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Fallout 76 Wastelanders update delayed another week due to shift to remote work

The addition of NPCs was supposed to happen last year

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Fallout 76 teaser - computer desk Image: Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks
Charlie Hall is Polygon’s tabletop editor. In 10-plus years as a journalist & photographer, he has covered simulation, strategy, and spacefaring games, as well as public policy.

The free Wastelanders update for Fallout 76 was supposed to come out late last year, but has been delayed yet again due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic slowing down work on the project at Bethesda Game Studios.

“For the safety of everyone, we have transitioned to remote work, and are limiting our in-person interactions,” the studio tweeted. “However, this has affected our ability to do the final testing we need for Wastelanders, and we must move the release date a week, from April 7 to April 14. We’ve done everything we can to minimize the delay and can’t wait for everyone to play.”

Fallout 76 launched in a sorry state in November 2018, with many bizarre bugs and glitches. But eventually the online-only game found its community, including dedicated role-playing groups. It has since been beefed up with more content for single players, along with the addition of private servers. The Wastelanders mode will provide for a much more traditional Fallout experience, with non-player characters to talk to.

The Wastelanders update will launch alongside the Steam version of the game. Currently the PC version of Fallout 76 is only available through Bethesda’s own launcher.

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