Calling all vault dwellers and wasteland explorers! Gear up for an exciting adventure in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout.
For a limited time, you can jump into the iconic Fallout 76 completely free on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC!
This is your chance to wander the vast wastelands, build your own shelter, and battle mutated creatures – all without spending a penny.
New to the Fallout franchise?
Fallout 76 throws open the doors to a post-apocalyptic playground – the Appalachian Mountains! But hold your horses (or mutated radstags, as the case may be). While exploration is key, venturing too far west or southwest early on can land you in hot water (literally, with some enemies).
The beauty of the Forest region, teeming with resources and lower-level foes, is a great place to get your bearings. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, delve into the rich lore scattered throughout the world, and team up with fellow wanderers for a more social experience.
This is a vast wasteland to explore, so savor the journey and capture those memories with plenty of in-game photos!
Choose your character wisely
As you emerge from Vault 76, the Forest region is your friendly neighborhood. Here, you’ll find an abundance of food, chems (usable items with various effects), and lower-level enemies perfect for practicing your combat skills and gathering loot. Don’t stray too far until you’re confident in taking on tougher opponents.
When it comes to upgrading your gear, patience is a virtue. Hold off on modifying weapons and armor until you reach around level 20. Trust us, it’ll save you precious resources in the long run.
Embrace the loot
Speaking of resources, become a compulsive collector! Grab everything from ammo and armor to guns and chems (even spoiled food has its uses). Scrapping unwanted weapons and armor at workbenches unlocks new plans for crafting even better gear. Ammo can be sold to vendors for some quick caps (the in-game currency), while chems can be used yourself or sold. Spoiled food, when broken down at a chem bench, becomes fertilizer for your crops!
For ultimate defense, power armor is your best friend, especially when venturing into irradiated nuke zones. The T-51b reigns supreme in the early stages, offering the highest available protection without requiring rare crafting materials.
Legendary loot and player interactions
Legendary weapons and armor can be incredibly powerful, but don’t blindly scrip (a system for exchanging unwanted items for legendary crafting materials) them before checking their star ratings. Even a low-level weapon with the right perks can be a valuable asset, netting you a hefty sum when sold.
Player versus player (PvP) is an optional activity in Fallout 76. Unless you’re itching for a real challenge, it’s best avoided, especially at lower levels. High-level players can take you down with ease, leaving your hard-earned resources vulnerable. Head to the settings and activate Pacifist mode for a more peaceful experience.
The Fallout 76 community is generally friendly and helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance – chances are, someone will be happy to lend a hand. While solo play is completely viable, adventuring with friends adds a whole new layer of fun and strategic teamwork.
Crafting like a pro
Before you embark on a crafting spree, consider the perks (special abilities) that can maximize your output. Chemist (Intelligence) doubles your chem production, Ammo Smith (Agility) boosts ammo crafting by 60%, and Super Duper (Luck) offers a random chance of doubling any crafted item.
Scrapper (Intelligence) is a must-have for resource-conscious players. This perk significantly increases the materials you get from scrapping weapons and armor, with a bonus chance of acquiring rare mods.
In the early stages, melee combat shines. It’s a cost-effective way to dispatch enemies, especially when combined with the defensive power of power armor.
Small is beautiful
As a nomadic adventurer, your camp will likely see frequent relocations. Don’t waste resources constructing elaborate structures at the outset. Keep it simple and functional. Turrets, while tempting, can be resource drains. If absolutely necessary, place them strategically on rooftops for better visibility and protection against pesky critters.
Don’t hoard high-level gear in your stash box unless you’re nearing the required level. Scrap lower-level items to free up valuable space.
Story missions, side quests, and events are your primary avenues for leveling up and acquiring better gear early on. Hold onto those unique mission outfits – they’re one-shot drops you won’t get again! So stash them away safely for future bragging rights.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to conquering the Appalachian wasteland.
Which Fallout games can you play for free?
Fueled by the Fallout series on Prime Video? Craving a post-apocalyptic adventure to match? Well, grab your vault suit because here’s how you can experience (or relive) the games for free!
Dive into Fallout 76, the latest entry in the Fallout franchise, completely free during its free play days until April 18th. Unlike a short demo, this free access lets you experience the full game for a limited time. Just download it to your preferred platform and get ready to explore!
For those with an Amazon Prime subscription, there’s an even sweeter deal! Prime Gaming, a benefit of Prime membership, offers a rotating selection of free PC games each month.
Currently, that includes Fallout 1, Fallout 2, and the spin-off Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel. That’s right, you can claim these classic RPGs to keep forever, adding some serious post-apocalyptic action to your library.
Fallout 1 and 2 can be claimed directly on Prime Gaming, while Fallout Tactics is available for free on GOG.com (an alternative to Steam).
Happy exploring, Vault Dweller!
Featured image credit: Csaba Bakos/Unsplash
