Fallout 76 devs know you want playable super mutants, but need a good reason

With the arrival of the Fallout 76 ghoul update proving a success, the obvious question is whether we could see other such new ways to approach the MMORPG. In the wake of the new Fallout 76 Gone Fission update's launch, we spoke to creative director Jon Rush and lead producer Bill LaCoste at Summer Game Fest 2025 about some of the future plans for the series. Notably, the pair say they've heard your calls for playable super mutants, but explain why more such transformations aren't a certainty quite yet.

The new Fallout 76 update brings fishing to the survival game, and follows on from the introduction of playable ghouls earlier this year. That particular overhaul has naturally led to calls from the audience for all manner of other possible classes that could come to the mutant-filled MMORPG. There are some obvious options, such as synths, or you could even delve into the game's more fantastical side and become something like a werewolf. But for now, there's a clear front-runner.

"As far as bringing something else into the game that [players] can transform into, super mutants have been brought up a lot," Rush tells us. "The key there would be that we'd have to find a niche that would serve. If I was to say 'Hey, now we can be super mutants, now you can tank as a super mutant' - well, I can do that now with my power armor and the right perk cards. So it'd be finding that niche that it fills. If someone wants to be a mirelurk, what missing part of the game is that going to flesh out?"

In terms of other ideas, LaCoste adds that he's got plenty of good options on his wishlist, but is wary of discussing them in case players are quick to jump to the conclusion that they're definitely coming. "The things I have are actually pretty grand," he laughs, "so, yeah, I don't know if I want to say anything. I'll get in trouble." Rush ponders, "I would love to be going on a walk in the forest and all of a sudden meet Bigfoot and go fishing with him."

"Actually, regarding fishing, I think I can say this, but I would love to see a battle of some large fish down the road," LaCoste remarks. Rush asks, "Like a fishing battle royale?" Given that players are already forming their own fishing communities, and with the promise of more local legends in the future, some form of competitive mode could certainly be a great way to reel players back in once more.

We'll have more from LaCoste and Rush in the coming days, but for now, you can take a look through our picks of the best open-world games and the best co-op games for plenty more options if you've had your fill of the Appalachian Wasteland for now.

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Additional reporting by Jamie Hore at Summer Game Fest.