Fallout 76 beta features 'full game' with progress saved for launch

By Matt Brown
published

Buyers of Fallout 76 are in for a treat, with its beta test offering early access to the full package.

Details on Bethesda's upcoming online-only role-playing game, Fallout 76, have been scarce since its initial E3 2018 reveal. While the game's launch is set for November 14, fans are eager to hear more about the project that hugely diverges from series roots. More is expected at "QuakeCon," especially with the upcoming pre-release B.E.T.A. (Break It Early Test Application) only two months away.

More details on the Fallout 76 B.E.T.A. have now surfaced on Bethesda's website, via an update to its FAQ page. The most notable change confirms plans for the "full game" to be available for the test, with progression moving forward to the final release. This is a major diversion from most modern beta tests, where strong content restrictions are regularly enforced, and progression is wiped for launch day.

How to play the Fallout 76 beta

This signals a strong launch for Fallout 76, with Bethesda clearly confident to offer the full package ahead of release. Tying B.E.T.A. access to preorders does provide a small advantage for select gamers, although ultimately doesn't have a long-term impact. Beyond its planned October release, we also have no idea how long the test will be hosted.

Other new information with this update includes clarification for PC distribution, confirming Steam is dumped in favor of Bethesda.net. Furthermore, a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) won't be enforced, allowing players to create content over the duration of the test. For more details on the B.E.T.A. be sure to check our complete guide to playing for yourself.

In the meantime, Fallout 76 preorders are now live ahead of its slated November 14 release, starting at $59.99 (opens in new tab) on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Windows PCs. To gain access to the Fallout 76 beta test, Bethesda currently requires players to preorder a copy of the game before it commences.

Matt Brown
Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

6 Comments
  • I love the Fallout series, was able to give the fourth a go and enjoyed it. I'm not a big gamer anymore, but I wouldn't mind giving this a go.
  • I'm the same. I don't game as much as I use to but this does seem interesting.
  • Wouldn't even touch it with a laser pointer
  • LOL how come?
  • I love the single player Fallout games (still playing Fallout 4 now). I normally avoid all online multiplayer games. I'd like to understand how this compares to a traditional Fallout. As a Fallout player, is it for me? Or, as a non-MMORPG (maybe minus that first M), is this not for me? Related: Even though I love the single-player games, they could still get better. My biggest complaint with Bethesda's epic RPGs, including Fallout and Elder Scrolls games, is the repetitiveness of tasks to pursue the main story lines (go to place, kill things, return to source for reward). These sometimes feel like the kinds of repetitive randomly generated grind quests you'd expect in an online game. Now that Bethesda has Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76, to ensure good differentiation, maybe future single-player editions will be more tightly story-bound with less repetitiveness. If so, then I am extremely happy for Fallout 76, whether I play it or not.
  • Will us Xbox-gamers be able to join in on the beta?