Throughout the history of the Fallout games, there have been significant alterations to the Power Armor suits themselves, as well as the introduction of new gameplay mechanics associated with them. One of the most notable improvements has been the introduction of a wide range of different suits created by various factions in the Fallout universe. However, the reception of the gameplay mechanics relating to Power Armor has varied among the communities of each game.
In the original Fallout game, players were only provided with one suit of Power Armor. Nevertheless, this suit served as a substantial upgrade compared to standard armor, offering enhanced defensive capabilities and increased power. The Power Armor introduced in the first Fallout game set a high standard for subsequent iterations of the franchise, as it allowed players to become formidable forces within the post-nuclear wastelands.
How Power Armor Changed in Every Fallout Game
In Fallout 2, the Power Armor from the original game, including the standard T-51b series and the Hardened variant, returned alongside the newly introduced Advanced X-01 Power Armor. The X-01, being the first post-war Power Armor suit designed specifically for nuclear wastelands, quickly became the top choice due to its superior capabilities. The only difference from the original game was the availability of additional suit series, surpassing the effectiveness of the T-51b series in light of post-war armor advancements.
In Fallout 3, a greater number of post-war series of Power Armor were being produced, resulting in an impressively diverse selection of Power Armor suits. However, these suits were not as defensively strong as those found in previous games. This installment also introduced Power Armor training, which became a controversial topic within the gaming community.
Power Armor training continued in Fallout: New Vegas, but acquiring it in this game was significantly more challenging compared to Fallout 3. Obtaining the necessary credentials for Power Armor training in Fallout: New Vegas was such a demanding task that players were often more likely to complete the game before obtaining them. Despite this, the post-war Power Armor suits in Fallout: New Vegas were stronger than those in Fallout 3. Unfortunately, accessing and utilizing these suits proved to be overly complicated in this installment.
It is a widely debated topic among fans whether the changes made to Power Armor in Fallout 4 align with the canon of the Fallout franchise. One of the most controversial alterations is the ease with which players can obtain Power Armor, as well as the requirement of Fusion Cores as a fuel source. However, Fallout 4 also made some beneficial improvements, such as removing the need for training credentials and introducing other enhancements.
Despite the criticisms, Fallout 4's Power Armor mechanics have several positive aspects. Each limb of the Power Armor is treated as a separate piece that players can attach to universal frames. This allows for a mix-and-match approach, providing different benefits from various sets. Additionally, players now have the ability to individually modify and upgrade Power Armor pieces, which significantly enhances gameplay.
Fallout 76 takes inspiration from Fallout 4's Power Armor mechanics while also enhancing the diversity that made Fallout 3's post-war Power Armor sets so significant. With the largest assortment of Power Armor options in any Fallout game, Fallout 76 offers not only unparalleled damage resistance but also powerful set bonuses. These legendary and one-of-a-kind Power Armor sets push the thrill of wearing Power Armor in Fallout 76 to new heights, surpassing previous entries in the franchise, despite the controversial mechanics inherited from Fallout 4.