Fallout 76: Skyline Valley Expansion & Playable Ghouls in 2025

Last Updated: November 1, 2025

Riding the massive wave of success from the Prime Video series, Bethesda is making one of the most requested fan features a reality in Fallout 76. In a major announcement, the studio revealed that players will soon be able to play as a Ghoul, directly inspired by the popularity of characters like Walton Goggins' breakout gunslinger. This game-changing feature is slated for a 2025 release, but players don't have to wait for new content; the game's first-ever map expansion, Skyline Valley, is launching on June 12, 2024.

From Appalachia to Shenandoah: The Skyline Valley Expansion

Before players can shed their smooth skin, the immediate future of Fallout 76 lies south, in the brand-new Skyline Valley region. Launching June 12, this update represents the first major expansion of the core Appalachian map, opening up the beautiful but treacherous Shenandoah National Park.

This new storyline has players investigating the cause of a massive, perpetual electrical storm that hangs over the valley and uncovering the mystery of Vault 63, where they will meet its Ghoul inhabitants. The expansion introduces a new enemy type called the Lost—electrically charged Ghouls—and a new world event, "Dangerous Pastimes," where players will help a thrill-seeking storm chaser get close to the action. PC players have already had a chance to test the new content on the Public Test Server (PTS), helping the development team prepare for a smooth launch across all platforms.

Embrace the Radiation: Become a Ghoul in 2025

The most significant crossover between the hit TV series and the game is coming in early 2025. Bethesda has confirmed that a new feature will allow players to become Ghouls themselves. While details are still emerging, this update will fundamentally alter the gameplay experience. Once players reach level 50, they will be able to embark on a special quest to transform into a Ghoul.

This transformation will come with a host of unique benefits and a new visual appearance, letting players live out their fantasy of being a weathered, radiation-proof wasteland survivor. Becoming a Ghoul will likely offer inherent radiation immunity, allowing radiation to heal instead of harm, and will open up dozens of new Ghoul-specific perk cards to create unique builds. This feature is a direct answer to the overwhelming fan response to Ghouls in the Fallout universe, supercharged by the complex and charismatic portrayal of The Ghoul in the Prime Video series.

The Power of a Hit Show Continues

The decision to introduce playable Ghouls and expand the map is a direct result of the TV show's phenomenal success. In the weeks following the series premiere, Fallout games saw their player counts skyrocket to all-time highs, with Fallout 76 welcoming over a million players in a single day.

By bridging the gap between the two mediums in such a meaningful way, Bethesda is capitalizing on this incredible momentum. The Skyline Valley expansion provides immediate, significant new content for the flood of new and returning players, while the promise of playable Ghouls in 2025 gives the entire community a massive, lore-rich feature to look forward to. This two-pronged approach ensures that the world of Fallout 76 will continue to evolve, rewarding its newly invigorated fanbase with content that feels fresh, relevant, and directly influenced by the wider Fallout universe they've come to love.