Patch 70 - The Slasher
Project Lead, Systems Designer & Additional Level Design
Screenshots
Devlog
Media
Appalachia now has a clown problem.
I was given the privilege to lead this initiative, where we perform a new type of experience in Fallout 76, where the story evolves in real time, and new things and activities players can engage on as time goes on, as a new faction emerges from the shadows: The Pint-Sized Phantoms.
The Experience begins with a new Radio Station, that provides updates around the happenings in Appalachia from the activities of the Phantoms as time goes on. These involve a Scavenger Hunt, Grave Digging, New Infestation/Daily Ops enemy types, and a grand finale where players solve the mystery, and engage with the “Reborn” Pint-Sized Slasher.
“Taking in the Sun”
I worked on the new faction of enemy actors, their equipment’s, player rewards, and placing 108 collectables across the world map for player to find to encourage players to explore and find clues of this new mystery. Working closely with Bárbara Framil (Quest Designer), and Kevin Wienecke (Systems Designer) we coordinated, play tested, and ensured that the Player Experience remained constant in real-time scenarios.
Location of the Mask Collectables Graphic
By karstenS & NukaKnights
We also wanted to give more highlights to our modernized rewards from Legacy content, thus we included maps that lead to new gravestones that have spread across Appalachia, highlighting a few locations that players may have not explored before.
Dig up buried spoils where new victims remain
The next chapter takes them to various locations inside Appalachia where the Pint-Sized Phantoms have been spotted gathering materials for building the ultimate vessel. We also included an expansion of the Infestations feature to provide both some unique rewards, and an option for players to progress the story if the Infestations content was too difficult.
A location affected by the Pint-Sized Phantoms
The Grand finale, we wanted to make this a special boss encounter, thus we designed The “Reborn” Pint-Sized Slasher, a 4-star Legendary Enemy that grants a chance to provide unique Power Armor Sets and his unique weapon, the Super Slasher, a modified Auto-Axe with built in powerful effects. We wanted to make him stand out, so upon appearing, we use a special sound cue, make the player’s perspective change, and deal mortal damage if the player gets stabbed by it.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 Trailer
Content overview
Marketing Video
The Schedule for the Slasher experience (2026)
The Finale on the Public Testing Server
Video by Professor Gaming
Post-mortem - The Slasher
So just before the release for our PTS, I unfortunately was laid off from my position at Bethesda Game Studios. I guess it could be said that I got Slashed…
Eitherway, this was very fun to work on, and I want to thank the 76 Team to taking this to release, while keeping my design vision. It’s truly appreciated!
Despite many issues that arose during development, I am quite happy how we have achieved an experience that enables in real-time. I think that experience will be useful in the future!
I will miss working at BGS. If the opportunity was offered to return, I would take it in a heartbeat!