Fallout 76 map: where's safe, where to find resources and where are the monsters

Fallout 76 map

The Fallout 76 map might have changed since the Wastelanders DLC arrived but the changes are minor for this wide open wasteland. A few new buildings here and there haven't changed things that much. 

The most important thing to know about the Fallout 76 map is that, appearances aside, its 16 square miles are carefully structured into tiered zones. Different areas have different levels of monsters, loot and resources so you should be careful about where you tread in Fallout 76. Although, that said, the more dangerous an area is, the better the rewards. Assuming you survive. 

There are six regions in total to to the Fallout 76 map and you will really feel it if you stray in an area that's much higher than your level. If a mission does want to take you that way (like most of the final quests) you might want to visit some easier areas and grind a little XP to level up first. Whatever you're looking for, our Fallout 76 map guide will help you find it and make life hopefully a little bit easier. 

The map in Fallout 76 is broadly divided up into six regions making up what's believed to be around 16 square miles in-game. The Forest is obviously the starting area and the location of Vault 76. Unsurprisingly, the further out you push the more dangerous things get - Cranberry Bog and The Mire are definitely not places you want to rush into. 

As a rule you'll be safe in the Forrest, but check your level before you head anywhere else. Somewhere like the the Mire or Cranberry Bog is only for top level players. As a rough guide, here's how the areas scale up in terms of levels: 

  • The Forrest: level 1-10 enemies
  • Toxic Valley: level 10-25 enemies
  • The Ash Heap: 25-35 enemies
  • Savage Divide: 15-99 enemies
  • The Mire: 30-99 enemies
  • Cranberry Bog: 35-99 enemies

This is the full Fallout 76 map as it appears in the game (click on top right corner it to make it bigger). 

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Following the initial quest you get as you leave the vault will lead you out into the wider world, and to a camp you can make a good base from. Where you go after that is entirely up to you. Almost every landmark you can see will cough up a couple of quests, especially the named locations, and you'll also likely pick up all sorts of other things along the way. 

It's worth noting that you can fast travel between places you've already visited for a small cap cost, so it's worth walking through areas just to pop a marker on the Fallout 76 map. Keep an eye on your radar as you wander as you'll see location icons appear all around you - just walk towards one until it says 'discovered' and then you can use it for fast travel. You can also fast travel to join public events in areas you haven't been to which is a great way of expanding your reach on the Fallout 76 map. 

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Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.