Fallouthas given gamers what is likely the most iconic depiction of a post-apocalyptic nuclear setting in the entire medium, and perhaps even beyond. Over the course of its releases,Fallouthas built and established one of the most engrossing worlds through its characters and locations, creating a foundational world that personifies what many imagine when invoking the image of a nuclear war that ravaged the Earth. Reaching back to the 1997 original, players usually start off as a Vault Dweller, one of the inhabitants of the underground bunkers constructed to withstand the bombs dropping on the surface.
After the IP passed to Bethesda Game Studios, the tradition was rigidly adhered to. While this framework is effective for introducing and immersing fans at the beginning of each game, it’s also becoming somewhat predictable. Even the recentpopularFalloutAmazon TV seriespositioned its protagonist, Lucy MacLean, as a fresh-faced Vault resident thrust into the Wasteland. Though it’s practical for the studio to utilize this device, as it caters to both longtime fans and newcomers, there are solid arguments to be made for Bethesda to look to Obsidian Entertainment’s vision forFallout: New Vegas' non-Vault Dweller protagonist for the fifth numbered entry in the franchise.
Fallout 76will offer playable ghoul charactersin an update set to arrive next year.
Fallout 5’s Protagonist Should Channel New Vegas' Courier Over Bethesda’s Vault Dwellers
Bethesda’s Fallout Vault Dweller Protagonists May Be Getting a Little Stale
Breaking down the origins of each protagonist from the mainline titles:
Various
Vault 76
Notably, in the Bethesda-produced titles (Fallout 3,4, and76), all hail from a Vault, and are rooted in the viewpoint that is attached. AsFallout 76is an MMO, the specifics of the characters are looser to allow fans to role-play and decide their own place in the Wasteland. Nevertheless, lore states that they all originated in the titular vault, and thus every character falls under the same banner in this regard.
The major exceptions are the second title, where the main character is actually the grandchild ofFallout 1’s Vault Dweller, andNew Vegas. The latter’s mysterious Courier, whose backstory remains largely undefined and unexplained, makes themone of the best and most uniqueFalloutprotagonistsfeatured so far.
Fallout: New Vegas' Courier was a Much-Needed Breath of Fresh Air, and Fallout 5 Should Take Note
Fallout: New Vegasis widely credited with being truer to the nature of the series in many ways, particularly its storytelling and RPG elements, and the Courier breaking from the tradition of Bethesda’s titles also sets it apart. The Courier is central to the machinations of the major Mojave players,Mr. House, the New California Republic, and Caesar’s Legion, and provides a much different window for fans to experience the plot.
Bethesda thencould consider thinking outside the bounds of its previous protagonist conventions forFallout 5, and look to emulate the intriguing possibilities allowed by no longer restricting its protagonist to starting off as a Vault Dweller, ala the Courier inNew Vegas. This would free up avenues for the narrative and upend expectations in the process, makingFallout’s Vaults alien and intimidating(even more so than usual) to a character who has not been born and raised in one.
A bigger stretch might be to offer either option, though this would likely impact the plot to such a degree that it may not be reasonably feasible. Still, having a main character begin from the viewpoint of a native Wastelander or another outsider like the Courier versus a Vault resident could inject a lot of fresh perspective into the next game.
Fallout 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, invite you to the ambitious open world of Fallout 4. Do whatever you want in a massive Commonwealth with hundreds of locations, characters and quests.As the sole survivor of Vault 111, only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone - the choices are yours.From a Power Armor-toting soldier to the charismatic smooth-talker, be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system and develop your own playstyle from hundreds of Perks.Experience exciting first- or third-person combat with the dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S., targeting enemies for maximum tactical advantage (and cinematic carnage!) Collect, upgrade and build thousands of items with Fallout 4’s crafting system. Weapons, armor, food and with the right materials, even entire settlements are possible. Welcome home.
