In the wake of the hit Fallout TV series, the game's player count has soared in recent weeks - and Fallout 4 is set to receive a next-gen update to improve the experience on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and the Steam Deck.

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Fallout 4 was first released back in October 2015, and while it is still a handsome game (especially on PC with mods), it can't take full advantage of the latest generation of consoles.

The PC version isn't being left completely untouched, however, as that too is getting some bespoke treatment that will enable players with swanky ultrawide monitors to have an even more immersive experience.

Hopefully, for season 2, Bethesda will sneakily release a new Fallout game to better take advantage of all the hype, but that may just be wishful thinking...

Speaking of, here's hoping the next-gen update doesn't delay Fallout: London for too long.

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But let's see just what's in store, shall we?

When is the Fallout 4 next-gen update release date?

Fallout 4 power armour
Fallout 4. Bethesda

Bethesda has confirmed that the Fallout 4 next-gen update will arrive on Thursday 25th April 2024 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

On top of this, those on PS4, Xbox One and PC will receive a free update, too, though it won't be as big as an upgrade with more general fixes and improvements.

The original announcement for the next-gen update was announced in October 2022, with a 2023 release window initially stated. It was subsequently delayed in December 2023.

"Thank you for your patience with us as we work on the Fallout 4 next-gen update," wrote the official Fallout X (formerly Twitter) account.

"We know you're excited, and so are we! But we need a bit more time and look forward to an exciting return to the Commonwealth in 2024."

Bethesda then confirmed on 11th April as part of the promotion for the Fallout TV show that the upgrade would arrive at long last on 25th April.

What is the Fallout 4 next-gen update's UK release time?

The Fallout 4 next-gen update release time will most likely be between 5pm BST to 8pm BST.

This is according to some sleuthing from Nathan Bliss on Mirror.co.uk, who clocked that all of Fallout 4's previous updates have landed in this window.

If we get an official announcement regarding when the update will go live, we will update you with any new information.

Regardless, it's not long now, so you may well just see a pop-up on your dashboard or on Steam when the update is ready.

How to get the Fallout 4 next-gen update

To get the Fallout 4 next-gen update, you just need to let the game update itself when it goes live.

No other shenanigans are required here - it's as simple as any sort of update, with the added benefit of being free of charge.

It's worth noting that, on PS5, there is a handy way to see which version of a game you're playing:

  • Navigate to the game on the main menu of your console, and find the '...' button next to the big 'Play Game' button
  • Click the three dots, and you should see any alternate editions listed there
  • Some games will have a PS4 or PS5 version listed under that little menu, so pick the one you want!

If you're hoping to play it on the Steam Deck, make sure you're connected to the internet and it has downloaded before you head out for some away-from-home wasteland excursions.

Otherwise, Bob's your uncle and all that!

What do we know about the Fallout 4 next-gen update?

Fallout 25th anniversary key art showing Vault Boy and a group of characters in the wastelands
Fallout 25th anniversary key art. Bethesda

During the official announcement back in 2022, Bethesda confirmed a handful of details that fans can expect in the Fallout 4 next-gen update, such as a performance mode to attain a higher frame rate and a quality mode that will offer 4K capabilities. This was then re-confirmed in the official blog post surrounding the release date.
"This free update includes native applications for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, Performance mode and Quality mode settings, as well as stability improvements and fixes. Experience up to 60 FPS and increased resolutions!" reads the post.
On top of this, the developer revealed that numerous bug fixes will be implemented, alongside the arrival of Creation Club, which is the official mod support for Fallout 4.

For those on PS4 and Xbox One, Fallout 4 will receive stability improvements as well as login and quest fixes. Meanwhile, PC players will get widescreen and ultra widescreen support alongside fixes to Creation Kit and several more undisclosed updates.

The update reads: "Players with PC versions of Fallout 4 on Steam, Microsoft Store and GOG will receive stability, mods and bug fixes. For Japanese and Chinese language players on PC, Bethesda.net login issues have been resolved, fixing access to mods"

Furthermore, Fallout 4 will be available on the Epic Games Store for the first time and will also be Steam Deck verified.

Fallout 4 Creation Club
Fallout 4. Bethesda

Several Creation Club items will be added for free, too. This will be part of a new quest with the Enclave Remnants called Echoes of the Past, that will surround The Enclave spreading a dangerous ideology around the commonwealth, with players tasked with putting a stop to them.

The following items will be added to Creation Club:

  • Enclave Colonel Uniform
  • Enclave Weapon Skins
  • Enclave Armour Skins
  • Tesla Cannon
  • Hellfire Power Armour
  • X-02 Power Armour
  • Heavy Incinerator

Hopefully, it will keep fans somewhat occupied in the long wait for Fallout 5, which is still expected to be a good few years away.

Fallout 4 is available across PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows. The game can also be played via backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, that is until the new next-gen update hits.

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