Bethesda PC launcher is shutting down in May

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But you can transfer games and purchases to Steam in April

Fallout 76
(Image credit: Bethesda)

The Bethesda PC launcher is being retired, with the entire games library transferring to Steam.

Bethesda announced the fairly sudden change of course for its PC launcher earlier today on February 22. At some point in early April, the Bethesda PC launcher will begin shutting up shop, and users will be able to transfer any games they own over to their Steam library.

However, it won't be until May that the launcher will officially close its doors. The early April period is when transfers from the Bethesda launcher to Steam officially kick off, but users on the Bethesda PC launcher will still be able to play their games on said launcher until May.

Basically, this gives users a month-long window to transfer their games library over to Steam. It's not only the games library that's taking a hike though. Any money that you currently hold in your wallet on the Bethesda PC launcher can also be transferred to your Steam wallet with immediate effect as of early April.

Additionally, you'll be able to transfer your game saves over. Bethesda's website FAQ page indicates that this transfer will mostly occur automatically, but also claims that in some specific cases, users will need to manually transfer over their game save data. We can probably expect more details on this transfer process further down the line.

Bethesda's actually devoted an entire page to Fallout 76. As long as your Steam account is linked to the Bethesda.net account you used to sign up to Fallout 76, all your save data, progress, and purchases will transfer with you when the Bethesda launcher closes its doors. From the look of the FAQ page, no player progress in Fallout 76 will be affected by the move.

Check out our best Fallout games guide if you're looking for other Bethesda treats to delve into.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer
Freelance Writer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.