Bethesda takes Fallout 76 offline for major update and new features

On December 3, 2024, Bethesda Game Studios began a scheduled maintenance for their online multiplayer game, Fallout 76, as part of the release of The Gleaming Depths update. This update is the latest in a series of significant changes and enhancements intended to enhance the gaming experience, marking the transition into Season 19 of Fallout 76, which will continue through to March of next year. During the server downtime, which started at 3 PM GMT (10 AM EST), players were unable to access the game as the developers implemented a range of new features and improvements. This maintenance window is typical for Fallout 76, which usually lasts approximately three hours, although past updates have occasionally extended beyond this timeframe. For instance, the previous Milepost Zero update saw extended downtime due to a comprehensive repackaging effort designed to reduce the overall file size of the game. Among the exciting additions with The Gleaming Depths update is the introduction of pets, a feature that many players have long awaited. The pets will not accompany players during their Wasteland adventures, but they will be able to reside in the players’ C.A.M.Ps, adding a new layer of interaction and customization to the game. Players can dress their pets in various outfits, enhancing the personalization aspect of their gameplay experience. This focus on companionship aligns well with the broader science theme of Season 19, which promises a variety of science-related content and items. In addition to pets, the update will introduce new tools and gear for players, such as the Tesla Cannon and an Enclave Water Cooler that offers an interactive element to C.A.M.P settings. Importantly, a Plasma Core Recharger will also be added, allowing players to recharge their Plasma Cores directly in their C.A.M.P rather than purchasing new ones, thus improving the sustainability of gameplay and resource management. As a result of these changes, players are eagerly awaiting the resumption of server operations to explore the new features and content once the maintenance concludes. Bethesda plans to keep players informed via their official communication channels regarding the duration and progress of server maintenance.