Fallout 4 VS Fallout 76: Why the Commonwealth Stands Superior

In the sprawling universe of the Fallout series, both Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 have carved their niches, but from my vantage point, Fallout 4 emerges as the more compelling choice, especially for those who cherish the core elements of what makes Fallout, well, Fallout.

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First, let me clarify; this article reflects entirely my point of view. It's based on my personal experience and preferences with 9+ years in Fallout 4, and 5+ years in Fallout 76 (both on and off). I hope it sparks a healthy discussion since our individual experiences are valuable, let's dive in!

The Modding Marvel of Fallout 4

For me, Fallout 4 is the ultimate playground thanks to its modding community. I have 100+ mods currently installed and am always looking for new ones. I've spent countless hours customizing my game to an extent that feels like I'm the one shaping the post-apocalyptic world. I even crated a few mods; some clothing re-textures, nothing special. From graphical enhancements to new guns, quests, and even redefining the game's mechanics, the mods offer a level of personalization that Fallout 76 simply can't match with its live service model.

This contrasts sharply with Fallout 76, where customization is largely confined to what can be bought or earned within the game's live service model. While Fallout 76 has its charms, and we can expect a lot in 2025, the freedom to tailor your journey is significantly curtailed without the modding freedom Fallout 4 provides. There are also console commands, whereas in Fallout 76 it's a non-existent feature. That's one for Fallout 4.

Settlement Building, another Creative Outlet

Settlement building in Fallout 4 feels like an extension of my creativity. The mechanics are user-friendly, allowing me to craft settlements that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing without the complexity that sometimes plagues Fallout 76's camp system. While Fallout 76 does have its merits, particularly with the C.A.M.P. system allowing for unique player expressions through shared world interactions, for me, the simplicity and integration of settlements into the gameplay of Fallout 4 wins out. I'm well aware that many would disagree with this one but, oh well. That's another one for Fallout 4.

Soloing the Authentic Wasteland

I've always been drawn to the solo exploration aspect of Fallout games, and Fallout 4 delivers this in spades. The narrative is gripping, personal, and feels tailored for someone venturing alone through the ruins. On the other hand, Fallout 76, while playable solo, feels designed for communal exploration. It lacks the same level of narrative depth when experienced alone, making the world feel somewhat empty without the hustle of other players. Not to mention it also feels harder, but maybe that's just the feeling I got since I know it's all designed with the teaming up in mind.

The post-apocalyptic vibe in Fallout 4 feels authentic. The wasteland of the Commonwealth screams Fallout with every ruined building and radiated creature. My biggest issue with Fallout 76 is its lush setting in Appalachia, both with hills and vegetation. Set only 20 years after the nuclear apocalypse, it just doesn't go with my expectations. It breaks my immersion, making it hard to believe this is a world still recovering from atomic devastation. Also, I'm more of a New Vegas type of wasteland, so yeah..

Fallout 76 introduces a level of complexity to the overall game that can feel a bit overwhelming. The daily grind, the need to keep up with updates, and the feeling of possibly missing out on content can be daunting. I know that's something many love, but it's simply not my cup of tea. Fallout 4 provides a more straightforward experience where I can lose myself in the story without worrying about missing seasonal content. That said, Fallout 76 excels in providing a continuously evolving world with regular updates that keep the game fresh for those who enjoy that aspect of gaming.

A Wish for a Perfect Fallout Game

But what if we could get the best out of the both worlds? That's my wish for Fallout 5, but let me explain. If there's one thing that could elevate Fallout 4 further, it would be the addition of a co-op mode. The idea of sharing the Commonwealth's adventures with a friend could have been a game-changer, potentially eclipsing the need for a game like Fallout 76. While Fallout 76 offers this social aspect, allowing players to team up and explore together, it comes at the cost of the deep, singular narrative focus that I love in Fallout 4. Let's face it, we wouldn't need Fallout 76 if there was a Fallout 4 multiplayer mode. And what if we get a new Fallout game in 2025? I would wish for a co-op for sure.

One important thing where I believe Fallout 76 should also perform better is adding friends (lol). While players on consoles don't have this problem (as I heard), we the PC (Steam) players somewhat do. Adding friends in Fallout 76 is frustrating. You need to use Bethesda.Net usernames, which many don't know, and friends must be online to accept invites or they're auto-declined, or declined within some small time frame. Despite my trying to add friends via socials (on Instagram and both Facebook pages Fallout Hub and Vault-Tec Inc.), both YouTube and Twitch streams, Discord, and Steam Group (shameles follow us ad :)), I couldn't form a four-player party in a month's worth of streaming and sharing my IGN. Just to be clear - I didn't want to play with randoms, but rather with viewers that follow our pages.

The system should allow finding friends via Steam, PSN, or Xbox Live IDs, or simply by in-game character names like other multiplayer games. I believe we can all agree that adding a friend in CoD is pretty straightforward. It's a significant oversight for a game meant to be enjoyed with friends. I have five friends in total, with so much hustle from my side, and they are mostly offline. And I've been in and out for years. If it's such a hustle for me, the admin of social media pages with almost 300K Fallout fans, so I believe many could be missing out. Fallout 76 is meant to be played with friends and that's that. 

All-in-all, while Fallout 76 has its merits, particularly in fostering a different kind of community interaction, Fallout 4 remains the pinnacle for me. Fallout 4 is for those who seek the traditional Fallout experience, enriched by modding, a focused narrative, and a wasteland that feels truly post-apocalyptic. Fallout 76, while it thrives in community engagement, environmental storytelling, and offering a shared world experience, doesn't quite hit the same notes for me, especially when it comes to solo play and the simplicity of gameplay I cherish, and the overall feel. 

I'm really eager to hear from the rest of you. How did you find adding friends in Fallout 76, or what was your experience like diving into Fallout 4/76? Let's swap stories and see where our journeys in the wasteland took us!

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