Fallout 76 Update Introduces Ghouls and Major Fixes

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Fallout 76 players are in for a treat as Bethesda rolls out a significant update, introducing Ghoul characters and a host of fixes to the game. The update, which began with scheduled downtime on Tuesday, January 21, aims to enhance the gaming experience with new features and quality-of-life improvements.

The downtime, which started at 3 p.m. GMT (10 a.m. EST), is expected to last approximately three hours, though previous updates have varied in duration. This update is particularly notable for its introduction of Ghoul characters in the Public Test Server (PTS), allowing players to transform their characters and access new abilities. The full release of this feature is anticipated in March.

For the broader player base, the update brings a slew of bug fixes and improvements. Key changes include the ability to store Fusion Cores in Ammo Boxes and adjustments to Perk Cards, which should help balance gameplay and ensure players receive their intended rewards and XP. These updates are part of Bethesda’s ongoing efforts to refine Fallout 76, which has seen a resurgence in popularity following a rocky launch.

Bethesda’s support team confirmed the update details via Twitter, noting that the PTS is currently available only on PC. Players interested in testing the new Ghoul features can download the PTS through Steam. The update also addresses performance issues in specific quests and raids, though some problems, such as those in The Gleaming Depths raid, are still under investigation.

This update, version 1.7.17.9, is one of the most extensive in recent months, weighing in at approximately 15GB across all platforms. While it doesn’t introduce much new content, it significantly improves the game’s stability and functionality, making it a crucial step in Fallout 76’s evolution.