Fallout Shelter just added "years of content" in a major Steam update, and a season pass inspired by the Prime show

I didn't expect Fallout Shelter to cause me a minor crisis this week, but realizing that the free-to-play base builder first launched over a decade ago has terrified me. It landed on PC in 2017 as a free Steam game, and while it might not have the narrative hooks of New Vegas, the sheer scope of Fallout 4, or the bustling community of Fallout 76, Shelter is still a pretty satisfying management sim with all the stylistic trappings the series is so beloved for. However, it seems that Bethesda largely forgot about the PC port's existence - until now. Cue Fallout Shelter's "largest update yet," just in time for its new season pass system.

The new Fallout Shelter update packs in quite literally "years of content" that was previously only available in the mobile version, but is now playable on Steam. If you haven't been keeping up, that means now's the ideal time to check back in, with everything from new questlines and characters to additional weapons, themes, and much more. If you need something to keep your hands busy while you watch the second season of the Fallout show on Prime, this might be the perfect answer.

Speaking of the show, this update also introduces the new Fallout Shelter seasons. Bethesda's first season pass is 'Viva New Vegas,' and draws inspiration from the second run of the series. It's got limited-time 'experimental vaults,' a range of familiar characters, outfits, and weapons, and rewards that can boost the morale and compliance of your vault dwellers.

Alongside this comes the 'Power Struggle' questline based on the first season of the show, which includes eight missions that see you interacting with Lucy, Maximus, The Ghoul, and faithful pup CX404. There's also a bundle of additions for the 25th anniversary of Fallout, which include the six-quest 'Searching in the Dark' chain, new vault dwellers including Ed the Ghoul and the Vault 76 Overseer, and fresh enemies to overcome.

The base season pass unlock is priced at $10 / £10, and includes the likes of a Vault Exterior theme, Sunset Sarsaparilla Bottler theme, and new legendary dwellers. Drop an extra $10 / £10 on top of that and you'll also get "25 season badges, Mr House, Maximus' Jacket, T-45d power armor, a Sleek Suit, an Expert Jumpsuit, a Technician's Revenge, two Pet Carriers, and 5,000 Caps."

Now, am I going to be cynical and say that we only got this big update to the Steam version out of nowhere because Bethesda suddenly had something it wanted to sell? I think it's at least a fair guess. But even if that's true, you're still able to enjoy all of the additions it's just stuck into the PC port, whether you stump up the asking price for the premium offering or not.

The Fallout Shelter update and first season, 'Viva New Vegas,' are live now on Steam, where you can play the game for free. Head here to start your new life as an Overseer.