The Fallout series has come a long way since its early days. Initially, the franchise had players navigating through a trimetric view, but it took a bold turn with Fallout 3, adopting a third-person perspective. Bethesda brought something fresh with Fallout 4 by introducing settlement building, a mechanic that some players absolutely love. However, future installments might do well to abandon this feature altogether.
It’s not just Fallout 4 dabbling in settlement mechanics; Fallout 76 featured its own camp system, and Starfield took the concept further, allowing gamers to create stunning constructions. Yet, when the next Fallout game makes its debut, returning to its roots could be the most strategic move for the series.
#### Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better, Especially in Bethesda Games
Developing a feature as vast as settlement building can consume significant resources that might be better utilized elsewhere. Just look at Starfield, Bethesda’s latest release. Some players weren’t entirely impressed, with critiques highlighting how the Creation Engine 2 makes the game appear dated, and how certain aspects feel lifeless. Although we can’t say for sure, prioritizing world-building over settlements might have injected more vibrancy and immersion into Starfield.
While Fallout 4 didn’t face the same scrutiny as Starfield, the fact remains that settlement building demands significant development attention. With Fallout 5 still far on the horizon, perhaps focusing on more essential aspects that enhance characters and lore could prevent Bethesda from repeating past mistakes.
> Starfield released its first DLC, Shattered Space, back in October 2024.
#### Emphasizing Fallout’s Core Adventure
Each Fallout game stands unique, connected by the central narrative of the Lone Survivor. From a Vault Dweller to the Courier in New Vegas, every chapter throws players into unforgiving wastelands. Rather than spotlighting settlements in Fallout 5, channeling efforts into the adventurous elements could be key to crafting an exceptional game.
#### Future Projects Post-Starfield
Post-Starfield, Bethesda is gearing up for The Elder Scrolls 6 and eventually Fallout 5. These titles come with hefty expectations, and Bethesda aims to meet them. There’s even speculation over whether The Elder Scrolls 6 might embrace settlement mechanics. Although many players enjoyed crafting communities in Fallout and Starfield, keeping this feature might perpetuate previous issues. If Bethesda were to implement Unreal Engine 5 instead of sticking with Creation Engine 2, it might resolve these hurdles, although such a switch seems unlikely.
> The Elder Scrolls 6 was officially announced in 2018, but while Fallout 5 is on the horizon, there’s no official announcement yet. However, Todd Howard has confirmed it will follow after TES6.
As Bethesda contemplates Fallout’s evolution, blending innovation with a touch of nostalgia could deliver a compelling game experience. The gaming community is rife with questions and anticipations, and when Fallout 5’s first reveal finally arrives, it promises to generate an undeniable buzz.
