4 Common Fallout 4 Mistakes Fallout 5 Must Steer Clear Of

Fallout 4, the post-apocalyptic, open-world game developed by Bethesda Game Studios, was widely praised by critics and players for its evolution of the formula established in Fallout 3 and its expansions. However, some players found fault with the run-down and squalid state of much of the game's Commonwealth setting, despite over 200 years having passed since the Great War in the Fallout timeline. This lack of progress and rebuilding in the central setting was jarring for some, particularly when compared to other, more thoroughly rebuilt locations in previous Fallout games. As Bethesda prepares to release Fallout 5, there is an opportunity to address this tonal and technological mismatch and create a more cohesive world for players to explore.

Post-War Progress in the Fallout Universe is Confusingly Uneven

Some gamers were dissatisfied with the state of the Commonwealth in Fallout 4, as much of it remained a wasteland even two centuries after the Great War. Despite being less affected by the war, rebuilding efforts in Boston seemed to have stagnated in the game. The Institute's questionable experiments thus stood out as one of the only signs of progress in the region. In contrast, Fallout's New California region had managed to establish a functional government and economy based on agriculture and manufacturing, despite suffering greater damage on the west coast than many east coast cities.

Fallout 5’s Settlements Should Reflect the Passage of Time

To address the issue of mismatched technology and tone across different regions in the Fallout franchise, Bethesda could revamp settlements in Fallout 5. Rather than starting from scratch, settlements could allow players to contribute to the existing growth and development of the region. Additionally, updating the visual appearance of settlements to reflect progress made since the Great War would create a more cohesive world. While still somewhat ramshackle, settlements shouldn't all look like they're straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie.

The post-apocalyptic atmosphere has been a defining feature of the Fallout series, which Fallout 5 should certainly retain. Nevertheless, Bethesda could enhance the game's visual and gameplay components to reflect the evolving world of Fallout, thereby establishing a cohesive and engaging tone for players. Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed the development of Fallout 5, but it is not yet underway.