Bethesda has rolled out a substantial new update for Fallout 76 titled 'Gone Fission,' introducing a wealth of fresh content, gameplay refinements, and balance adjustments. This patch also marks the beginning of Season 21, packed with fishing-themed challenges and rewards.

Since its rocky launch in 2018, Fallout 76 has undergone significant transformations. Initially plagued by bugs and unmet expectations, the game has steadily improved through consistent updates and community feedback. The recent Ghoul Within update laid the groundwork for this expansion, with players gaining early access to the fishing feature via the Public Test Server (PTS).

Fishing: A New Way to Explore Appalachia

The 'Casting Off' questline introduces fishing as a core gameplay mechanic. Players begin their journey at Fisherman’s Rest in the Mire, meeting Captain Raymond Clark (the Fisherman) and his hermit crab companion, Linda-Lee. Completing the quest rewards a Fishing Rod, which doesn’t require equipping—simply approach any swimmable water and use the 'Fish' prompt.

Key Fishing Features:

• Bait System: Three tiers (Common, Improved, Superb) influence catch rarity and regional specificity.
• Weather Effects: Natural and C.A.M.P.-modified weather (rain, radstorms) impact fishing success.
• Fish Utilization: Consume for health, break into Fish Bits for cooking, or trade with Linda-Lee for Legendary items.

Combat and Perk Overhauls

The update continues Bethesda’s year-long combat rebalance, focusing on:

• Weapon Viability: Adjusted damage, AP costs, and critical/sneak multipliers for diverse builds.
• Perk Simplification: Removed crafting prerequisites and streamlined ranks (e.g., Armorer, Gunsmith).
• Legendary Mod Tweaks: Bloodied, Junkies, and Two Shot effects now scale more impactfully.

Accessibility and QoL Improvements

• Fast Travel: Costs reduced by 25%.
• Quick Heal Priority: Customizable in settings.
• Speech-to-Text: Re-enabled for better communication.

Patch Notes Highlights

New Content:

• Mystery of the Axolotl: Monthly rare catches in rotating zones.
• Local Legends: Trophy fish for C.A.M.P. displays.

Technical Adjustments:

• Gatling Plasma: Beam Splitter mod rebalanced for trade-offs.
• Limb Damage: Crippling mechanics now percentage-based for consistency.