Fallout 76 Could Learn a Thing or Two From FF14's Deep…

Summary

Fallout 76 has made significant improvements over the years with major updates and DLCs, making it a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Fallout 76 could learn from Final Fantasy 14's Deep Dungeons and incorporate varied layouts, bosses, and group play mechanics to revitalize its multiplayer content and create a more rewarding endgame experience.
Fallout 76 will need more engaging dungeons in order to extend its lifespan.

Fallout 76 may have suffered a disappointing launch in 2018 and endured its fair share of up and downs, but the title has turned its fortunes around with significant improvements over the years. With major updates and DLCs, such as Wastelanders and Nuka World on Tour, the game has introduced human NPCs, engaging quest lines, and seasonal events, making it a more enjoyable gaming experience. Despite these updates, many fans still believe Fallout 76 has some weaknesses in terms of endgame content, as its dungeons didn't contain the necessary in-depth material to maintain excitement in the fan base. Given this underperformance, Bethesda could take a leaf out of Final Fantasy 14's book and implement its deep dungeons in a post-apocalyptic form.

Final Fantasy 14's Deep Dungeons such as the Palace of the Dead and Heaven on High provide players with an exciting side game that doubles as an alternate leveling path for their characters. These dungeons are highly popular in Final Fantasy's community, and by incorporating some of the successful elements from these chambers, Fallout 76 could revitalize its multiplayer content and offer players a challenging new way to enjoy the wasteland long after completing the endgame.

Fresh Layouts and Bosses Could Revolutionize Fallout 76

Final Fantasy 14's Deep Dungeons were built on the premise of multiple-themed encounters. FF14's Palace of the Dead and Heaven on High present gamers with randomly generated floors, each containing unique layouts and monsters to navigate across. The layout of the levels in The Palace of the Dead has a theme of abandoned research facilities, while Heaven on High focuses on floating islands in a sea of clouds. Attractive design is an essential factor in a game's success, and implementing a similar varied aesthetic would add some much-needed depth to Fallout 76's rather monotonous dungeon experience.

One way the developer can mimic this mechanic is to allow players to venture into different zones within the Burrows in Fallout 76, each containing its own set of challenges and enemies. These zones could culminate in a boss battle requiring coordination and teamwork to succeed. By introducing a series of encounters tied together by a central theme that stays true to the Fallout aesthetic, Fallout 76 could create a more rewarding endgame experience for players.

Another way Fallout 76 can improve its dungeons is by designing encounters that require players to join forces, but still allow for individualistic pick-up-and-play mechanics. A crossover between group play and solo contributions is almost guaranteed to foster a sense of community among players, and this could bridge the gap in experience between veteran Fallout players and newer fans.

Final Fantasy 14's Deep Dungeons skillfully leverages core mechanics from the base game and stretches them to their limits in unique and challenging ways. Fallout 76 can adopt a similar strategy by incorporating its solo gameplay elements into the popular multiplayer raids. From using building mechanics strategically to combining various character abilities and weapons, players could tackle encounters that demand a higher level of skill and creativity. For instance, gamers could navigate through dangerous environments using Fallout 76's C.A.M.P. Structures to overcome obstacles and enemies. Additionally, special roles could be assigned to different players, encouraging the use of specific skills and tactics.

Fallout 76 has undoubtedly come a long way since its launch, providing a much-improved and captivating experience for new players. The game's future content plans and Bethesda's commitment to listening to player feedback give hope for a long live-service life. Addressing the concerns of long-term players, particularly in terms of story-driven updates and endgame content, will be crucial for its continued success. Overall, Fallout 76 is now a game worth exploring, especially for newcomers, and with further improvements to its dungeons, the title could enhance the post-apocalyptic experience and solidify Fallout's captivating allure.