From Bugs to Glitches: Fallout 4's Next-Gen Struggles
Bethesda's long-awaited next-gen update for Fallout 4 has finally arrived, but the release has been marred by a slew of technical issues across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. Despite the update's hefty size, which was rolled out on April 25, 2024 approximately 18 months after its initial announcement—fans have been left underwhelmed and frustrated by the experience.
PlayStation 5 players have faced challenges in obtaining the update due to an availability error and unclear messaging from Bethesda. While the update is available, players on Xbox have reported a lack of access to the game's Quality Mode, depriving them of the promised 4K resolution on ultra settings. According to tech expert Thomas Morgan of Digital Foundry, Xbox players can only access the 60 frames per second Performance Mode due to a bug in the update.
PC players, on the other hand, have voiced numerous concerns on Steam. Many bugs that were promised to be fixed in the update remain, disappointing players who had hoped for a smoother gameplay experience. Additionally, some mods that were used to fix these issues prior to the update are now incompatible.
Initial reactions to the patch notes were also negative, with users on Reddit expressing disappointment at the short bug-fix list. Some players have even anticipated the arrival of new bugs with the update, further adding to the frustration.
Steam Deck users have reported that the game is now unplayable on the handheld PC, with issues ranging from no graphics settings or launcher to defaulting to low settings and poor frame rates for those who can launch it.
PlayStation users faced their own set of issues, particularly regarding the upgrade process. While the game was previously available for free through PlayStation Plus, players encountered difficulties upgrading to the next-gen version for free, as they were prompted to purchase the update for $19.99. Bethesda later clarified that this was a bug and that the upgrade should have been free for eligible players.
Despite these issues, Fallout 4 has seen a resurgence in popularity, possibly due to the success of the Fallout TV series on Amazon. This resurgence has extended to other games in the franchise, including Fallout 76, which saw a significant increase in player numbers following the show's release.
In conclusion, while the next-gen update for Fallout 4 was highly anticipated, its release has been marred by technical issues and user frustrations. Bethesda is likely working to address these problems, but in the meantime, players may need to exercise patience and understanding as the studio works to deliver a more polished experience.