The launch of Fallout 76 is a disaster.
From unforgivable errors and data breaches, to collector’s edition items that are the very definition of ‘false advertising’, this once-praised series has gone from controversy. controversy after the debut of the first MMO. By most, Fallout 76 was dead on arrival.
But four years later, to everyone’s surprise, the inhabitants of the vault are still emerging. And not only are they still playing aggressively and obsessively, but they’re doing some incredibly weird things, from the black market, Shakespeare troupes and full-time courier service, to playing the role of eater human flesh and trap serial killers in the camp. I wanted to delve into why Fallout lovers are not only still playing the once-mocked game, but why their obsession with 76 has taken the MMO further than intended. Here’s an Inside Story about the weird and wonderful fans still playing Fallout 76.
Typically, IGN Inside Story is available as video documentaries and written articles. But, on this occasion, it feels very clear to me that the documentary format is the best way to experience this story. And that’s exactly what we did: This Inside Story is just video.
I’d love for you to watch the full video, hear the voices of the Fallout community, and follow my journey into the wasteland. I have met some fascinating people, and our adventure together cannot be done just by written words. That being said, if you’re still unsure, here’s a bit of information about the weird and wonderful Fallout 76 fans I’ve met who were kind enough to show me a complete side. All new about nuclear apocalypse. Hopefully these details entice you to check it out.
Inheritance Weapon Hunter
Matt Wills is a businessman and legacy weapons hunter. Not sure what one of those is? In the video, Matt shows me some of his impressions (and very deadly) collection of treasured possessions, explaining what legacy weapons are, how they came to be, and how Fallout 76 fans started a black market arms trade run by the control volunteers. It was an underworld that introduced me to our next character…
Wasteland express delivery
Prissela exclusively plays Fallout 76 to act as a courier for other players, ensuring high-stakes and high-risk trades run smoothly. She’s qualified, trained, and even rated as a Trustpilot. Behind Prissela’s mission is a moving story of how she embarked on this “career” because of unfortunate real-world events, which you can learn all about in the documentary video.
Theater director
Northern Harvest is the Director of a Shakespeare production group called The Wasteland Theater Company. He shared his stories about the troupe’s history and conception, and kindly invited me to audition for Shakespeare’s upcoming classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Cannibals eat people
Darth Nick is a founding member of Fallout 76’s infamous cannibal clan, EATT (Established Appalachian Taste Testers). Darth Nick introduced me to the immersive world of cannibals in Fallout 76, showed me their hidden lairs, and invited me to join them in their wacky beginnings.
Trap camp builder
The Jeepin Jeeper is Darth Nick’s cannibal arm, but he has a taste for more than just virtual flesh. His specialty is the design and construction of elaborate trap camps, home to gruesome-like buildings designed to attract unsuspecting players/victims for a one-way visit. I got an invite to one of his favorites and it didn’t go well for me…
The Fallout Podcaster
Kenneth Vigue is the founder of the CHAD: A Fallout 76 podcast, a series about the miserable (and humorous) life of a wasteland survivor. But Kenneth is more than just a podcaster; he’s also the creator of Fallout For Hope, a fan-made charity that helps not only moors in real-world need, but cancer research charity. letters to children, all through the medium of Fallout 76.
This is just a small taste of my Appalachian adventure. I hope it was enough to convince you to watch the entire documentary. But if you’re still not sure, why not watch the trailer?
Dale Driver is IGN’s UK Video Lead and he wants to thank Matt Purslow, Katie Laurence, Will Batc started, Danielle Jones and all the amazing Fallout 76 players who have helped and contributed along the way. Follow Dale on Twitter.
