Summary
Since the beginning of the series, enemy types in theFalloutgames have been important to the franchise’s lore. Characters of every type help make the world ofFalloutfeel more alive, and the game’s developers do this very well. Since Bethesda took over theFalloutfranchise, traditions have slowly begun to be established that players can expect from the highly anticipatedFallout 5.
AlthoughFallout 3was Bethesda’s first full run at the franchise,Fallout 4andFallout 76have solidified the tone of the series. The post-apocalyptic lore and themes that run through eachFalloutgame are essential to world-building, but whereFallout 4andFallout 76shine is with their ability to connect enemies to their overall stories.WhenFallout 5launches, Bethesda will hopefully continue the trend of giving each game its own unique enemy faction that permeates the narrative.
Fallout 5 Needs to Continue What Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 Have Established
Enemies Specific to the Story
One of the most obvious facts about theFalloutfranchise is that it’s an incredibly dangerous world. If the many different shady NPCs don’t kill a player,Fallout’s radiation or Deathclawswill. There are threats that make continuous appearances throughout theFalloutgames, butFallout 4andFallout 76solidified area-specific enemy factions that help immerse players in the story.
The Role of Synths in Fallout 4
Although Synths play a role inFallout 3, they really get their moment to shine inFallout 4. Synths may not be outright enemies, but their role inFallout 4is so specifically tailored to the game’s narrative that it’s probably one of the first things many fans of the game can recall. The issue of Synths is complicated. On the one hand,the Brotherhood of Steelviews them as an existential threat to humanity, but on the other hand, the Railroad view Synths with sympathy. This moral dilemma is a prevailing story thread throughoutFallout 4, and it’s fascinating. If players are in bad standing with The Institute, Synths will be far more of a threat, making one’s alliances in the world ofFallout 4really matter in some cases.
Fallout 76 Introducing the Scorched
A major enemy type that is all over Appalachia inFallout 76is the Scorched. The Scorched are humans who have been infected by the Scorched Plague, a nasty disease that covers its victims in burning lesions and causes them to be controlled by a hive mind. There are many compellingenemies inFallout 76, but the Scorched are some of the most alarming, simply because of their lore and design. The Scorched Plague and those suffering from it are another great wayFallout 76emphasizes the unique differences of the Appalachian region compared to other games in the franchise.
Fallout 5 Having Its Own Story-Centric Enemy
Thefeatures ofFallout 5are a complete mystery, but the series has built trends that are to be expected from longtime players. IfFallout 5ventures to a new location, it leaves the door wide open for Bethesda to introduce an all-new antagonist type that helps tell the game’s story. There have been some theories suggesting that the nextFalloutmay return to a location that has already been featured, but that would keep the franchise from evolving in new and exciting ways with its environments.
Fallouthas managed to build its own unique tone while also making each game feel unique, and that’s due to the diverse locations and maps showcased.The lore ofFalloutis already filled with wild concepts and characters, and it would be great to see what special enemy type makesFallout 5stand out from its predecessors.