Fallout 5: The Fate of Iconic Fallout 4 NPC Revealed!

Highlights

Fallout 4's side quest involving Drinkin' Buddy, a modified Protectron, offers players a unique and charming companion option.

Drinkin' Buddy possesses the ability to craft unique curative drinks and has a knack for sharing cheesy jokes, making it a truly unforgettable character within the Fallout 4 universe. It is highly recommended that Bethesda explore the idea of reintroducing beloved characters such as Drinkin' Buddy in upcoming Fallout installments, as it would undoubtedly infuse the franchise with even more charisma and allure.

Fallout 4 is widely regarded as one of Bethesda's most impressive modern RPGs, and the extensive array of quests throughout the game world is a major contributing factor to its enduring impact. Building on the success of both Fallout 3 and New Vegas, Fallout 4 raised the bar for the franchise by expanding its narrative experience. For the first time, players were treated to a fully voiced protagonist, resulting in an even more immersive exploration of the Commonwealth, including its side missions. While the release of Fallout 5 may still be some time away, it would be wise for Bethesda to remember the allure of a particular side quest when developing the next installment.

Located in the unassuming Goodneighbor settlement of Boston, the Hotel Rexford conceals one of Fallout 4's most unexpectedly heartwarming secrets. By engaging in conversation with Rufus Rubins, a local handyman NPC, players can embark on the Trouble Brewin' quest, which involves recovering a modified Protectron for him. The search for this robot takes players through the rugged challenges of the Shamrock Taphouse, a formerly prosperous pre-war establishment now overrun by raiders. Interestingly, once the robot is found, the quest presents players with a choice to make.

Drinkin' Buddy Brings Fun to Fallout 4

Found inside a secret password-protected pod in the basement, the Protectron is awakened and revealed to be Drinkin' Buddy, a walking brewery and cooler. Believed to have been inactive for centuries, Buddy is ready to fulfill his delivery and return to Rufus at the Hotel Rexford. This can be the end of the quest, or alternatively, players can choose to keep Buddy and send him to any of their own Fallout 4 settlements.

If kept, Drinkin' Buddy proves to be a valuable companion as he can create enhanced versions of certain healing beverages called "Ice Cold" drinks. However, this ability is limited to Nuka Cola and the scarce Gwinnett brand beer. To complete the collection, players can find more recipes for this brand throughout the game world. In the past, Buddy would risk dying during his slow journeys to the next location, but a Fallout 4 update has rendered him invincible and improved his combat skills. Aside from his practical attributes, Drinkin' Buddy is also known for his repertoire of corny jokes, which he can amuse players with upon command.

Why Drinkin' Buddy's Return is Important to Fallout 5

Drinkin' Buddy's genuine usefulness as a companion in Fallout 4 has made him beloved by many players. Considering the future of Bethesda with Fallout 5, it would be delightful to have Buddy, or at least a character in the same vein, to add charm to the franchise. Among the various characters like Ghouls, Synths, and other Protectrons, Drinkin' Buddy stands out as a charming homage to the series' retro-futuristic theme. Unfortunately, Fallout 76, the current entry, has not yet introduced a similar feature, as Fallout 5 is still quite far off.

Bethesda currently has a busy schedule with the upcoming release of Starfield next month, pushing any potential new entries in their other franchises years into the future. As of now, only The Elder Scrolls 6 has been officially announced, leaving Fallout 5 as a distant prospect. Despite their emphasis on other intellectual properties, it would be advantageous for the renowned RPG studio to acknowledge the widespread appreciation for well-executed non-human characters, such as the beloved Drinkin' Buddy. Fallout 4 is currently accessible on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.