Fallout 76 Wastelanders: Best starting tips for the expansion Fallout 76 Guide, Walkthrough

The Wastelanders expansion introduces many new features to Fallout 76. The game was enriched with a number of independent characters and several new missions creating a new separate storyline. This guide page contains the best tips for Fallout 76 Wastelanders. We discuss the elements added by the DLC, as well as the mechanics found in the basic version of the game. Here you can find practical tips that will help you start the expansion: starting new quests, developing your character and gaining experience, combat and handling weapons, earning gold (caps), and other tips for beginners of Fallout 76 Wastelanders.

• Independent characters and new quests
• Character development and experience
• Combat and weaponry
• Earning caps
• Tips for beginners

Independent characters and new quests

Independent characters are the main attraction of this expansion.

The biggest novelty in Fallout 76 Wastelanders is the independent characters. Several new NPCs can join you as allies, others will assign you new quests, and others fill the game world as traders or bandits. The missions introduced by the expansion create an entirely new storyline. Starting the new story is simple - just talk to the women (Isela and Lacey) staying outside Vault 76. It doesn't matter if you are creating a new character or playing a pre-existing one - the plot of Wastelanders always starts in the same place.

Character development and experience

Profit cards determine your character's abilities.

One of the most basic gameplay elements in Fallout 76 Wastelanders is developing your character. This is done using S.P.E.C.I.A.L. points and profit cards (or simply perks). S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes are determined with 7 different statistics - every new level gives you one point, which you can spend to increase any attribute. In turn, perks can be assigned to attributes.

How do perks work?

Perks are based on a cards system - every time a character gains a level, you get one random profit card (and a cards pack every few levels). Each perk is assigned to one specific attribute - such as Strength, Intelligence, or Perception. You must assign a given profit to the attribute to make it active. However, the number of assigned cards is limited by the level of the card and the number of points in a given attribute.

For example, if your character has a Strength at level 5, the total level of perk cards cannot exceed the number 5. In this case, you can use, for example, five level 1 cards or one level 3 card and one level 2 card. A detailed description of the perks system can be found on a separate page of the guide - "How perks work and how to get them?".

How to gain experience?

You can't develop a character without gaining experience. However, getting it isn't difficult - it happens almost automatically as you play Fallout 76 Wastelanders. All you need to do is kill opponents, perform quests, create new items, and participate in events that take place on the map. You will get a certain number of experiences from each of these activities - after gaining the required number, your character will reach the next level.

Combat and weaponry

The game world is full of weapons.

Acquiring and using weapons is another basic element of the Fallout 76 Wastelanders gameplay. You can choose from melee weapons, several types of firearms, or various types of explosives. Read this chapter to learn where you can find good starting weapons, how to fix weapons and how the VATS system works.

Where to find a good starting weapon?

You find your first weapon after leaving Vault 76 - a Machete is lying next to the corpse. This weapon is great for fighting basic enemies. Next, got to the ruined hut behind the Vault hill - there you will find two pistols. We also recommend visiting the nearby Wixon Homestead - you will find even more firearms.

How to repair weapons?

Remember that every weapon in Fallout 76 Wastelanders wears down gradually as you use it. Destroyed weapons or armor lose their properties and become weaker. You can fix them at crafting tables. Crafting tables can be found in different locations or you can build them using the CAMP system. You also need the right materials to repair the weapons.

How does the VATS system work?

Due to the online nature of the game, the VATS system works slightly differently compared to the previous Fallout games. Once VATS mode is activated, the sight will disappear, and you don't have to manually target the enemy - in return, you get a percentage chance of hitting the target. Using VATS mode also charges the critical hit bar - when it is full, you can inflict additional damage.

Earning caps

Taking part in events is a good way to make some caps.

Caps in Fallout 76 Wastelanders serve as money or gold. You can use them to buy new weapons, Stimpaks or food. Caps are also required for fast travel. You will earn caps by completing missions, taking part in events, or selling items. However, there is also a different way to earn money - Mothman Eggs. You will find plenty of them around the Mothman Museum - then you can sell them to traders. The process is described in detail on a separate page of the guide - "How to earn caps easily?".

Tips for beginners

The world of the game can be dangerous - you could use some practical advice.

Below are some practical tips that should help you during your time with Fallout 76 Wastelanders. You have to watch out not only for mutant opponents. Dehydration and hunger, high levels of radiation or even other players are also a danger.

Death doesn't mean the end

It is worth mentioning that death in Fallout 76 doesn't have serious consequences. After death, you can immediately respawn in your chosen (previously discovered) location, and lose only the least valuable items. In addition, the map will mark the place of your death, so you can go back and recover lost items.

Remember to drink and eat

You have to pay constant attention to your character's hunger and hydration. Both indicators are visible in the bottom right corner of the screen, just above the action points bar. When they reach the red, your action points will be reduced, and in extreme cases you will start to lose health. You have to eat food and drink every now and then. However, remember not to eat raw meat or drink uncooked water - you may end up receiving a dose of radiation.

Pay attention to radiation

Another important indicator is the level of radiation. Many of the locations or opponents in Fallout 76 Wastelanders are contaminated - being near them will increase your character's radiation levels. Radiation affects your health - it lowers the maximum level of your character's health.

Interactions with other players

Although it is possible to play Fallout 76 Wastelanders alone, you will still run into other players. You can work with them (by forming a team) or attack them and enter the PvP mode. However, until both players attack each other, the damage inflicted is greatly reduced, making it much harder to kill a player who isn't interested in fighting. In addition, all players who are level 5 or below are completely immune to attacks from other players. Once you level up, you will be able to start pacifist mode.