We already know that Fallout 76, while being an online only game, is one that players can play solo should they choose to. We also know that private servers for players is something that will be coming to the game after launch, to facilitate mod support. In an interview with Multiplayer IT, translated on Reddit, Bethesda Game Studios’ Todd Howard revealed more information on how that might work- and when players can expect it to be added to the game.
Put simply, private servers will let players play and engage with the world solo, or only with their friends, with their own custom rules, which may include mods as well.
“Not at the launch,” Howard said when asked about when these private servers might launch. “When you come into play you can see the other players but you will not be forced to interact with them; you can play on your own. You can see them but you do not have to fight them. Maybe you can use them to exchange items, to join a team, or you can visit their camp. There are a lot of things you can do with other players that is not a comparison with weapons. However, one of our long-term plans is to have servers where you can live your lonely world. You alone. Or at the limit where you can invite only your friends; or you can apply mods and change the rules at your discretion. All of this is in our projects but there will not be at the launch of the game.”
Which sounds like it might appeal to players who want to immerse themselves into another one of Bethesda’s worlds, without necessarily being nuked or sniped by another player out of nowhere. It makes sense. Single player has always been an appeal of Bethesda’s games, and it is good to see Howard recognize that even with Fallout 76. Fallout 76 launches for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on November 14.