When Bethesda released the Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition to celebrate the game’s 10th birthday, fans expected improved graphics and stability. What they didn’t expect? The complete removal of Dion’s “The Wanderer”—the song that defined the game’s marketing and became synonymous with post-apocalyptic wandering.
Table of Contents
Fallout 4 Facts: The Missing Track Controversy
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Removed Song | “The Wanderer” by Dion DiMucci (1961) |
| Game Version | Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition (2024) |
| Original Use | Launch trailers, Diamond City Radio |
| Lawsuit Filed | 2017 by Dion DiMucci |
| Primary Reason | Expired 10-year license + lawsuit history |
| Fan Response | Overwhelmingly negative (44% positive reviews) |
The Lawsuit That Started It All
Back in 2017, Dion DiMucci filed a lawsuit against ZeniMax Media for using “The Wanderer” in advertisements without his final approval, calling the violent game footage “repugnant” and “morally indefensible”. The 1961 classic was meant to tell a story about a lonely young man searching for himself—not a vault dweller hunting mutants.
DiMucci’s contract included a clause requiring separate negotiations and personal consent before use, which Bethesda allegedly ignored. While the lawsuit was eventually settled, the damage was done.
Why It’s Gone From Anniversary Edition
The removal appears to stem from the song’s license expiring after 10 years, combined with Bethesda’s unwillingness to renegotiate terms following the 2017 legal battle. Music licensing in video games is notoriously complex, and when contracts expire, publishers must decide: pay up for renewal or cut the track entirely.
Given the contentious history with Dion, Bethesda chose the latter. It’s a business decision that technically makes sense—but emotionally? Fans are devastated.
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The Fan Backlash Is Real
Reddit users expressed their frustration, with one saying “That’s pretty dumb, it was the iconic song for the game and was on all of the advertising,” while another lamented, “But…that’s the song I think of when I think of Fallout 4”.
The Anniversary Edition’s Steam reviews tell the story: only 44% positive ratings over the past 30 days. Players cite broken mods, bugs, and now this—the removal of Fallout 4’s musical identity. Adding insult to injury, fans expected news about Fallout 5 or remakes but got a buggy re-release instead.
The Inevitable Mod Fix
As one Reddit user predicted, modders will inevitably restore “The Wanderer” to the game. It’s the Bethesda cycle: release something broken or incomplete, let the community fix it. The song may be officially gone, but the Wasteland’s most dedicated citizens won’t let it stay that way.
For official Fallout updates and community resources, visit Bethesda’s website.
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FAQs
Can I still hear “The Wanderer” in the original Fallout 4?
Yes! If you own the base version of Fallout 4 (not the Anniversary Edition), “The Wanderer” remains on Diamond City Radio and in the game files. Players who haven’t updated to the Anniversary Edition can still enjoy Dion’s classic while exploring the Commonwealth. Many fans are deliberately avoiding the update to preserve this iconic feature.
Did Bethesda remove “The Wanderer” because they lost the lawsuit?
Not exactly. While Dion DiMucci did sue ZeniMax in 2017 over unauthorized use of the song in violent marketing content, that lawsuit was eventually settled. The removal from Anniversary Edition appears tied to the original 10-year license expiring and Bethesda choosing not to renew it—likely to avoid another potential legal conflict. The combination of expired rights and past litigation made re-licensing complicated and costly.
