When starting a new journey in Fallout 76, you enter Vault 76 two and a half decades post the Great War. As the vault dwellers prepare to repopulate the Earth on Reclamation Day, your Overseer tasks you with contacting the Responders about the operational nuclear silos at Site Charlie, Site Bravo, and Site Alpha.
Before embarking on the main quest from Vault 76, a crucial decision awaits you, shaping your character's early progression. This choice sets the tone for your adventure and defines your gameplay style. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate between Battle Ready and Fresh Dweller in Fallout 76.
Choosing Between Battle Ready and Fresh Dweller
If you're a seasoned Fallout 76 player, opt for Battle Ready after completing initial quests and grasping game mechanics. This selection fast-tracks your new character without revisiting introductory segments. Conversely, newcomers to Fallout 76 or the franchise should start as Fresh Dwellers. This route eases you into the game's mechanics before presenting tougher challenges, foes, and missions. Moreover, you begin with a clean slate, handpicking your first 20 perk cards.
After settling on Battle Ready or Fresh Dweller, the game prompts you to select a Perks loadout. These predefined SPECIAL builds streamline your initial gameplay. For instance, opting for the Slugger SPECIAL loadout equips you with essential Perks for a melee-focused character. Once chosen, you depart Vault 76, commencing your journey through Appalachia.
Opting for Battle Ready
By selecting Battle Ready in Fallout 76, the game instantly elevates you to level 20. Furthermore, based on your chosen SPECIAL loadout, all Perk cards align with that build, eliminating the need for manual selection. Battle Ready expedites gameplay by providing common Perk cards for your desired build. However, if you crave a fresh start with a specific build in mind, Fresh Dweller is the way to go.
Opting for Fresh Dweller
Conversely, Fresh Dwellers commence Fallout 76 at level 1. Additionally, you receive one Perk card tailored to your chosen SPECIAL loadout. This setup is ideal for starting from scratch and handpicking Perk cards as you progress, rather than relying on the game's choices. Experimenting with different Perk cards as you level up allows flexibility in trying various playstyles until finding the perfect fit.