'Fallout 76' Beta And Game To Skip Steam Release, Bethesda Confirms

Bethesda has confirmed that neither the Fallout 76 beta nor the complete Fallout 76 will be launching on the Steam platform, according to PC Gamer.

"The PC version of Fallout 76, for both the B.E.T.A. and the launch, will be available only via Bethesda.net, not on Steam," a Bethesda rep said in an email to PC Gamer.

Bethesda exec Pete Hines confirmed the same on Twitter:

It makes sense that Bethesda wants to encourage use of its own launcher — companies like EA and Blizzard do the same thing — but Steam access is a matter of convenience for many players. By far the biggest PC digital distribution platform, Steam is a behemoth that isn't easy to ignore. It's hard to say whether or not Fallout 76 will ever come to Steam, though the rep's phrasing would seem to indicate not.

That being said, according to the Fallout 76 beta FAQ, at least all progress made in the beta will carry over into the release version. In fact, the beta version is supposed to be the full game.

"Our current plan for the B.E.T.A. is it will be the full game and all your progress is saved for launch," the FAQ states. Beta feedback will also be incorporated into the game. Best of all, the beta will not be under a non-disclosure agreement, so players will be able to post whatever Fallout 76 content they want.

The Fallout 76 beta will begin in October, and everyone who preorders Fallout 76 will receive an invite. Redemption codes will be provided either directly on pre-order receipts or via pre-order email confirmations for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 or Bethesda.net.

Fallout 76 launches on November 14, 2018.

Are you looking forward to the Fallout 76 beta? Does the lack of Fallout 76 on Steam affect your decision to play? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.