(Image credit: Bethesda)
Within the Bethesda chapter of the Fallout franchise, no installment boasts a map more expansive than the MMO offshoot Fallout 76. Despite a lukewarm reception at launch—earning a 2.5 rating from GamesRadar+ in 2018—the game has grown in favor, now attaining a ‘Mostly Positive’ rating on Steam. Among the key draws for players is its vast scale, which continues to expand with each new update. Although initially marketed as being “four times the size of Fallout 4,” the vastness of the map almost didn’t happen.
At a Game Developers Conference session in 2025, attended by GamesRadar+, lead artist Nate Purkeypile shared the struggle behind ensuring the map’s impressive size. “Fallout 76’s map was enormous; surpassing even Skyrim, and it was a battle I fought hard right from the beginning,” Purkeypile stated. He knew players would invest significant time in the game and wanted to encapsulate the grandeur of the West Virginia wilderness. Interestingly, Bethesda initially preferred a smaller scale.
Reflecting on the initial responses, Purkeypile noted the mixed reviews: “Although the launch was rocky, players appreciated the map. It’s somewhat satisfying hearing ‘hey, the game might not be great, but the map’s impressive.’ That’s when I felt confirmed in my role.” He added, amid discussions of expansive, open-world games, that Minecraft developers announced the game wouldn’t transition to free-to-play due to its foundational structure not aligning with that model.
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