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In case you missed it, Fallout 76 will employ a new card-based perk system that fuels the familiar S.P.E.C.I.A.L. template used by previous games; that is, Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck.
Each category has a number of different attributes represented by card perks. For example, Strength houses buffs like Bear Arms, Gladiator, and Sturdy Frame, and these can be further increased by levelling them up. The same goes for the rest of each category, and there's a lot of perks on offer, too.
Card packs contain a number of random cards to equip on your character, along with a hunger-decreasing pack of chewing gum, and a joke.
However, Bethesda was keen to note that cards are only awarded after levelling up; you cannot obtain them with real-life money, which basically rules out game-changing microtransactions. They're still in the game, but apparently only for cosmetic items, so that's not too bad, right?
In #Fallout76, Perks are represented through Perk Cards. You earn them every time you Level Up.
Earn Perk Card Packs solely through leveling up. Every other level up to 10, and every 5 levels after. pic.twitter.com/JRRHFRLNk8
— Fallout (@Fallout) August 11, 2018
Fallout 76 is pencilled in for a November 14 release on PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One, though curiously will not be launching on Steam.
Bethesda will host a beta for the online RPG prior to launch, and any progress you make will then be carried over to the full game.