Discussion aroundFallout 5is as popular as ever, with the last mainline entry to the popular Bethesda franchise having been released almost a decade ago. While this next title may not be seen for a while thanks to Bethesda’s current focus onStarfieldandThe Elder Scrolls 6, fans are still debating what changes should be seen in the sequel, as well as what core themes and game mechanics should remain as staples of the franchise.
Choices around the protagonist ofFallout 5have been a particular point of contention for some time now, with many fans feeling that it is time for Bethesda to really shake up the formula that many past entries have followed. This largely concerns how most mainlineFalloutprotagonists have been Vault Dwellers who are forced onto the surface of the Wasteland, and while this could be changed in some ways inFallout 5, it still seems important that the game maintains the iconic “stepping out” moments that Vault Dweller stories bring.
After Nine Years, Fallout 5 Should Maintain the Franchise’s Narrative Traditions
The majority of mainlineFalloutgamesfollow a similar narrative pattern with their protagonists, with the player character usually starting the game from the relative safety of a Vault. This allows the player to experience the horrors and wonderment of the Wasteland at the same time as the protagonist, with Vault game openings being a perfect way to ease the player into the world and core gameplay of the franchise.
Despite how well this formula works within the context ofFallout’s world, some fans have grown tired of how often this trope has been reused over the years, with the recent successfulFalloutTV show even adopting a Vault Dweller as its main character. Having said that, the nine years since the release ofFallout 4have meant that fans have had a long time away from dedicatedFalloutnarratives, meaning enough time may have passed forFallout 5to also use the Vault route for its protagonist without it feeling too overdone.
Of course, iconic past entries to the franchise such asFallout New Vegasfound success without using the Vault Dweller formula, withFNVactually feeling a lot more unique thanks to the unique background of its protagonist and how this impacted the earlier stages of the game. Even more recent titles likeFallout 76are starting to expand the variety of their protagonist choices, with anupcoming update allowing the player character to become a Ghoul.
Fallout 5 Could Introduce Player Variety While Maintaining a Vault Start
Fallout 5could also borrow this approach to an extent, potentially also adopting the optional Ghoul aspect ofFallout 76, but it does seem important that a slow early-game build-up is still present in the game.By the timeFallout 5releases, there will be an even greater level of anticipation and excitement around the title, and it would not do the game or the community justice to have players immediately thrown into the thick of the Wasteland without a proper introduction or narrative prelude.
The variety of people and hidden purposes is a huge part ofwhat makesFallout’s Vaults so iconicwith vital game mechanics like the Pip-Boy also owing their existence to Vaults, soFallout 5could easily adopt a Vault introduction while maintaining a fresh feel. This Vault early-game could even come in the form of a flashback for players choosing the Ghoul protagonist thatFallout 5may potentially include, but the game should not shy away from the massive step-out moments that Vault openings have brought to the franchise over the years.
