loot Bag – Raider-style Loot bag, complete with skull
  
• Raider Pillager Backpack – A Raider-style backpack
  
• Raider Marauder Power Armor Skin – Unique appearance for your Power Armor based on the Crater Raiders

Settler Content Bundle

• Garden Truckbed Trailer – A small planter for your crops when no dirt is available (buildable in your C.A.M.P.)
  
• Settler C.A.M.P. – Change the look of your Vault-Tec C.A.M.P. deployable to give it a Settler appearance
  
• Settler Stash Box – Settler-themed Stash box for your C.A.M.P.
  
• Settler Faction Flag – New flag for your C.A.M.P. that show off your allegiance to Foundation
  
• Settler Mechanic Outfit – Look like another resident of Foundation with this outfit (includes hat)
  
• Settler Traveler Loot Bag – Settler-style Loot bag that looks like a travel case
  
• Settler Relief Backpack – A Settler-style backpack
  
• Settler Vigilante Power Armor Skin – Unique appearance based on the Foundation Settlers

And finally, the arrival of Wastelanders will see Fallout 76 make its way to Steam - with all purchasing and additional content available via the Steam storefront.