The much-anticipated Burning Springs content update for Fallout 76 is now live. It brings the game’s largest map expansion since the Wastelanders release. This new chapter takes players west across the Point Pleasant bridge into a previously unexplored region of post-apocalyptic southeastern Ohio.
The new map features environmental hazards, including toxic water and dust storms filled with a substance called Rust. This desolate area is ruled by the powerful Super Mutant known as the Rust King. Players can start his questline by tuning into the Ohio Distress Signal at level 30. Although the land is dangerous, a new social hub, Highway Town, offers survivors a place to rest and gather supplies atop an elevated section of highway.
A major addition to the gameplay is the introduction of Bounty Hunting. This system provides a new way to obtain Legendary items and is led by a familiar character from the Fallout television series: The Ghoul. Voiced by actor Walton Goggins, who reprises his role, he is located at the Last Resort saloon in Highway Town and offers players contracts.
The Bounty Hunting system consists of two main activities. First, there are repeatable Grunt Hunts, where targets receive random mutations. Second, there are server-wide Head Hunts, which are tougher public events that start when a Premium Bounty poster drops. Head Hunts are high-stakes encounters featuring three-star Legendary targets, supported by strong posse members. They also drop items with new and exclusive Legendary effects.
In addition to the new map and Bounty Hunting, the update introduces two new public events, “Gearin’ Up” and “Sinkhole Solutions,” along with new collectible fish. The update also marks the beginning of Season 23, called Blood X Rust, which has a Raider theme. Bethesda has stated that the Burning Springs storyline is just the first chapter of a narrative set to unfold over multiple future updates.
