Since its release in 2018, Fallout 76 has been the subject of intense scrutiny, debate, and eventually, praise. The game, initially launched with a significant number of issues, has evolved into a much more polished experience thanks to numerous updates, expansions, and community feedback. If you’re considering buying Fallout 76 now or wondering about the game’s pricing, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore the current state of Fallout 76, including its price across different platforms, how the game’s value has changed over time, and what you can expect from it in 2025.
The Evolution of Fallout 76
When Fallout 76 was released, it was met with backlash due to its buggy gameplay, lack of NPCs, and broken mechanics. Bethesda, known for its epic open-world titles, found itself at the center of controversy. The game launched in a state that left many players frustrated. Yet, over the years, the development team at Bethesda has worked tirelessly to update and fix the game, introducing new features, quests, and quality-of-life improvements. With expansions like Wastelanders and Steel Dawn, Fallout 76 became a more complete experience.
Now, in 2025, Fallout 76 is generally regarded as a solid entry in the Fallout franchise, with a vibrant community, regular updates, and plenty of content to keep players engaged. So, let’s break down how the game’s pricing has shifted over time, and what you get for your money.
Fallout 76 Price Check: Current Costs
The price of Fallout 76 can vary depending on a number of factors: the platform you’re playing on, the edition of the game, and whether there are ongoing sales or bundles. Below is a breakdown of the general pricing you can expect for Fallout 76 across different platforms in 2025:
1. PC Version (Steam and Bethesda Launcher)
For those looking to play on PC, Fallout 76 is available through both Steam and the Bethesda Launcher (although it’s worth noting that Bethesda has been integrating its launcher with the Steam platform for smoother access). As of early 2025, the typical price for the base version of the game is around $40 USD. This price point represents the current version of the game, which includes all major updates, patches, and expansions released over the years.
If you’re looking to get the game at a discounted rate, sales events such as Steam’s Summer Sale or Black Friday often see the price drop to around $20 to $25. However, be sure to check for discounts before purchasing, as prices fluctuate throughout the year.
Additionally, Fallout 76 often goes on sale in bundles with other Bethesda titles, or during events like Bethesda’s annual sales. For example, the Fallout 76 + Fallout 4 bundle often sells for about $50, giving you a great value for two games.
2. PlayStation and Xbox Versions
For console gamers, Fallout 76 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. As of 2025, the price for these versions of the game is generally in the $40 USD range for the base edition. However, prices can dip to around $25 to $30 during sales events, similar to the PC version.
It’s also worth considering that Fallout 76 is often available for free or at a discounted rate as part of Xbox Game Pass, which includes access to a large library of games. If you are already subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, the game may be included at no additional cost, which is a huge advantage for those looking to jump into the post-apocalyptic world without spending extra.
3. Special Editions and Expansions
If you’re looking to get more out of Fallout 76, the game also offers special editions that include additional perks and in-game content. For example, the Fallout 76 “Tricentennial Edition,” which was initially priced around $80 USD, offers a set of exclusive cosmetic items, including skins, emotes, and outfits. Similarly, there are Fallout 76 subscription services like Fallout 1st, which offers private worlds and other exclusive perks for a monthly fee. This subscription service costs around $13 USD per month, or about $100 USD annually.
You might also encounter bundles that include both the base game and expansions. Fallout 76 expansions such as Wastelanders, Steel Dawn, and The Pitt were once sold separately, but many of these are now included in the base game, making it a better value overall for new players.
4. Online Marketplaces
If you’re searching for even more competitive prices, you might consider looking at third-party online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or even digital marketplaces like Green Man Gaming. These platforms often offer Fallout 76 at discounted prices or as part of bundles. Just be cautious when buying from third-party vendors, as there can sometimes be issues with the legitimacy of the product keys or codes. Stick to trusted platforms to ensure you’re getting a legitimate copy of the game.
Fallout 76 Price Trends Over Time
Understanding how the price of Fallout 76 has changed over time gives us insight into its value and the broader trajectory of the game. When Fallout 76 first launched in November 2018, it had a standard price of $60 USD, in line with most AAA releases. However, the negative reception of the game’s launch—due to bugs, poor optimization, and missing features—led to a significant price drop in the following months.
By early 2019, the price of Fallout 76 had already dropped to around $40 USD for the base edition. In 2020, the game had further price reductions, often found in bundles or on sale for $20 to $30. The price decrease reflected not only the initial backlash but also Bethesda’s strategy of offering the game at a lower price to attract players back after the rocky launch.
As of 2025, Fallout 76 seems to have stabilized in price, sitting between $30 and $40 for the base game, with occasional discounts pushing it lower. While not as low as it was in the past, this pricing reflects the game’s improvements over time and the content it offers. Regular updates, new expansions, and seasonal content have increased its longevity and, in turn, its value proposition.
What Do You Get for Your Money?
If you’re wondering what the value proposition is for Fallout 76 in 2025, it’s important to consider the following:
1. Expansive Open World
Despite the rocky start, Fallout 76 has evolved into a rich open-world experience with diverse environments, interesting characters, and dynamic events. The game world, set in post-apocalyptic West Virginia, is vast and filled with secrets to uncover. The world feels alive, thanks to frequent content updates that bring new areas, quests, and storylines. This open world is one of the main reasons players are still flocking to the game.
2. Multiplayer and Co-op Gameplay
One of the most significant changes to Fallout 76 is the inclusion of multiplayer. Unlike previous Fallout titles, which were strictly single-player, Fallout 76 allows players to team up with friends or strangers to tackle quests, raids, and world events. The inclusion of multiplayer has made the game more dynamic and replayable. It’s a huge selling point for players who enjoy the social aspect of gaming.
3. Continued Updates and Expansions
Bethesda has continued to release updates and expansions for Fallout 76, with the major expansions—Wastelanders, Steel Dawn, and The Pitt—adding significant amounts of content to the game. These updates have expanded the game’s narrative, introduced new factions, and improved the overall quality of life. Notably, the addition of NPCs in Wastelanders addressed one of the game’s most significant criticisms and helped make the world feel more immersive.
In 2025, the game continues to receive seasonal updates, bug fixes, and new content, ensuring that there is always something fresh for players to enjoy.
4. Fallout 1st Subscription
For those looking to enhance their experience even further, the Fallout 1st subscription offers exclusive benefits, such as private servers, extra storage, and special cosmetics. If you play Fallout 76 regularly and want a more customized experience, the subscription service might be worth considering. However, for many casual players, the base game offers plenty of content without needing the subscription.
Conclusion
To wrap up, Fallout 76 has undergone a significant transformation since its release in 2018. What began as a rough launch has evolved into a much more polished and engaging multiplayer experience. With constant updates, new expansions, and a growing player base, the game has become a worthwhile investment for fans of the Fallout series and open-world RPGs.
When it comes to the Fallout 76 price check, the current price generally ranges from $30 to $40 for the base game, though discounts and bundles can bring it down to $20 to $25. Special editions and subscription services, such as Fallout 1st, offer additional perks, but for many players, the base game offers plenty of content. For those who are still on the fence about buying the game, it’s worth keeping an eye out for sales and considering the value of the updates, multiplayer features, and expansions included in the current version of Fallout 76.
In conclusion, Fallout 76 has become a well-rounded experience in 2025 and is definitely worth the price, especially for those looking for an expansive, dynamic, and constantly evolving game world to explore.
FAQs
1. How much does Fallout 76 cost in 2025?
The price of Fallout 76 in 2025 is generally between $30 and $40 for the base edition. During sales events, such as Steam’s Summer Sale or Black Friday, you can often find the game at discounted rates, ranging from $20 to $25.
2. Is Fallout 76 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, Fallout 76 is absolutely worth buying in 2025. The game has received numerous updates, including major expansions like Wastelanders and Steel Dawn, which have significantly improved the gameplay experience. The addition of multiplayer features and a growing community has helped the game evolve into a much more engaging experience than it was at launch.
3. What’s included in the Fallout 76 expansions?
Fallout 76 expansions, such as Wastelanders, Steel Dawn, and The Pitt, add new quests, factions, and gameplay features. Wastelanders added NPCs to the game, a significant improvement over the original design, and brought new storylines. Other expansions continue to build on the game’s world with fresh content and deeper narratives.
4. Are there any discounts available for Fallout 76?
Yes, discounts are available during major sales events, including Steam’s seasonal sales or retailer-specific deals. You can often find Fallout 76 for as low as $20 during these sales, especially for the base game or bundles with other Fallout titles.
5. What is Fallout 1st?
Fallout 1st is a subscription service that offers exclusive perks for Fallout 76 players. Benefits include access to private servers, extra storage for items, and exclusive in-game cosmetics. The subscription costs around $13 per month or $100 annually.
6. Can I play Fallout 76 for free with Xbox Game Pass?
Yes, Fallout 76 is available through Xbox Game Pass. If you are subscribed to Game Pass, you can access Fallout 76 at no additional cost, which is an excellent option for players who want to try the game without purchasing it upfront.
7. Is Fallout 76 a multiplayer-only game?
Fallout 76 is primarily a multiplayer game, allowing players to team up with others to explore the open world, complete quests, and fight enemies. However, you can play solo as well, and the game has evolved to offer a rich single-player experience in addition to its multiplayer components.
8. Will Fallout 76 receive more updates in the future?
Yes, Bethesda has committed to continuing updates for Fallout 76, including seasonal events, new expansions, and bug fixes. The game has evolved significantly since its launch, and players can expect additional content to be released in the future.
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Bonnie Wright