Bethesda has outlined its upcoming plans for the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production, remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are underway, and a major Fallout 76 expansion is coming
Bethesda has provided a rare update on its future roadmap for two of its most prominent franchises, Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. In a detailed social media post, the studio confirmed that Fallout 5 has officially entered pre-production, while remastered editions of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are now in development. Alongside these long-term projects, Bethesda also announced a significant new expansion for Fallout 76, titled Raven Rock, which is scheduled for release next year.
Fallout 5 enters pre-production
The confirmation that Fallout 5 is now in pre-production marks the first official acknowledgement of active work on the next mainline entry in the series. Pre-production typically involves early design, narrative planning, and technical groundwork, but does not indicate that full-scale development has begun. No release window, platform details, or gameplay features have been disclosed, and the project is expected to remain in early stages for some time, especially with The Elder Scrolls 6 still in development.
Bethesda has not released any concept art, trailers, or in-engine footage for Fallout 5. The announcement provides no information on the game's setting, mechanics, or intended platforms. Given the studio's current commitments, players should not expect further details or a release date in the near future.
Remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas
In addition to new projects, Bethesda confirmed that remastered versions of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in active development. The studio has not specified which platforms these remasters will target, nor has it detailed the extent of technical upgrades, visual improvements, or potential gameplay enhancements. No release dates or pricing information have been provided.
Remasters typically involve updated graphics, improved performance, and compatibility with modern hardware, but the scope can vary significantly. It remains unclear whether these editions will include additional content or quality-of-life features beyond the original releases. Players should await further announcements for concrete details on what to expect from these remasters.
Fallout 76: Raven Rock expansion
Bethesda also revealed that Fallout 76 will receive a major expansion called Raven Rock, planned for release next year. According to the studio, Raven Rock will serve as a prequel story to Fallout 3, potentially exploring narrative threads and factions that connect the two games. Fallout 76 has previously received substantial narrative expansions, and Raven Rock is positioned as a significant addition to the live-service title.
Fallout 76 continues to receive regular updates, with nearly 70 free updates released since launch. The studio has not yet shared gameplay footage, pricing, or specific content details for Raven Rock. The expansion's release is expected to maintain player engagement as the broader Fallout roadmap develops.
Industry context and ongoing uncertainty
These announcements arrive during a period of transition for Bethesda, following recent layoffs at the studio and across other Xbox teams. The labour union representing Bethesda Game Studios employees in the US and Canada has suggested that the timing of these reveals may be intended to shift attention from workforce reductions. While the future of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls remains a central focus for the studio, the long timelines and lack of concrete release information mean that players will need to wait for further updates before making platform or purchasing decisions.
Remasters and expansions are common strategies for maintaining interest in established franchises while new entries are in early development. A remaster typically refers to an updated version of an existing game, featuring improved graphics, performance enhancements, and compatibility with current hardware, but not a full rebuild or reimagining. The distinction between a remaster and a remake is important for players considering what to expect in terms of content, technical upgrades, and pricing.
