Release Date: December 2, 2025
Update Type: Free Major Map Expansion
Version Number: 1.7.22.12
Fallout 76's Burning Springs update introduces the largest map expansion since "Wastelanders," taking players west across the Point Pleasant bridge to post - apocalyptic southeastern Ohio. This arid desert region features over 20 new locations to explore, a complete storyline centered around the tyrannical super mutant "Rust King," a fully - realized bounty hunting system, and the debut of "The Ghoul" from the Fallout TV series, voiced by Walton Goggins. The update also launches Season 23: "Blood X Rust" and includes significant gameplay improvements and technical optimizations.
New Region: Burning Springs
The Burning Springs region presents a stark contrast to Appalachia's greenery with its sun - baked deserts, dried riverbeds, deep canyons, and abandoned settlements. Highway Town serves as the main hub where players can stock up before venturing into the harsh environment. Environmental hazards include extreme heatwaves, radiation zones, and sandstorms that reduce visibility and stamina. The ecosystem supports unique desert creatures, including the tamable "Radhog" pet that provides various benefits to its owner.
Bounty Hunting System
At the heart of the expansion lies the two - tier bounty hunting system:
· Grunt Hunts: Smaller contracts designed for solo play or duos, offering basic rewards and experience. These are ideal for players new to the system or looking for quick rewards.
· Headhunts: Large - scale public events requiring coordination and strategy, featuring powerful targets with unique abilities and defenses. These challenging encounters yield legendary weapons, significant caps, and Season 23 progression points.
The system works through bounty boards in Highway Town where players select contracts, track targets across the desert, and return for rewards. Successfully completing bounties raises your reputation with the local factions, unlocking additional quests and rewards.
Storyline & Characters
The narrative revolves around the Rust King, a brilliant super mutant who rules Burning Springs with an iron fist and commands an army of deathclaws. Players will uncover the region's dark history while encountering various factions: the desperate desert raiders, resilient survivors, and a mysterious tech cult.
The highlight character is "The Ghoul" from the Fallout TV series, voiced by Walton Goggins. This charismatic, foul - mouthed survivor provides key quests and serves as a bridge between the game and the upcoming second season of the show, which premieres December 17, 2025.
The main storyline offers over 20 hours of gameplay, with multiple branching paths and moral choices that impact the region's future.
New Weapons & Gear
Burning Springs introduces several unique weapons and equipment:
· Hand Cannon: A powerful revolver - style weapon that can be customized with rifle attachments, accepting both.50 and.308 ammunition for versatile combat.
· Desert Armor Set: Provides enhanced heat resistance and camouflage benefits in arid environments, ideal for stealthy bounty hunting.
· Legendary Mods: New weapon and armor effects including "Scorching Trail" (leaves lingering fire damage) and "Sandstorm" (obscures enemy vision).
· Radhog Saddle: Allows players to ride and control their captured Radhog pets, increasing movement speed across the desert.
Gameplay Enhancements
Combat System
Comprehensive rebalancing of all weapon classes, with melee weapons receiving new critical strike effects and heavy weapons becoming more viable against armored enemies. Enemy AI has been redesigned specifically for the desert environment, with raiders using flanking tactics and mutants adapting to different player approaches.
C.A.M.P. System
Expanded building options with fewer restrictions, allowing for more creative base designs. The new "Item Lock" feature prevents accidental selling or scrapping of valuable crafting materials and rare items.
UI/UX
Updated emoticon wheel with better categorization and additional slots for social interactions. The bounty system features a dedicated HUD that provides real - time tracking and objective updates.
Technical Improvements
Performance Optimization
Significant reductions in loading times across all platforms, with streaming improvements for the expansive desert landscape.
Memory Management
Reduced instances of frame drops during large - scale events like Headhunts or when multiple players are in proximity.
Server Stability
Enhanced networking code to handle the increased player density in the new region, with improved rollback protection during connectivity issues.
Season 23: Blood X Rust
Launching alongside Burning Springs, Season 23 features a raider - themed progression track with rewards including:
· New armor and weapon skins with industrial, rusted aesthetics
· C.A.M.P. decorations inspired by desert salvage
· Unique player titles and emotes
· Radhog customization options
Season challenges include both Burning Springs - specific tasks and traditional Appalachian activities, with extra rewards for completing the full track before Season 24 begins.
Download Information
· PC (Steam): Approximately 42.8GB
· PlayStation 4/Xbox One: Approximately 35 - 40GB
Final Thoughts
Burning Springs represents a significant milestone for Fallout 76, expanding the game world by nearly 40% and introducing a gameplay loop (bounty hunting) that could define the game's direction for months to come. The integration with the Fallout TV series adds a new layer of excitement, especially for fans of the show. Whether you're exploring the unforgiving desert, tracking down high - value targets, or building your dream C.A.M.P. in Highway Town, this update breathes new life into the Appalachian wasteland and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting holiday season for Fallout fans.