Fallout 4's Next-Gen Update: A Heavy Load with Little Sparkle

Fellow gamers and modding enthusiasts! If you’ve been eagerly waiting for Fallout 4’s next-gen update, you might want to sit down for this one. Bethesda has finally rolled out the update, and it’s a whopper at over 14 gigs. But before you rush to download it, let’s talk about what this means for your modded saves and the overall Fallout 4 experience.

Fallout 4 Update: A Mixed Bag

The Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE), a modder’s best friend, has been hit hard by the update. This tool is the backbone of many mods, allowing them to run smoothly without leaving a permanent mark on the game. But with the update, modding just got a whole lot trickier. F4SE developer ianpatt shared on Nexus Mods that the update has broken F4SE and other native code modding tools, much like what happened with Skyrim’s ‘Anniversary Edition’ patch. ianpatt is working on an update but can’t promise when it’ll be ready or if it’ll even be possible. So, for now, modders are in a bit of a bind.

Don’t lose hope just yet! The modding community is nothing if not resourceful. Over on Nexus Mods, users are sharing tips on how to dodge the update bullet. There are guides on turning off auto-updates and even instructions on how to roll back the update if it’s already taken over your game. Shoutout to user Destructionares for their detailed walkthrough on the rollback process.

GameRevolution and Nexus Mods have also pitched in with walkthroughs for those who haven’t downloaded the update yet. However, if you want to keep your mods and don’t want to wait for updates, your best bet is to revert the update or count yourself lucky if you haven’t updated yet.

It’s not just small-time mods that are feeling the heat. The highly anticipated Fallout London mod, which promises new stories and locations, had to delay its release due to the update. The modding team, Team Folon, is now working overtime to adapt to Bethesda’s changes, with no clear release date in sight.

Why revisit Fallout 4 now? Well, the Prime Video series has reignited interest in the franchise, and there’s still a lot to love about the game. But this update? It’s a mixed bag. On one hand, it brings performance improvements and new Creation Club content. On the other, it’s wreaking havoc on the modding scene.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the update. First off, it’s massive, and not just in size. It’s causing issues with modded saves and non-Creation Club mods, including the essential F4SE. And despite being labeled ‘next-gen,’ it doesn’t offer any graphical enhancements. The ultrawide support is a nice touch, but it’s stretching the UI in a way that’s going to need a fan-made fix. Plus, the Creation engine still caps frame rates at 60fps, and the ‘Weapon Debris’ setting is still causing crashes on RTX cards.

Given all these issues, was the update worth the trouble? The patch notes don’t seem to justify the disruption it’s caused. Sure, modders had to adjust to updates for Skyrim and The Witcher 3, but those updates brought significant improvements. Fallout 4’s update, on the other hand, seems more focused on consoles, with better support for PS5 and Xbox Series consoles. But why should PC players suffer for that?

Despite the chaos, Bethesda did manage to fix a persistent glitch in the settlement system and added some new free quests and gear from the Creation Club, including an Enclave-themed quest. It’s reminiscent of the Witcher show-themed gear in The Witcher 3’s update.

Looking ahead, we can expect modders to update their projects in the coming days and weeks. But if you’re attached to a mod that’s no longer maintained, consider delaying auto updates on Steam and using an alternative launcher like F4SE. And keep an eye out for a user-made rollback patch on Nexus Mods.

Fallout 4’s next-gen update is a testament to the resilience of the modding community. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best solutions come from the players themselves. So, whether you’re rolling back the update or waiting for mod fixes, keep your Pip-Boys tuned for more updates from the wasteland.

“Fallout 4” by K-putt is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Community Response and Outlook

Get into the meat and potatoes of the Fallout 4 update and weigh the pros and cons. It’s been a rollercoaster for the community, and there’s a lot to unpack. So, buckle up, Vault Dwellers, we’re going in!

Starting with the pros, Bethesda has indeed introduced some performance improvements. These tweaks are always welcome, especially in a game that’s been around as long as Fallout 4. The smoother gameplay can enhance the overall experience, making those long hours spent in the Commonwealth even more enjoyable.

Another positive is the addition of new content through the Creation Club. The Enclave-themed quest and the new gear are exciting for players who enjoy official expansions to their gameplay. It’s a nod to the fans who’ve been clamoring for more Fallout lore and provides a fresh experience for those who’ve combed every inch of the game.

About the cons, which seem to be more prominent in the community’s eyes. The update has broken modded saves and has caused issues with non-Creation Club mods. This is a significant blow to the modding community, which has been the backbone of Fallout 4’s longevity. The Fallout 4 Script Extender, or F4SE, is crucial for many mods, and with it broken, players are left scrambling to find workarounds or simply unable to use their favorite mods.

The lack of graphical improvements is also a sticking point. For an update that’s been labeled ‘next-gen,’ players expected a visual overhaul that would breathe new life into the Commonwealth. Instead, they got the same graphics with a few performance tweaks. This has left many wondering if the update was worth the hype or the hassle.

Ultrawide support has been added, but it’s not without its issues. The user interface is stretched, and it’s clear that a user-made patch will be necessary to fix what Bethesda has implemented. It’s a half-baked feature that doesn’t deliver on its promise, leaving players with ultrawide monitors feeling shortchanged.

The Creation engine’s limitation of capping frame rates at 60fps is another drawback. In a time when higher frame rates are becoming standard, this feels like an outdated restriction that doesn’t align with ‘next-gen’ expectations.

“Fallout 4 – PS4 Screenshot” by Clinton Crumpler is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The ‘Weapon Debris’ graphics setting is still causing crashes on RTX cards, a problem that has persisted without resolution. This oversight is frustrating for players who have invested in the latest hardware, expecting a stable gaming experience.

Was the update worth it? It’s a mixed bag. While the performance improvements and new content are positives, they’re overshadowed by the negatives. The modding community has been hit hard, and the lack of significant graphical enhancements is disappointing.

Looking forward, we can expect modders to work their magic and update their mods to be compatible with the new update. The community is resilient and has always found ways to overcome obstacles. However, for those who rely on mods that are no longer maintained, the situation is more dire. It’s a reminder to always back up your saves and perhaps wait before jumping on the update bandwagon.

Fallout 4’s next-gen update is a testament to the enduring passion of the Fallout community. It’s a reminder that, in the world of gaming, progress can sometimes come with unexpected setbacks. But just like the survivors of the wasteland, the players adapt and overcome. Whether you’re a modder, a casual player, or somewhere in between, the Commonwealth is a place we’ve all come to cherish, and its community is what makes it truly special. So, keep your eyes on the horizon, your mods updated, and your adventures in the Commonwealth as epic as ever!