Fallout 4’s big next-gen update: the good, the bad, and the busted

Walton Goggins (The Ghoul) in Fallout. Credit: Prime Video © 2024 Amazon Content Services LLC
Walton Goggins (The Ghoul) in Fallout. Credit: Prime Video © 2024 Amazon Content Services LLC /
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Fallout 4's long-awaited next-gen update has finally arrived, but it's not without its share of troubles across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms. While the prospect of a free 60fps mode and various enhancements sounds promising, fans are encountering a mixed bag of experiences that range from disappointing to downright frustrating.

Released nine years after its initial launch and timed perfectly with the Fallout TV show's buzz, the update addresses longstanding bugs, offers creation club content, and improves visuals with quality and performance modes on consoles. However, the PC community is facing the brunt of the issues. Many report barely noticeable improvements, along with new performance problems, crashes, and broken mods. Ultra-wide support is also problematic, with stretched UI elements causing visual distortion and frustration among players.

Console players fare slightly better, but challenges persist. On Xbox Series X/S, a bug locks the next-gen version to 60fps mode, regardless of settings changes, leaving users confused and disappointed. PlayStation 5 users encounter a different hurdle: while the update itself is accessible, some PS Plus Collection owners initially couldn't download it for free, leading to confusion and manual purchases.

Even minor inconveniences, like DLC downloads requiring manual deletion and reinstallation, add to player frustrations. These issues, combined with missing textures and broken mods, underscore a critical need for smoother updates. With the next single-player Fallout installment unlikely until the 2030s, players are eager for swift resolutions to enjoy their post-apocalyptic adventures without hindrance.

Despite the setbacks, the Fallout community remains hopeful for quick resolutions to these issues. With Bethesda's track record of post-launch support and updates, players anticipate fixes to address performance issues, mod compatibility, and DLC download hiccups.

As players navigate these challenges, the Fallout 4 next-gen update serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in bringing beloved titles to modern platforms. While the promise of enhanced experiences is enticing, the reality often involves unforeseen technical hurdles and user frustrations.

As Bethesda works to iron out the wrinkles, fans eagerly await smoother gameplay experiences and optimized performance on their preferred platforms. In the meantime, they continue to explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland, undeterred by the bumps along the road to a truly next-gen Fallout 4 experience.

In the midst of these challenges, the Fallout 4 community has demonstrated resilience and patience, recognizing that the road to a flawless next-gen experience may be bumpy. Bethesda's commitment to addressing player concerns and improving the game's performance instills confidence that these issues will be resolved in due time.

Despite the initial hurdles, many players are grateful for the opportunity to revisit the Commonwealth with enhanced visuals and performance. The allure of returning to familiar territories with fresh eyes outweighs the inconvenience of troubleshooting technical issues.

Ultimately, the Fallout 4 next-gen update serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the dedication of its fanbase. As Bethesda continues to fine-tune the game, players remain eager to dive deeper into the irradiated world of post-apocalyptic Boston, undeterred by the challenges along the way.