Bethesda has released its 2020 roadmap for Fallout 76 and revealed its plans for the year. The game will feature a new storyline featuring the Brotherhood of Steel, a rebalancing of combat to make it easier to team up based on level, and the arrival of a season pass.

"It's a 'season pass'-style system designed specifically for 'Fallout 76' and unique to us," Bethesda said, "but it's not a big departure from what you see in every game from 'Red Dead Online' to 'Destiny 2. But that doesn't mean it's a departure from what you'll find in every game from Red Dead Online to Destiny 2. Players accumulate points by completing activities, and are rewarded as they rise through the ranks.

The main difference is that at least the Summer Pass is free and everyone follows the same course. Everyone has a chance to win all the rewards, including a special bundle at the end of the season. Challenges will be simpler, such as completing public events or leveling up.

150 atoms can be spent to jump the ranks instantly, but only after the first two weeks of the season. Bethesda has stated that they want to keep players on an equal footing. Rank advancement takes one to two hours, and there are 100 ranks available. The duration is approximately 10 weeks, with four seasons appearing each year.

While this is not a terrible season pass, it still sounds like a lot of busywork with random rewards instead of meaningful progress. It is also another feature that Bethesda claimed would never appear. And while it's free now, it's unclear if this will continue in future seasons.

The season will come with update 20 this summer, which will also add new high-level rewards, public teams, and new boss events. For more information on the system, see the FAQ.