Which edition of Fallout 76 should you buy?

Fallout 76, Bethesda’s prequel to the post-apocalyptic Fallout series, will be released on Nov. 14. It’s a very ambitious game; most notably, it will be Bethesda Game Studios’ first online multiplayer game, with no human NPCs to assign quests or explain the narrative. Plus, the open world map is huge — four times larger than in Fallout 4.

Bethesda is running beta sessions with access to the full game for those who pre-ordered Fallout 76, with the express intent of finding issues within that ambitious world. The beta is actually framed as an acronym, B.E.T.A., as in “break-it early test application”. The last beta session will be on Nov. 8.

If you want to play the beta before launch you will definitely need to pre-order immediately, but that’s the only perk you’ll get with the standard edition. If you’re looking for some exclusive in-game items or physical collectibles, Bethesda is releasing two special editions. Here’s what’s available in each.

It’s also worth noting that, because it’s is an online game, Xbox and PlayStation users won’t be able to play Fallout 76 without their console’s online service. If you’re not yet a member of Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus, you’ll need to subscribe before launching Fallout 76.

Fallout 76 Standard Edition

Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks

With the exception of B.E.T.A. access for pre-orders, the Standard Edition comes with just the base game. It will cost $59.99 and be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC in both physical and digital formats.

Note: Fallout 76 is included in Amazon Prime’s pre-order program, which means you’ll get a $10 credit when you pre-order the game.

• Fallout 76 base game
• B.E.T.A. access

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Walmart | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store | Bethesda

Fallout 76 Tricentennial Edition

Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks

The Deluxe Edition is also referred to as the Tricentennial Edition, because the game takes place in the year 2076, America’s 300th year. It includes some in-game bonus items like armor and weapon customization, plus exclusive clothing and emotes. Physical and digital editions retail for $79.99.

• Fallout 76 base game
• B.E.T.A. access

In-game Bonus Items

• Tricentennial Power Armor Customization for the T-51, T-45, T-60, and X-01 Power Armors
• Tricentennial Weapon Customization for the 10 mm Pistol, Hatchet, and Laser Rifle
• Spectacularly Handsome Vault Boy Mascot Head
• Patriotic Uncle Sam Outfit
• Celebratory Vault Boy Saluting Emote
• First-Class Tricentennial Workshop Posters
• Tricentennial Commemorative Photo Frame

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop | Walmart | PlayStation Store | Microsoft Store | Bethesda

Fallout 76 Power Armor Edition

Bethesda Softworks

The $200 Power Armor Edition includes a wearable Power Armor helmet, along with some other physical collectibles and a steelbook case. Because there are physical components, the Power Armor Edition is not available digitally. Bethesda has said that a limited number of Power Armor Editions are being sold, and it’s sold out at a few retailers already.

In-game Bonus Items

• Tricentennial Power Armor Customization for the T-51, T-45, T-60, and X-01 Power Armors
• Tricentennial Weapon Customization for the 10 mm Pistol, Hatchet, and Laser Rifle
• Spectacularly Handsome Vault Boy Mascot Head
• Patriotic Uncle Sam Outfit
• Celebratory Vault Boy Saluting Emote
• First-Class Tricentennial Workshop Posters
• Tricentennial Commemorative Photo Frame

Collectibles

• Full-Scale Wearable T-51 Power Armor Helmet with West Tek Canvas Carrying Bag
• Glow-in-the Dark World Terrain Map
• 24 Collectible Fallout Figurines
• Tricentennial Steelbook

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy

Fallout 76 Xbox One Bundle

Microsoft

If you’re in the market for a new console, Microsoft and Bethesda teamed up on a Fallout 76 bundle. It includes a free digital download of the game, plus a free month of Xbox Live Gold.

• Xbox One X console
• Wireless controller
• Fallout 76 Standard Edition
• 1-month trial of Xbox Live Gold
• 1-month trial of Xbox Game Pass

Get it here: Amazon | Best Buy | GameStop