# Fallout 76 Season 19 Begins December 2024: Pets, New Raids, and a Sneak Peek at Season 20
When *Fallout 76* debuted in 2018, it faced extensive backlash due to glitches, performance hiccups, and a shortage of substantial content. Nonetheless, Bethesda has diligently worked over the years to elevate the game into a robust MMORPG. Through consistent updates, expansions, and a steadily increasing player count that frequently exceeds 10,000 concurrent players on Steam, *Fallout 76* has established itself as a cornerstone of the post-apocalyptic gaming scene.
Currently, Bethesda shows no intention of slowing down. The 19th season of the game, named **”The Scientific Forge,”** is set to commence on **December 3, 2024**, and aims to introduce thrilling new features, including the much-anticipated option to have pets. Moreover, the developers have hinted at content for Season 20, where players will have the chance to play as ghouls for the first time. Here’s everything you must know about the upcoming seasons.
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## **Season 19: The Scientific Forge**
### **When Does It Start?**
Season 19 kicks off on **December 3, 2024**, and will continue until **March 6, 2025**. Gamers can look forward to an array of novel features, challenges, and rewards designed to keep them immersed throughout the winter season.
### **Key Features of Season 19**
#### **1. Pets in Your Camps**
For the first time in *Fallout 76*, players can keep pets at their camps. This long-desired feature brings a new level of personal touch and companionship to the gameplay. At launch, players can select between two charming choices: a **Bombay cat** and a **white German Shepherd**. These furry companions are sure to make your post-apocalyptic journeys feel a tad less solitary.
#### **2. New Raid: The Gleaming Depths**
A fresh raid named **The Gleaming Depths** will present players with the hardest boss *Fallout 76* has ever introduced. This intense encounter will reward victorious players with **legendary 4-star armor**, unveiling a new gear tier that could transform the endgame experience. The raid is anticipated to be a significant highlight of the season, attracting both seasoned players and newcomers seeking a challenge.
#### **3. New Weapon: Tesla Cannon**
The **Tesla Cannon** is an impressive new weapon that certainly lives up to its namesake. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering work of Nikola Tesla, this shoulder-mounted weapon unleashes powerful lightning bolts, making it an excellent tool for taking down foes. Whether you’re combatting mutated adversaries or rival players, the Tesla Cannon promises to deliver an electrifying impact.
#### **4. Seasonal Events**
As with earlier seasons, Season 19 will include periodic events that provide unique rewards and bonuses. A standout is the **Christmas event**, taking place from **December 17, 2024, to January 2, 2025**. During this festive stretch, players can encounter seasonal foes and acquire holiday-themed rewards, injecting a dose of cheer into the wasteland.
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## **Season 20: A Ghoul’s Life**
### **When Does It Start?**
Season 20 is anticipated to launch on **March 6, 2025**, immediately after the conclusion of Season 19. While the exact ending date is yet to be confirmed, it is projected to last until early June 2025.
### **Play as a Ghoul**
One of the most thrilling aspects teased for Season 20 is the chance to **play as a ghoul**. To unlock this transformation, players must achieve level 50 and complete a specific quest. This represents a significant addition to the game, giving players the opportunity to experience the wasteland from an entirely different viewpoint. Ghouls, recognized for their tenacity and special skills, could introduce fresh gameplay dynamics to *Fallout 76*.
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## **A Look Back at Fallout 76’s Journey**
It’s astonishing to acknowledge how much *Fallout 76* has evolved since its tumultuous launch in 2018. Initially criticized for the absence of NPCs and engaging content, the game started to improve with the **Wastelanders expansion** in 2020, which brought NPCs and a richer storyline. Following updates, such as **The Pitt expansion**, continued to enhance the experience, gradually garnering higher review scores.
Bethesda’s dedication to refining *Fallout 76* has yielded fruitful results, with the game now boasting a loyal player community and consistent updates that keep the audience engaged. The introduction of pets, new raids, and the opportunity to play as a ghoul are just the most recent examples of the developers’ commitment to evolving and enriching the game.
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## **What’s Next for Fallout 76?**
With a full