If you’re ready to explore the region of Burning Springs in Fallout 76 but don’t know how to begin, you’ve come to the right place. This guide lays out the steps you need to take to kick off the Burning Springs campaign, what to expect from the opening missions, and how to dive into the new bounty-hunting and challenge content. Let’s get you on your way.
Burning Springs introduces a brand-new territory in southeastern Ohio — a harsh and twisted wasteland scarred by nuclear destruction and chemical contamination. As one of the biggest expansions added to Fallout 76 in recent updates, this region brings a fresh main storyline, dangerous new enemies, unique environments, updated mechanics like bounty hunts, and rare loot that can reshape your gameplay. If you’re looking for a fresh challenge and new adventures, Burning Springs is the place to go.
Step 1: Make Sure You Meet The Entry Requirements
Before you attempt to unlock Burning Springs, check that you have the following ready:
- Your character should be level 30 or higher — the new questline becomes available only once you hit that threshold.
- You must be prepared to travel to the northeastern edge of the map and reach the bridge at Point Pleasant Bridge. Crossing this bridge is the implied entry point into the Burning Springs region.
If you meet these requirements, you’re ready to start the campaign.
Step 2: Tune Into the Ohio Distress Signal
The gateway to the Burning Springs storyline begins with a broadcast. Open your Pip-Boy and tune the radio to the “Ohio Distress Signal.” Listening to this signal triggers the opening quest of the campaign.
Once you tune in, the game will nudge you toward the new area. From there, you’ll travel into Burning Springs and begin the first mission, named “Welcoming Committee.”
Step 3: Complete the Opening Quest — “Welcoming Committee”
Here’s how the first mission typically unfolds:
- Travel into Burning Springs, usually via the bridge entrance near Point Pleasant.
- Head toward a location called Checkpoint Canyon. There you’ll encounter hostiles — your first task is to eliminate them.
- After combat, enter a tower at the checkpoint and meet a character — then locate two prisoners inside cages, named Eugene and Silas. Your first interactive choice begins here: you free both prisoners. The order of interaction doesn’t matter.
- Once the prisoners are freed, you’ll meet the region’s power figure, a super mutant known as the Rust King. He confronts you with a difficult decision: either prove your loyalty by killing Silas or refuse the order.
- If you agree to kill Silas, you prove your loyalty immediately.
- If you refuse, you’ll trigger a battle: the Rust King sends two waves of enemies — the second wave led by a fierce Deathclaw matriarch — and you must fight in an arena-like setup. Either way, completing the task moves the story forward.
- After this trial, you’ll finish the “Welcoming Committee” mission and unlock access to the main storyline and additional content in Burning Springs. You’ll likely receive early rewards such as experience points, caps, ammunition, medical supplies, and possibly new plans or outfits that are exclusive to this region.
Step 4: Proceed Through the Main Campaign Quests
With the intro out of the way, the campaign continues automatically with a series of important quests. Typical quests you’ll encounter next include:
- “Might Makes Right” — Travel to the hub town in Burning Springs called Highway Town. There, you’ll meet a character who gives you a series of strength-based “Trials of Might,” followed by more challenging “Trials of Dominance.” Finishing those tasks completes the quest.
- “Insurrection” — After Might Makes Right, this quest may trigger automatically. You’ll often have optional objectives that require perks like lock-picking or hacking, and sometimes success depends on your Charisma or Strength.
- “When the Rust Settles” — This mission involves defending or attacking during conflict and fighting multiple waves of enemies. Success typically demands good combat preparation and strategic planning.
As you complete these quests in order, you’ll unlock the full core of the Burning Springs storyline — and the region’s most valuable content: powerful loot, new gear, high-tier challenges, and access to ongoing activities.
Once the main storyline is moving (or even after it ends), Burning Springs expands into a hub of varied activities. So keep exploring.
