Fallout 76 is the first online multiplayer Fallout game. But can you play offline? Is Fallout 76 online only? Can you play Fallout 76 single-player? Considering every previous game in the series has allowed players to fly solo, it’s no surprise that many are looking to do the same in Fallout 76. However, this particular entry handles a little differently from previous iterations. Let’s take a look at what those who prefer single-player games can expect from the RPG sequel.
Can You Play Fallout 76 Offline?
Unfortunately, Fallout 76 requires an internet connection. This means that you’ll need to sign up for a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live account on PS4 or Xbox One, or you’ll have to have your PC hooked up to the internet to play it using the Bethesda launcher.
The reasons for not being able to play Fallout 76 offline are twofold:
- Co-op. Multiplayer co-op play is the core of Fallout 76, with you able to team up with friends on strangers in order to take on the variety of quests laid out in front of you.
- NPCs are replaced by other players. There are no non-playable characters in Fallout 76, with other players filling that void. This means that interactions with other live players are the driving force behind Fallout 76, with you able to take on world events alongside other players, trade with them, or engage them in PvP combat.
For those who hoped that they would be able to take Fallout 76 offline, this is disappointing. However, you can still play it as though it were a single-player game.
Fallout 76 Single-Player
Fortunately, if you still want to play Fallout 76 as though it is a single-player game, then that’s a possibility. You don’t need to team up with anyone when you leave Vault 76, and there are perks such as Lone Gunner that provide you with boosts if you’re looking to go it alone. While this is definitely a game that’s better when played with friends, and you probably won’t get the same amount of joy out of it as a solo player as you did with previous Fallout games, it’s still a possibility.
With that being said, taking on some of the world events — particularly at a lower level — can be a pain if you’re tackling them by yourself. Even in the early stages of Fallout 76, you can find yourself up against a level 30 beast of a creature via these world events, so teaming up with other players is hugely advantageous.
Still, if you want to go it alone, you can do just that. Just make sure you’re hooked up to the internet in order to do so.