Bethesda Game Studios has launched a new update for Fallout 76, titled “The Ghoul Within,” which introduces player ghouls for the first time. The update is live now and coincides with the start of Season 20, significantly changing the game. In the world of Fallout, ghouls are humans mutated by the radiation of the nuclear wasteland.
While some go feral and become dangerous, many just try to survive.
It's time to get your Ghoul on – #Fallout76's Ghoul Within update is here!
☢ New Ghoul-bilities (Feral Meter and Glow)
? 28 New Perk Cards and 2 Legendary Perks
? Season 20: Glow of the Ghoul, with Radiation-themed rewards pic.twitter.com/dGH1km4q9U— Fallout (@Fallout) March 18, 2025
This update allows players to take a ghoul serum that triggers their transformation into ghouls, offering special perks, immunity to radiation, and new character customization options. However, this transformation is available only to characters at level 50 or above, so new players will need to progress before they can access this feature.
Once transformed, players can enjoy unique social dynamics in Appalachia.
The latest #Fallout76 update is RAD-i-ghoul!
Ghoul Within is available now giving you the option to transform into a ghoul. pic.twitter.com/y9Btm6JOhK
— Bethesda (@bethesda) March 18, 2025
The interactions with NPCs and vendors will change, and ghouls will need disguises to enter certain areas, such as the Brotherhood of Steel’s base, which strictly prohibits ghoul entry. If players decide they no longer want to remain ghouls, they can purchase a token in the Atomic Shop to revert to their human form.
However, neglecting to take a preventative chem can result in going feral, adding a layer of risk to the transformation. Season 20 also introduces ghoul-themed cosmetics, allowing players to decorate their camps to reflect their new macabre aesthetic.
Maintenance is complete, and @Fallout 76 is available again on all platforms.
Check out the Ghoul Within release notes article for more information. https://t.co/ipWvyWimVA pic.twitter.com/G3aIueKbSf
— Bethesda Support (@BethesdaSupport) March 18, 2025
Player ghouls add gameplay dynamics
This is the first time a Fallout game has allowed players to transform into ghouls, making “The Ghoul Within” a noteworthy update. Fans are eager to see how this change will impact the game’s dynamic and overall experience in the wasteland. For those interested in exploring this new feature, the update is now live and ready for players to dive into.
In an exclusive interview with Creative Director Jon Rush and Senior Producer Bill Lacoste, they discussed the specifics of playing as Ghouls, the origins of the feature, and potential balance issues. Lacoste said, “Yeah, I think we have always wanted to play as a Ghoul in the Wasteland. This idea has been floating around for a while, but we really only started working on it last year.
When asked about the disguise system, Lacoste explained, “The sole requirement for becoming a Ghoul is being level 50.
So, if you haven’t done some of the main story content, becoming a Ghoul could hinder your progress. The disguise system allows Ghouls to complete quests they might have missed.
Regarding balancing the new Ghoul mechanics, Lacoste stated, “It depends on how the player wants to play. Ghouls benefit from radiation, so if you’re a player who prefers Power Armor, this might not be for you.
The balance will be ongoing, but we’ve gathered much good data from our time on PTS. It’s all about offering different options and ensuring no one feels disadvantaged.”
Overall, Fallout 76 continues to evolve with exciting new content, balancing challenges, and a focus on community feedback, ensuring that the game remains engaging for both new and veteran players.
Photo by Triyansh Gill on Unsplash
