Unveiling the Enigmatic Blue Devil and Ouga Cryptids: Inside the Intriguing Design of Fallout 76
Fallout 76's Art Director discusses the creative process behind the captivating Blue Devil and Ouga cryptids, introducing thrilling new additions to the Once in a Blue Moon event
Despite a troubled start, the West Virginia hills of Fallout 76 have seen a remarkable resurgence, with recent content receiving high praise from the community. The latest updates, including Season 13 and the Once in a Blue Moon Update, have been met with equal enthusiasm, particularly due to the introduction of new Cryptids.
What sets Fallout 76 apart from its single-player counterparts is its strong focus on the franchise's fascination with bizarre creatures and Lovecraftian themes. Players are treated to encounters with Appalachia's infamous monsters, such as the Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, and the Snallygaster. These cryptids evoke the mystical elements previously seen in other franchise installments like Fallout 3's Point Lookout DLC and Fallout 4's Dunwich Borers.
In a recent interview with Game Rant, Jon Rush, the game's art director, sheds light on the significant role cryptids play in Fallout 76 and the intricate process of their design.
The latest update, named Once in a Blue Moon, introduces two additional mythical creatures into the game: the Ouga, a massive turtle, and the Blue Devil, a werewolf-like creature. The Ouga is described in the real-world story as a hybrid between an alligator and a snapping turtle, measuring 20 feet in length and weighing 500 pounds. It was reportedly sighted for the first time in 1745. On the other hand, the Blue Devil is believed to have caused the death of numerous livestock in West Virginia during the years 1939 and 1940. Descriptions depict it as a blueish, dog-like creature larger than a pony. These interpretations have been creatively adapted for Fallout 76, resulting in exciting and enjoyable design opportunities, as explained by Rush.
"I hadn't fully understood the concept of 'cryptids' until we began working on Fallout 76. I was familiar with creatures like the Mothman and Sheepsquatch, but I was unaware of the vast number of cryptids present, especially in the West Virginia region. Researching the various local cryptids was an incredibly enjoyable experience and provided numerous intriguing options. We specifically chose cryptids that would offer a unique and distinct gameplay experience, separate from our existing characters."
Mechanically, the Blue Devil and the Ouga draw inspiration from two of the game's larger-scale world bosses, Erle Williams and the Ultracite Titan, respectively. The Blue Devil, encountered at the Blue Ridge Caravan's pit stop in the Savage Divide mountains, possesses the ability to strike fear into players and compel them to flee, much like Erle does. Similarly, the Ouga, battled at a cultist camp in the Cranberry Bog, has the capability to temporarily render itself immune to damage, similar to Fallout 76's Ultracite Titan.
These encounters are not mere replicas of previous ones. They occur after a long event organized by the Blue Ridge Caravan Company, and both enemies are less intimidating and more adaptable compared to their nuclear counterparts.
The Ogua had been under the observation of our Design teams for some time, so it was inevitable for it to emerge from its hiding place.
The Ouga and Blue Devil, alongside other cryptids such as the Megasloth, Sheepsquatch, and the Beast of Beckley, have now become part of Fallout 76, expanding the franchise's lore on these creatures. While it is somewhat up to players' interpretation, it is believed that these creatures could either be a result of radiation or possess a more otherworldly nature. In particular, Fallout 76 connects the Mothman to the ongoing Lovecraftian mysticism by providing cryptic clues about a mysterious being known as "the Interloper."
From a conceptual standpoint, the Blue Devil seemed perfectly fitting as a mythical creature that would instill terror in our unsuspecting Blue Ridge Caravan, evoking a similar sense of dread as a werewolf.
Bethesda's increasing focus on the fantastical aspects of Fallout brings the possibility of delving deeper into the enigma of the Interloper and exploring the wide-ranging supernatural themes of the series. Regardless of whether players are granted this insight, it can be confidently assumed that more cryptids will be introduced in the future, compellingly tormenting and terrifying players. Fallout 76 is currently playable on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
