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Fallout 4’s 1.3 beta update adds HBAO+, new weapon debris effects for Nvidia cards and more

Fallout 4

If you’ve opted into Steam’s beta updates feature, there’s a new Fallout 4 patch available to download right now, bringing with it a bunch of new options and plenty of fixes. 

If you’ve put hundreds of hours into Fallout 4 and fancy a break, why not check out some other RPGs in PCGN’s list of the best RPGs on PC.

The update adds a new ambient occlusion setting (HBAO+), new weapon debris effects (NVIDIA cards only), a status menu for your settlers, allows for easier handling of building objects with a gamepad, and improves key remapping for Workshop mode.

It’s not all new features, though, because there’s also huge list of fixes, including general memory and stability improvements and quest fixes.

Also, “Fixed an issue where Vault 81 residents would not dismember correctly” might be one of the best patch notes I’ve ever read.

You can check out the full list of tweaks and changes on the Bethesda forum.

If you’re yet to opt into Steam beta updates but you fancy trying this out, follow these steps:

  • Log into Steam
  • Right click on Fallout 4 in your Library
  • Select Settings
  • Select Betas
  • Select Beta Update from the drop down menu
  • Select OK.
  • Wait a few minutes and Fallout 4 should update.

When done, Fallout 4 should appear as Fallout 4 [beta] in your Library.

If you decide you don’t want to run the Beta anymore, redo these steps right up to the drop down, then select ‘NONE – Opt out of all beta programs’.

Do back up your saves before downloading any beta updates, though.