When Fallout 76 was first announced back at E3 2018, the image I had in my mind was basically a Fallout version of Rust: surviving with friends in a harsh post-apocalyptic world, where we could slowly build up a base, fend off other groups of players, and construct a community of our own.
Then, of course, came the actual game, which was very different. PvP was an agreed-upon event rather than omnipresent threat, and while this solved any potential griefing problems, it simultaneously removed the challenge of defending yourself – something I felt would make the game feel more, well, Fallout.
My hopes were raised once again when the Fallout 76 survival mode beta was announced. In theory, this could have provided some of the tension created by PvP for those who wanted it (me) without disrupting those more focused on quests, PvE or peaceful base construction.
