Fallout 4 next-gen update: Release date & what's new

As the last surviving member of Vault 111 following a nuclear explosion, players seek out their kidnapped son across the state of Boston in the year 2287.

After first being confirmed to be getting an upgrade by Bethesda in 2022, the developer went dark for a while – but with the Fallout TV show rolling out globally, Bethesda has now confirmed when the free update will arrive.

Not only that but Bethesda revealed everything that the Fallout 4 next-gen will entail. So with that, we've rounded up all the details in one place so you know when to jump into the post-apocalyptic game to experience everything new.

When is the Fallout 4 next-gen update release date?

Bethesda has confirmed that the Fallout 4 next-gen update will arrive on 25th April 2024 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

On top of this, those on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC will receive a free update too, though it won't be as big as an upgrade with more general fixes and improvements.

The original announcement for the next-gen update was announced in October 2022, with a 2023 release window initially stated. It was subsequently delayed in December 2023.

"Thank you for your patience with us as we work on the Fallout 4 next-gen update," wrote the official Fallout X (formerly Twitter) account.

"We know you're excited, and so are we! But we need a bit more time and look forward to an exciting return to the Commonwealth in 2024."

Bethesda then confirmed on 11th April as part of the promotion for the Fallout TV show that the upgrade would arrive at long last on 25th April.

What do we know about the Fallout 4 next-gen update?

During the official announcement back in 2022, Bethesda confirmed a handful of details that fans can expect in the Fallout 4 next-gen update, such as a performance mode to attain a higher frame rate and a quality mode that will offer 4K capabilities. This was then re-confirmed in the official blog post surrounding the release date."This free update includes native applications for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, Performance mode and Quality mode settings, as well as stability improvements and fixes. Experience up to 60 FPS and increased resolutions!" reads the post.On top of this, the developer revealed that numerous bug fixes will be implemented, alongside the arrival of Creation Club, which is the official mod support for Fallout 4.

For those on PS4 and Xbox One, Fallout 4 will receive stability improvements as well as login and quest fixes. Meanwhile, PC players will get widescreen and ultra widescreen support alongside fixes to Creation Kit and several more undisclosed updates.

The update reads: "Players with PC versions of Fallout 4 on Steam, Microsoft Store and GOG will receive stability, mods and bug fixes. For Japanese and Chinese language players on PC, Bethesda.net login issues have been resolved, fixing access to mods"

Furthermore, Fallout 4 will be available on the Epic Games Store for the first time and will also be Steam Deck verified.

Hopefully, it will keep fans somewhat occupied in the long wait for Fallout 5, which is still expected to be a good few years away.

Fallout 4 is available across PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows. The game can also be played via backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, that is until the new next-gen update hits.

Check out more of our Gaming coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.