After years of battling Ghouls in *Fallout 76*, players now have the chance to walk a mile in their decaying shoes. A brand-new questline introduces the option to become a Ghoul, offering a fresh perspective and unique gameplay mechanics. But before you take the plunge, it's worth considering what this transformation truly entails. So, should you become a Ghoul in *Fallout 76*? Let’s break it down.
How To Become a Ghoul in Fallout 76
To begin your journey as a Ghoul, you must reach at least level 50 and accept the “Leap of Faith” questline. Once accepted, you'll travel to the Savage Divide, where you’ll meet key characters who guide you through the process of embracing your new identity. While the transformation is straightforward, the decision to become a Ghoul comes with significant gameplay implications—both positive and negative.
Pros of Becoming a Ghoul in Fallout 76
Turning into a Ghoul unlocks powerful abilities like Feral and Glow, each offering distinct advantages and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what you gain:
- Feral Mode:
- Above 80% Feral Meter: +3 Strength, +3 Endurance, +30 Max HP
- Above 60%: +15 Max HP
- Above 40%: -1 Endurance, -5 Max HP
- Above 20%: -3 Endurance, -15 Max HP, -10 Max AP
- At 0%: +150% Melee Damage, but with heavy penalties including -5 Endurance, -99 Charisma, -30 Max HP, -20 Max AP, and -300% Hip-fire Gun Accuracy & V.A.T.S. Accuracy
- Glow Ability: Increased maximum health and passive healing from radiation damage. Simply by consuming tainted food or exploring irradiated zones, you can regenerate health on the go.
In addition to these unique abilities, Ghouls also gain access to exclusive Perk cards that stack with standard human perks, making them a compelling choice for power builds. You're also immune to diseases and no longer need to rely on safe food sources while scavenging the Wasteland.
Cons of Becoming a Ghoul in Fallout 76
However, becoming a Ghoul isn't without its drawbacks. The “Leap of Faith” questline places you at odds with several factions, which can result in hostility and blocked quests if you’re not careful. Additionally, Ghouls suffer from reduced Charisma, limiting dialogue options and interactions with NPCs.
Thankfully, *Fallout 76* offers a workaround. Jaye Vo, an NPC introduced in the questline, provides disguises that allow you to bypass faction conflicts and continue playing without constant combat interruptions.
Should You Become a Ghoul in Fallout 76?
Despite the potential downsides, the Ghoul transformation in *Fallout 76* is packed with exciting mechanics and gameplay depth. It's a rewarding experience that adds variety to how you approach the game. Plus, if you ever change your mind, you can revert back to your human form via the Character menu. Keep in mind, though, that doing so will prevent you from completing the “Leap of Faith” storyline. However, you can always return to the Ghoul state later for a mere 1,000 Atoms.
So, if you're looking for a fresh challenge or want to explore a different side of the Wasteland, transforming into a Ghoul might just be the adventure you've been waiting for. Head to the Savage Divide, embrace your new identity, and unleash havoc with your terrifying new abilities.
*Fallout 76* continues to evolve, proving that even after years, the game still has surprises in store. Whether you're a returning player or just starting out, the Ghoul questline is definitely worth checking out.
*Fallout 76 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
