Bethesda Studios has revealed that Fallout 76's next significant expansion, planned for release next year, will delve into a prequel narrative set before the events of Fallout 3. The expansion is titled Raven Rock, referencing a former military base and shelter.
This upcoming content will see players exploring a new region, likely the Capital Wasteland, which lies east of Vault 76. Given that Fallout 76 is set over a century before Fallout 3, the expansion's prequel nature suggests a focus on events that transpired in the early years after the Great War. A potential narrative thread could involve ZAX, the Abraham Lincoln AI superfan, which would have been active during this period.
The previous major expansion for Fallout 76, Burning Springs, took players to Ohio and was released around the same time as the Fallout TV show's second season. That expansion aimed to integrate elements from the show and the inspirations behind Fallout 3 and New Vegas, focusing on themes of desert landscapes, deathclaws, and raiders.
While details about Raven Rock remain scarce, its connection to Fallout 3 positions it as a significant addition for players invested in the series' broader narrative. Further information is expected as the expansion's release approaches next year.