Fallout 4 upgrade launches to mixed response, with broken mods and bugged Xbox quality mode

The recent release of the Fallout 4 "next-gen" update on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S has been met with varying degrees of enthusiasm and frustration from the gaming community. While the update introduced several new features and graphical enhancements, it has disrupted the functionality of a significant number of mods, which has particularly affected the player experience.

As anticipated, the update's compatibility issues with existing mods were a concern even before its release. The modding community site Nexus Mods has already recommended strategies for preventing the patch from automatically installing in order to preserve mod functionality. This concern was echoed by the team behind the expansive fan mod, Fallout: London, who announced a delay in their project's release due to the update.

A notable issue is with the Fallout 4 Script Extender, a critical tool for many modders, which is not yet functioning with the new update. The creator of the tool, impact, acknowledged the situation, noting that an update was in development but without a definite completion date or assurance over overcoming potential significant technical issues.

For players using Valve's Steam Deck, the update removed the prior game launcher, which was a primary method for adjusting the game's graphics settings. However, a workaround to this is reportedly using a launch command to reactivate the launcher, though it is not seen as a convenient solution.

The update was intended to fix several issues and add features like new graphical settings, wider screen support, and updates to the Creation Kit, along with a new mission and additional items for all game versions. Unfortunately, it seems not all new graphical options are functioning as intended; on the Xbox Series X and S, only the Performance mode, which aims for smoother gameplay at 60fps, is currently functional, with the Quality mode being unresponsive.

The update's release on subscription services also has disparities; while Xbox Game Pass members have immediate access to the new version, PlayStation Plus Extra subscribers are still awaiting confirmation on availability.

Despite these issues, the update continues to offer enticing new content and improvements, hinting at the potential for future enhancements as compatibility and technical challenges are gradually addressed by Bethesda and the modding community.