Bethesda has shared a clear look at what is coming to Fallout 76 over the next year. Starting in winter 2026, the game will receive the World Pets update, which changes how players interact with their animal companions. Instead of keeping them restricted to your base, you will be able to take your C.A.M.P. pets out into the world to assist with combat and exploration using new commands.
Upcoming Content Schedule
The development team has mapped out a steady stream of content that extends through the summer of 2027. Following the winter pet update, the focus shifts to the Hideouts update in spring 2027. This release introduces a new rival bounty hunter NPC named The Drifter, who will challenge players as they manage their own encampments. The roadmap also highlights the Raven Rock update, which pushes the map boundaries further southeast toward the Capital Wasteland, opening up new areas for exploration.
- World Pets: Scheduled for winter 2026, allowing pets to join players in the field.
- Hideouts: Arriving in spring 2027, featuring the rival NPC known as The Drifter.
- Raven Rock: A major map expansion focusing on the southeast region.
- Support Timeline: The current development roadmap is confirmed through summer 2027.
What This Means for Players
These updates address specific requests from the community regarding companion utility and map size. By allowing pets to function as active combatants, the game provides a more dynamic experience for solo players. The addition of The Drifter in the spring update adds a layer of tension to the open world, while the Raven Rock expansion offers a fresh environment for those who have already exhausted the current map. You can find the full details in the official patch notes provided by the developers.
| Update | Release Window | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| World Pets | Winter 2026 | Companion functionality |
| Hideouts | Spring 2027 | Rival NPC: The Drifter |
| Raven Rock | 2027 | Map expansion |