Bethesda Game Studios released the Gone Fission update for Fallout 76, free for all players, on June 3, 2025, kicking off Season 21 with a splash. This major patch introduces a long-awaited fishing mechanic, a new questline, combat and perk tweaks, and fishing-themed rewards. The update is available on PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), Xbox, and PlayStation.
What’s New in Gone Fission Update?
The update transforms Appalachia with a relaxing yet engaging fishing system and major gameplay improvements. Here’s the breakdown:
- Fishing Mechanic: Cast a line in any swimmable water to catch 30 new fish, including rare Axolotls (one type spawns monthly) and Local Legends. Start the “Casting Off” quest in The Mire at Fisherman’s Rest, where you meet Captain Raymond Clark, The Fisherman, and his pet hermit crab, Linda-Lee. You’ll get a Fishing Rod (no equipping needed; just face water to fish). Use bait types (common, improved, super) and weather conditions to catch better fish. Fish can be eaten, cooked into recipes like Grilled Fish for buffs, or traded for Fish Bits. Feed Fish Bits to Linda-Lee for random Legendary items.
- Combat Rebalance: Part of Bethesda’s ongoing overhaul since the Skyline Valley update, this patch buffs weapons like Harpoon Gun, Assault Rifle, and melee weapons, lowers AP costs, and tweaks Legendary mods. Limb damage perks like Enforcer now deal consistent bonuses (e.g., shotguns +25% limb damage at Rank 1) instead of random crippling, making enemies easier to cripple but Region Bosses harder.
- Perk Changes: Perk Cards for crafting weapons or workshop traps are no longer required, easing CAMP upgrades. Perks like Slow Metabolizer and Dromedary boost food/drink effects, while Commando and Rifleman perks in Perception are reworked for flexible builds.
- Season 21 Rewards: Fishing-themed items include a Houseboat, Gone Fission Neon Sign, and Cannery workbench. Some rewards, like the Survival Tent, are exclusive to Fallout 1st subscribers. Unused Season Tickets from the last three seasons convert to Gold Bullion upon login.
- Quality-of-Life Fixes: Fast travel costs drop by 25%, a new Quick Heal priority setting lets you choose Stimpack types, and the HP bar now shows exact percentages.
The Gone Fission update also adds a chill fishing vibe to the Wasteland, perfect for players craving a break from combat. The Casting Off quest introduces quirky NPCs like Linda-Lee, and combat tweaks make shotguns and rifles more fun.
How to Get the Update
- Update: The patch is free and auto-downloads on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation if online. Check Bethesda’s site for manual update steps.
- Fishing: Head to Fisherman’s Rest in The Mire to start Casting Off. Complete fishing challenges to upgrade your Fishing Rod.
- Season 21: Play challenges to earn rewards. Fallout 1st subscribers get extra items via the Atomic Shop.
Final Thoughts
The Gone Fission update brings fishing, a new questline, and combat improvements to Fallout 76 for free. With Season 21 rewards like the Houseboat and reworked Perk Cards, it’s a great time to dive into Appalachia. Whether you’re reeling in Axolotls or testing new rifle builds, this patch adds fresh fun.
