The Fallout universe, known for its dramatic post-apocalyptic races, hosts a variety of mutated beings, from the massive Super Mutants affected by the Forced Evolutionary Virus to the sophisticated Synths developed in the Institute. Yet, among these fascinating entities, Ghouls stand out as fan favorites. These humans, heavily mutated by radiation, are about to become playable for the first time in the franchise’s history with the upcoming update for Fallout 76.
Scheduled for release in early 2025, this free update will transform players’ current characters into Ghouls, introducing a new gameplay dynamic. Game Rant recently had the opportunity to explore this new class and discovered that the playable Ghoul is far beyond just a cosmetic enhancement.
The Gameplay Impact of the Ghoul Class in Fallout 76
Introduction of the Glow System
Players who choose to become Ghouls in Fallout 76 will experience several pivotal gameplay changes. The first key feature is the immunity to radiation damage, which becomes a strategic asset rather than a hazard. In fact, players will be rewarded for engaging with irradiated environments.
By consuming irradiated substances or lingering in toxic areas, players will fill a new “Glow”meter, visually represented by a vibrant green bar above their health points. This Glow meter not only acts as supplementary health but also unlocks an array of Ghoul-specific abilities, many of which are linked to the update’s new Perk Cards. When the meter is filled, the character will emit a glowing effect, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Expansion of Perk Cards for Ghoul Players
While Ghouls will still utilize many existing human Perk Cards, an exciting addition of 30 new, Ghoul-exclusive Perk Cards will enrich gameplay variety. Noteworthy cards include “Brick Wall,”which grants immunity to stagger effects, and “Wild West Hands,”offering a 36% chance for instant magazine reloads.
However, most new perks capitalize on the Glow meter’s capabilities. For example, “Action Ghoul”allows players to regenerate Action Points 45% faster when their Glow meter is full, while “Glowing One”permits players to share their Glow with nearby allies. Additionally, “Breathe It In”significantly increases radiation exposure, which can expedite filling the Glow gauge.
Introduction of the Feral Meter
The debate surrounding Ghouls’ necessity for food and hydration is finally addressed in Fallout 76. By transforming into a Ghoul, players replace the standard hunger and thirst indicators with a Feral meter. To maintain this meter, players will need to consume Chems. Failing to do so risks diminishing weapon accuracy while simultaneously boosting melee damage, providing alternative strategies for deeper gameplay engagement.
Narrative Implications of Playing as a Ghoul
One of the more profound aspects of being a Ghoul in Fallout 76 is experiencing the ingrained social prejudice that these characters face. Many denizens of the Wasteland view Ghouls as horrific beings, regardless of their maintained intellect. Players opting for the Ghoul class will encounter altered dialogues and behaviors from NPCs and factions, notably the Brotherhood of Steel, as they navigate through a world filled with hostility towards their kind.
It’s important to note that Game Rant’s preview showcased an early build of the playable Ghoul, implying that some features are subject to change before the update’s launch in 2025. This early version also left out finer details regarding the narrative changes associated with being a Ghoul.
Unlocking the Ghoul Class in Fallout 76
The journey to become a Ghoul begins for players at level 50. Upon starting this quest, players will venture to Whitespring Refuge, where they will encounter Leamon, a character suffering from severe radiation sickness. In a bid to help him, players will explore an underground research facility rumored to contain a solution. Throughout this quest, themes of survival and discrimination as a Ghoul are intricately woven, compelling players to contemplate the ramifications of their choices.
This quest blends comedic dark humor typical of the Fallout series with serious themes of life and what it means to be a Ghoul. Once players have made the irreversible decision to become a Ghoul, they will engage in a customization screen similar to the human character creator, with additional options unique to Ghouls, such as skin texture alterations.
Overall, the introduction of the playable Ghoul class represents one of the most significant updates to Fallout 76 thus far. With a plethora of new abilities, survival challenges, and narrative explorations provided at no cost, this evolution is poised to satisfy long-time fans and engage new players alike. Fallout 76 is finally addressing a long-standing desire for an authentic Ghoul experience, while ensuring that it remains enriching and complex.
Game Rant was provided travel and lodging for the purposes of this preview.
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