Dive into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 76 as Season 20 introduces a thrilling new feature: the chance to become a Ghoul in a radiation-soaked wasteland. This update, dubbed "The Ghoul Within," brings a host of ghoul-related features, mechanics, and fresh cosmetics to enrich your C.A.M.P. experience. Learn all about the transformation process, the unique abilities you'll gain, and the new Level 50 Character Boost that can jumpstart your adventure.
Bethesda announced on March 18 that Fallout 76 Season 20, "The Ghoul Within," is now live, allowing players to embrace their inner Ghoul. This update introduces Ghoulification through the "Leap of Faith" questline, leading players to a new area in the Savage Divide where they'll meet characters aiding in their transformation. As a Ghoul, you'll unlock exclusive abilities like Glow and Feral, along with 30 new Ghoul-specific Perks, known as "Gherks."
The Feral ability swaps out hunger and thirst for a meter that boosts different stats based on its level. At 0%, you'll see dramatic changes, including a massive +150% increase in Melee Damage, but at the cost of -5 Endurance, -99 Charisma, -30 Max HP, -20 Max AP, and a -300% decrease in Hip-fire Gun and V.A.T.S. Accuracy.
The Glow ability lets you consume radiation, granting immunity to diseases and mutations, and causing you to emit a visible glow. It also boosts your maximum health, heals damage, and enhances your Gherks.
There are 28 perks to choose from, plus two new legendary perks for Ghouls. Note that perks related to Hunger, Thirst, and Chem Resistance are off-limits to Ghouls, as they don't need these benefits.
Embracing the Ghoul life makes navigating the radioactive wasteland easier, thanks to your new Gherks and abilities. However, certain factions like the Brotherhood of Steel may react hostilely, potentially blocking access to some questlines. Fortunately, a new NPC named Jaye offers disguises that allow you to bypass these restrictions. If the Ghoul lifestyle isn't for you, you can revert to being human via the Character Screen, but remember, this is a one-way trip. To become a Ghoul again, you'll need to spend 1000 Atoms on the Ghoul Retransformation option.
Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned dweller of Appalachia, the Level 50 Character Boost is here to accelerate your journey. Available for 1500 Atoms, this boost equips you with the necessary perks and boosts to dive straight into multiplayer features like Daily Ops, Public Events, and story content.
The Season 20 update also includes bug fixes, balance tweaks, accessibility improvements, combat adjustments, and weapon damage changes. Bethesda has teased the upcoming "The Big Bloom" update, set for April 29, as part of their season calendar.
Since its rocky launch in November 2018, Fallout 76 has seen continuous updates, culminating in the "Mostly Positive" rating it now holds on Steam, with 76% of reviews being positive. The game is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.