Bethesda Game Studios has shared details about the highly anticipated playable Ghoul experience coming to Fallout 76. The Ghoul update will be available on the Public Test Server (PTS) tomorrow, allowing players to experience the new character type for the first time in the franchise. The introduction of playable Ghouls is likely influenced by the positive reception of Walton Goggins' portrayal of Cooper Howard in the Fallout TV show.
Ghoul Character Details
Playing as a Ghoul is an endgame experience, with the related quest starting at level 50. Key features include:
- Customizable design, including skin texture
- Immunity to radiation; radiation actually heals them
- Excess radiation builds up into a new resource called Glow
- 32 exclusive perk cards, in addition to existing human perks
- No need for food or water; manage a "feral meter" instead
- Increased hand-to-hand combat when "feral," but with accuracy and health drawbacks
- Potential to adopt a berserker-style playstyle
- Unique interactions with NPCs and factions
- In-game methods to disguise your Ghoul nature
- Ability to revert to human form once for free.
Ghouls are designed with "dozens of alternate ways" to specialize their character, according to the developers. The resource, Glow, can be used for different effects depending on your character's specialization.
NPC Interactions and Narrative
Many NPCs and factions, like the Brotherhood of Steel, will react differently to player Ghouls. However, the new content will reportedly open up new narrative paths to experience.
The Ghoul update is scheduled for launch sometime in early 2025. The recent Gleaming Depths update also added a new raid for Fallout 76, offering players a four-player dungeon and a chance to earn new four-star legendary weapons.
