Bethesda has launched a major update for Fallout 76 titled "Gone Fission," introducing a wave of new content and the beginning of Season 21. This season is packed with fishing-themed challenges and rewards, marking a significant addition to gameplay. Alongside these, the update includes a variety of balance changes and overall improvements, aiming to enhance the experience for both new and returning players.
The June 3 patch (Version 1.7.20.12) officially adds fishing as a core feature. Players start a new questline called "Casting Off" in the Mire at Fisherman’s Rest, where they meet a new NPC, Captain Raymond Clark, and his hermit crab companion. Completing the quest grants a Fishing Rod, which can be upgraded through challenges and daily quests. Players can now fish at any swimmable water location using different bait types, and weather conditions further impact fishing success.
Beyond fishing, the update brings meaningful improvements to Fallout 76’s core systems. Bait quality affects the likelihood of rare catches, and fish can be used for cooking or traded for legendary loot. Bethesda also rolled out combat rebalancing to improve build variety and weapon viability, made travel more efficient with reduced Fast Travel costs, and introduced a Quick Heal priority setting. These updates reflect the game’s continued evolution from its rocky 2018 launch, showcasing Bethesda’s ongoing efforts to refine and expand the Fallout 76 experience.