Ghoul Update: Full Details on Fallout 76

Fallout 76 Season 20 introduces an exciting new feature, allowing players to transform into Ghouls within the radiation-saturated world of Appalachia. Dive in to discover the myriad of ghoul-centric enhancements and a new level 50 character boost.

Fallout 76 Season 20 Out Now

Unleash the Ghoul Within

Fallout 76's latest update lets players experience the game from a Ghoul's perspective. Bethesda announced on March 18 that Season 20, dubbed "The Ghoul Within," is now live, bringing with it a host of ghoul-related features, mechanics, and new cosmetic options to revamp your C.A.M.P.

In this update, players can undergo Ghoulification by completing the "Leap of Faith" questline. This journey leads players into a new area of the Savage Divide, introducing them to unique characters instrumental in their transformation. As a Ghoul, players gain exclusive abilities such as Glow and Feral, along with access to 30 new Ghoul-exclusive Perks.

The Feral ability replaces traditional hunger and thirst mechanics, instead offering boosts based on the Feral meter's level. However, if the meter drops to 0%, the gameplay changes dramatically: "At 0%: you gain +150% Melee Damage, and lose -5 Endurance, -99 Charisma, -30 Max HP, -20 Max AP, -300% Hip-fire Gun Accuracy & V.A.T.S. Accuracy."

On the other hand, the Glow ability allows players to consume radiation, rendering them immune to diseases and mutations, and even causing them to emit a glow. This ability boosts maximum health, heals damage, and enhances the effectiveness of Ghoul-exclusive Perks, which Bethesda playfully calls "Gherks."

Players have 28 perks to choose from, along with two new legendary perks designed specifically for Ghouls. Note that perks related to Hunger, Thirst, and Chem Resistance are unavailable to Ghouls, as these do not benefit them.

A Day In The Life of A Ghoul

Navigating the radiation-filled wasteland as a Ghoul is made easier with the new abilities and Gherks. However, certain factions like the Brotherhood of Steel may react negatively, potentially blocking access to some quests.

To circumvent this, players can meet Jaye, a new NPC who provides disguises allowing Ghouls to interact with otherwise inaccessible content. If the Ghoul lifestyle isn't for you, you can revert to human form through the Character Screen, though this is a permanent decision. Re-Ghoulification is possible by spending 1000 Atoms on the Character Screen.

Level 50 Character Boost and Season 20 Patch Notes

Whether you're new to the wasteland or a seasoned dweller, the Level 50 Character Boost can accelerate your journey. Available for 1500 Atoms with the Season 20 update, this boost provides immediate access to multiplayer features like Daily Ops, Public Events, and select story content.

The update also includes numerous bug fixes, balance adjustments, accessibility improvements, combat tweaks, and weapon damage modifications. Bethesda has also teased the upcoming "The Big Bloom" update scheduled for April 29, as part of their season calendar.

Since its launch in November 2018, Fallout 76 has evolved significantly from its initial troubled release. Now boasting a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam with 76% positive reviews, the game is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.