Highlights
- Fallout 76 surpasses Fallout 4 in visual effects, thanks to developers improving the game's visuals.
- Fallout 4 offers a more engaging storyline compared to Fallout 76 , with impactful player decisions.
- Fallout 76 shines in weapon and armor variety, allowing for more customization options than Fallout 4.
Since the release of the Fallout TV show, Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 have seen a massive spike in popularity. That said, there are some people out there who can't decide which game to play. Both Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 have their good points and bad points, but which one is the better game? Well, that's what this article is all about.
![Fallout Show Best Characters](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fallout-show-best-characters.jpg)
Fallout: Best Characters In The Show, Ranked
Amazon's Fallout series has introduced several characters that have already resonated with fans. These are some of the best.
From gameplay mechanics and visual effects to storylines and weapon selection, there's a lot to take into consideration when determining which game is better. So, the best way to find out which game is superior is to compare the core components of both games and see which comes out on top.
6 Visual Effects
Which Game Looks Better?
When it was released, Fallout 4's landscape was breathtaking. Not only that, but shooting, reloading, and pretty much everything players could do looked great, especially when compared to Fallout 3. While it did have some very clear visual bugs, for the most part, everything looked fantastic.
As for Fallout 76, as almost everyone knows, it didn't get off to the greatest of starts. Rendering issues, countless enemies t-posing their way to the player, and other issues plagued the game. Thankfully, the game has come a long way since its launch. While it isn't perfect, lots of the initial visual issues have been fixed.
Which one is better? Fallout 76 wins in terms of visual effects. Thanks to all the work put in by the developers, Fallout 76's visuals overshadow those in Fallout 4. However, this could change with the release of Fallout 4's next-gen update.
5 Storyline
Which Game Has The Best Main Storyline?
Most players who have played both games will agree that neither of the main storylines in Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 are anything special. While Fallout 76's main storyline is much better today than it was upon its release, there isn't a whole lot of substance to it.
![fallout-4-dogmeat-elder-maxson](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/wm/2024/04/fallout-4-dogmeat-elder-maxson.jpg)
Fallout 4: All Main Story and Faction Quests
There's a ridiculous amount of content for Fallout 4 players to sink their teeth into, with over 50 main story missions and plenty of side quests.
As for Fallout 4, it certainly had its moments, but as far as Bethesda games go, it ranks pretty low down on the list in terms of great storylines. That said, it does have some truly memorable moments. Also, the player's decisions have the potential to change the main storyline entirely, while Fallout 76 doesn't have a lot of meaningful choices that players can make. Because of these things, Fallout 4 has a better main storyline than Fallout 76.
4 Weapons And Armor
Which Game Has Better Weapons And Armor Choices?
Like in all Bethesda video games, both Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 have lots of options when it comes to weapons and armor that players can use. Fallout 4 has a whole range of unique weapons and armor pieces that players can find, loot, and earn while playing. Unfortunately, outside of mods, Fallout 4 doesn't have a lot of options for customizing weapons and armor. While it does offer some, it pales in comparison to the amount available in Fallout 76.
![Fallout 76 Best Legendary Weapons](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mixcollage-29-mar-2024-03-38-pm-3521.jpg)
Fallout 76: 10 Most Valuable Legendary Weapons
Players interested in the most valuable Legendary Weapons in Fallout 76 don't have to look much further than these examples.
Fallout 76 allows players to craft and re-roll legendary weapons and armor pieces. This means that instead of having fixed effects, players can keep re-rolling for new and exciting legendary combinations. Also, Fallout 76 has a wide range of mods and skins that players can apply to their gear pieces. When it comes to weapons and armor, Fallout 76 beats out Fallout 4.
3 Game Performance And Bugs
Which Game Has Fewer Performance Issues?
Most Bethesda fans already know that Bethesda games tend to have lots of bugs. While some of them are harmless and can be pretty funny, others can be game-breaking. Both Fallout games have a fair number of bugs. However, Fallout 76 seems to have more performance issues than Fallout 4.
While Fallout 76 has changed dramatically since its launch, it still has lots of bugs and performance issues cropping up. Also, since Fallout 76 is an online game, the servers can crash and kick players off for several hours at a time. For these reasons, Fallout 4 is better in terms of overall game performance. It also has fewer game-breaking bugs than Fallout 76.
2 Player Reviews
Which Game Has Better Reviews?
- Fallout 4 Recent Reviews: 79% Mostly Positive
- Fallout 76 Recent Reviews: 72% Mostly Positive
Upon its release, Fallout 76 received terrible reviews. In the beginning, Fallout 76 was a pretty bad game all round, so those reviews were justified. Thankfully, that has since changed. The developers have put in tons of effort to make the game a lot better. Today, the game is receiving largely positive reviews. In fact, on Steam, around 72% of player reviews are labeled as Mostly Positive.
As for Fallout 4, approximately 79% of recent reviews are Mostly Positive. Considering that Fallout 4 is a much older game than Fallout 76, this is a very impressive feat. So, as a whole, Fallout 4 tends to get better player reviews.
1 So, Which Game is Better?
A Summary Of Both Games
As a whole, Fallout 4 is the better game to play. It has better reviews, fewer bugs, and a better storyline. It also has a more 'typical' Fallout feel. Fallout games are designed to make players feel a sense of loneliness and isolation. This is difficult to achieve in an online game like Fallout 76, where the player will constantly bump into other players exploring the Wasteland.
While Fallout 4 does beat out Fallout 76, it does not mean that Fallout 76 is not worth playing. It is an incredibly fun game with a fantastic community. Those who enjoy playing online alongside other people will probably prefer Fallout 76 to Fallout 4, but for the most part, Fallout 4 is currently the better game to play.
![fallout 4 box art](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/fallout-4-box-art.jpg)
Fallout 4
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- November 10, 2015
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda