Fallout 76 The Slasher Update Launches With Native PS5 and Xbox Series Versions

Fallout 76’s free The Slasher update launches September 15, beginning a multiweek murder mystery in Appalachia alongside native PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions, new weapon-crafting options and Season 26.

Bethesda’s official announcement describes The Slasher as a first-of-its-kind Fallout 76 update that will unfold across the fall. Players will follow clues connected to crimes resembling those of the Pre-War Pint-Sized Slasher, dig up unmarked graves and fight Slasher fanatics in Infestations around the map.

The investigation will build in stages as new layers become available. Its conclusion leads to a confrontation with the Pint-Sized Slasher imposter and a chance to earn a unique Power Armor set and a new weapon called the Super Slasher.

Native console versions and a smaller installation

MP1st reported from Bethesda’s day-of maintenance notice that servers were scheduled to go offline at 10 a.m. ET on September 15. Bethesda did not provide an estimated end time.

The update repackages Fallout 76 on every platform to reduce its installed size. That means the initial download is larger than usual, but the game will occupy less storage after installation.

Dedicated Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 clients were scheduled to reach their respective stores at 12 p.m. ET. Bethesda advised players on those systems to uninstall their existing copy and download the new version from the platform store to receive the update’s platform-specific benefits.

Bethesda says its wider console upgrade improves performance, stability and visual fidelity, including on older consoles. Moving to native current-generation clients will also let the studio optimize each platform separately in future updates.

Unique weapon crafting, Legacy Seasons and Season 26

The Slasher adds unique weapon crafting at workbenches. Players can change Legendary mods on more than 80 named weapons found across the Wasteland, opening those items to more customized builds.

Legacy Seasons also debut with the update. Beginning with Season 26: Beware the Blood Moon, players can participate in the current season while also revisiting one older season they may have missed.

Beware the Blood Moon uses the usual S.C.O.R.E. and Ticket progression. Its reward pool includes the Batty Skirt, Blood Moon Power Armor Paint, Creepy Cultist Well and Blood Moon Weather Control Station.