Summary

  • Fallout 4's quality mode on Xbox Series X is currently bugged, causing it to remain in performance mode.
  • PS5 users have reported that quality mode noticeably improves graphics compared to Xbox, providing a reference for comparison.
  • PS Plus Collection owners on PS5 cannot play Fallout 4 and are prompted to purchase the game, but Bethesda is working on a fix.

Xbox users are reporting that the new quality mode in Fallout 4 isn’t working. For years, fans of the post-apocalyptic franchise have been waiting for Bethesda to release Fallout 4’s next-gen update for Xbox Series X/S and PS5. That day finally arrived on April 25, though not without a fair few issues.

The Fallout 4 next-gen update introduced three new quests that will net players some unique weapons, Halloween settlement decorations, an Enclave Colonel uniform, and Enclave-themed workshop items. Players can also grab a new weapon and armor bundle that includes two Power Armors, the Heavy Incinerator and Tesla Cannon, as well as some fun Enclave armor and weapon skins.

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Fallout 4 Radroach Gets 'Armor' in Unexpected Way

One Fallout 4 player has a hilariously unlucky encounter with a determined Radroach that's equipped with its own surprising set of armor.

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One of the most anticipated changes of the next-gen update was the addition of performance and quality modes to Fallout 4 on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Performance mode should let players enjoy the game with standard settings at a target 60 FPS in 4K resolution. Quality mode will also display in 4K resolution, but with ultra settings and 30 or 40 FPS depending on the display. However, Xbox players are reporting that quality mode seems to be bugged and isn’t functioning correctly.

Fallout 4's Quality Mode Is Currently Bugged on Xbox

In the Fallout 4 settings menu, players should be able to switch to quality mode simply by switching performance mode off. However, doing so currently makes no difference on Xbox, and the game remains in performance mode no matter which mode is selected. PS5 users have reported that quality mode noticeably improves the game’s graphics, providing Xbox gamers a reference for comparison.

PlayStation users haven’t gotten off without a hiccup or two when it comes to the RPG's next-gen update, however. Those who obtained the game when it was offered as part of the PS Plus Collection can no longer play Fallout 4 on PS5. Though they still have the PS4 version in their libraries, they are prompted to purchase the game when trying to play. While this isn't intentional and Bethesda is actively working on a fix, it's not the first time PS Plus subscribers have had issues with an upgrade. In 2022, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection was released, sporting upgraded PS5 versions of Uncharted 4 and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, and owners of the PS4 versions of the games could upgrade for $10. However, anybody who owned the games via their PS Plus subscriptions had to purchase the games again before they could upgrade.

And though the Fallout 4 next-gen update has fixed a number of longstanding bugs, it has also caused some unwelcome issues. Many Fallout 4 mods no longer work with the updated version of the game, including the Fallout 4 Script Extender that provides the backbone for many other mods to function. A similar problem occurred when the Skyrim Anniversary Edition launched, and dedicated fans quickly got everything working again. Hopefully, that will happen with Fallout 4 as well.

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Fallout 4
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9 /10
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Released
November 10, 2015
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, invite you to the ambitious open world of Fallout 4. Do whatever you want in a massive Commonwealth with hundreds of locations, characters and quests.
As the sole survivor of Vault 111, only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone - the choices are yours.
From a Power Armor-toting soldier to the charismatic smooth-talker, be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Character system and develop your own playstyle from hundreds of Perks.
Experience exciting first- or third-person combat with the dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S., targeting enemies for maximum tactical advantage (and cinematic carnage!) Collect, upgrade and build thousands of items with Fallout 4's crafting system. Weapons, armor, food and with the right materials, even entire settlements are possible. Welcome home.

ESRB
M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Publisher(s)
Bethesda
Franchise
Fallout
Genre(s)
RPG, Action