In an update to the Fallout 76 B.E.T.A. (Break it Early Test Application) FAQ, Bethesda conspicuously left out Steam from the list of platforms. In a reply to a follow-up reply to PC Gamer, Bethesda confirmed that Fallout 76 will not be coming to Steam on PC, instead it will be exclusive to Bethesda.net.
Fallout 76 is arriving November 14 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The B.E.T.A. is coming in October.
According to the FAQ, the B.E.T.A. will be a significant head start into the full game. Progress carries over when the game officially launches. Since getting into the beta requires pre-ordering, October might as well be an Early Access launch for Fallout 76.
Pre-ordering Fallout 76 will result in an email with a code for the beta “at a later date.” Codes will be provided from either the pre-order receipt or the confirmation email. The B.E.T.A. is fully open to streaming and sharing, and represents the full game that’s launching a month later.
Access to the B.E.T.A. will require a free account at Bethesda.net. Exact start times have yet to be announced, but the FAQ states that it will begin on Xbox One first.
Steam has been the premiere digital marketplace for PC games for years, but we’re finally seeing some significant push-back. It’s well known that Valve takes a 30% commission from all sales on Steam, but most companies find the widespread exposure and user base worth it. It will be interesting to see how Fallout 76 fares on PC, and if it eventually releases on Steam at a later date, as was the case with Fallout Shelter.
Fallout 76 launches on November 14 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The B.E.T.A. begins in October for those who pre-order.
