The launch of Fallout 76 was a disaster.
From unforgivable bugs and data breaches to collector’s edition items that are the very definition of the word “false advertising,” the once-lauded series has gone from controversy to controversy after the launch of the first MMO. According to most people, Fallout 76 was dead upon arrival.
But four years later, to everyone’s surprise, the Vault Dwellers are still appearing. And not only are they still playing aggressively and relentlessly, but they’re also very, very good at everything from black markets, Shakespearean theater troupes, and full-time courier services to role-playing cannibals and trapcamp serial killers. It’s doing weird things. Not just why Fallout aficionados are still playing the once derided game, but why their obsession with 76 makes the MMO more than it was ever meant to be. I wanted to find out the truth as to whether it was proceeding to Here’s the story behind the weird and wonderful fans who still play Fallout 76.
IGN’s inside stories are typically presented as both video documentaries and articles. However, this time, I strongly felt that the video documentary format was the best way to experience this story. This inside story is video only.
Check out the full video to hear from the Fallout community and follow their journey through the Wasteland. I have met some fascinating people. Our adventure cannot be described in words alone. With that said, if you’re still not convinced, here’s a little bit of information about some of the weirdest and greatest Fallout 76 fans I’ve met. tempts to
Legacy Weapon Hunter
Matt Wills is a legendary weapons hunter and trader. Don’t know which one of them?In the video, Matt shows his impressive (and very Lethal) Rare Possessions explore what legacy weapons are, how they came to be, and how Fallout 76 fans began the volunteer-monitored black market arms trade. I’ll explain. It’s the underworld that introduced us to our next character…
Wasteland Courier
Playing Fallout 76 exclusively, Prissela acts as a courier for other players, ensuring that dangerous and high-risk deals go smoothly. She is qualified, trained, and even has a Trustpilot-style rating. Behind her duties, Pricella has a moving story of how she built this ‘career’ due to unfortunate events in the real world, all of which can be seen on video. You can find out in the documentary.
theater director
Northern Harvest is the director of a Shakespearean production group called the Wasteland Theater Company. He shares stories about the company’s history and conception, and kindly invites me to audition for an upcoming production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
cannibal cultist
Darth Nick is a founding member of Fallout 76’s infamous cannibal clan EATT (founding Appalachian Taste Testers). Darth Nick introduces you to the cannibal role-playing world of Fallout 76, guides you through their lair, and invites you to participate in the incredibly bizarre initiation process.
trap camp builder
Jeepin Jeeper is Darth Nick’s cannibalistic brother, but his tastes go beyond virtual meat. His specialty is designing and building elaborate trap camps, which are horror house-like buildings designed to lure unsuspecting players/victims in for a one-way visit. I received an invitation from my favorite, but it’s not working…
fallout podcaster
Kenneth Vigue is the founder of the CHAD: A Fallout 76 podcast. This podcast is his long-running audio drama chronicling the miserable (and funny) lives of wasteland survivors. But Kenneth is more than just a podcaster. He is also the creator of his Fallout For Hope. Fallout For Hope is a fan-created charity his drive that not only helps fellow wastelanders in need in the real world, but also a children’s cancer research charity through rides in Fallout 76.
This is just a small part of my Appalachian adventure. I hope that was enough to convince you to watch the full documentary. But if you’re still not convinced why not check out the trailer?
Dale Driver is IGN’s UK Video Lead and would like to thank Matt Purslow, Katie Laurence, Will Batchelor, Danielle Jones and all the amazing Fallout 76 players who have collaborated and contributed so far.follow Dale’s twitter.
