The lore ofFallouthas continued to grow into a fascinating story about what a post-nuclear world could look like. From monstrous radiation-fueled mutants to surviving humans just trying to survive in rebuilt communities, the story ofFalloutmakes for some compelling game narratives.
One of the most intriguing casualties of the franchise’s Great War is the creation of Ghouls. InFallout, Ghouls are transformed humans who have been exposed to radiation for a long time, making them immune. Although that sounds good at first, they are essentially walking corpses, taking on a morbid appearance that resembles more of a skeleton than a human. After the success of the live-actionFalloutseries and the fantastic performance by Walton Goggins as The Ghoul,the nextFalloutgame may feature a ghoul protagonist. Although nothing is set in stone yet, a Ghoul-ledFalloutstory would be fascinating, but it also has huge implications for the game’s narrative.
Fallout 5 Having a Ghoul Protagonist Would Flip Franchise Traditions On Its Head
Beginning the Story From a Very Different Perspective
Traditionally,Falloutgames have followed the story of a Vault Dweller who has left their isolation and has become thrust into a harsh wasteland. AlthoughFallout: New Vegasdidn’t take this route, mostFalloutstories use a Vault Dweller as the starting point. Technically, this can’t be done with a Ghoul protagonist. Since Ghouls need to be exposed to radiation for years in order to mutate into these creatures,Fallout 5’s potential protagonist would need to be a wasteland survivor instead of a Vault Dweller.Ghouls are fascinating points inFallout’s lore, and getting to experience a game from this perspective is long overdue.
Although there is something to be said about the tradition of startingFalloutgames from the perspective of the Vault Dweller, it may have run its course. At this point, it is to be expected, and there aren’t many new angles this beginning can come from. Using the wasteland as a starting point for aGhoul-focused storycould be the fresh kick the franchise really needs. Thanks to the character of The Ghoul in the live-action series, it was made clear just how much potential these types of characters have. Now, the most recentFalloutgame,Fallout 76, is shining an even brighter light on Ghouls.
Fallout 76’s Upcoming Playable Ghoul Options
Earlier this year, it was officially confirmed that playable Ghouls would be coming toFallout 76. Playing as a Ghoul is exciting enough, butthe features forFallout 76’s Ghoulswill even include their own perks and special mechanics that set them apart from human characters. This could be the blueprint forFallout 5’s potential Ghoul protagonist moving forward. Although the process of becoming a Ghoul inFallout 76plays around with the franchise lore a little bit,Fallout 5can still hold fast to the established lore in the mainline games.
Fallout 5 Presents the Opportunity For a Bold Franchise Change
In the past, Bethesda has managed to bring some fascinating post-apocalyptic stories to life. Unfortunately, the developer also sometimes fails to step away from its long-running formulas, which has brought criticism for being outdated and predictable.Putting the spotlight on Ghoulscould not only be a game-changer, but a new era for the franchise.
After the success of the live-actionFalloutseries and the fantastic performance by Walton Goggins as The Ghoul, the nextFalloutgame may feature a Ghoul protagonist.
Fallout 5is years away from being released, but the newfound interest in Ghouls and what their lives are like inthe world ofFalloutis likely going to be a major theme in a new chapter. As the wait forFallout 5continues, the arrival of Ghouls inFallout 76will be a welcome change of pace.
