Fallout 76 takes the famed series into a fresh realm by introducing a multiplayer spin set in the hazardous post-nuclear landscape of Appalachia. Traditionally, Fallout games have strongly focused on role-playing, but this installment ups the ante by venturing into multiplayer territory, offering players even deeper and more captivating experiences. Known as a top-tier RPG franchise, Fallout has stuck to human protagonists—until now.
Thanks to the stellar reception of the Fallout live-action series on Amazon Prime, particularly Walton Goggins’ portrayal of The Ghoul, Fallout 76 plans to roll out playable Ghouls in early 2025. This massive update is a groundbreaking shift not just for the game but for the series overall. By introducing playable non-human characters, it opens the door for other races, like the notorious Super Mutants, to eventually become part of the play roster.
Super Mutants are nearly as iconic as Ghouls within the Fallout universe. Created by the exposure of humans to the FEV virus, these mutants become formidable adversaries throughout the wasteland. While most of them present a conflict-driven challenge, there are exceptions. In Fallout: New Vegas, for example, the community of Jacobstown is a haven for peaceful Super Mutants led by Marcus. Fallout 4 introduces players to Strong, a Super Mutant who can accompany them on their journey.
The potential introduction of Ghouls could motivate Bethesda to delve deeper into Fallout’s lore, exploring other races that could serve as playable characters. Super Mutants seem like a natural choice given their origins are shared with humans—much like Ghouls. The process of becoming a Ghoul in the game requires reaching Level 50 to unlock a special quest, indicating that a similar pathway could introduce players to becoming Super Mutants, perhaps involving a mission with direct exposure to the FEV virus.
While races like robotic Synths could join the roster down the line, Ghouls and Super Mutants keep the narrative firmly grounded in its human roots. Creating a compelling experience for players to role-play as Synths might present its own set of challenges.
The unexpected success of Amazon’s Fallout series has reignited interest in the games, with Fallout 76 benefiting greatly as it catches a surge of newfound attention. Speculations are rife about Fallout’s Season 2 and its potential impacts on the game’s trajectory.
In the end, there’s hope that these updates not only breathe fresh life into Fallout 76 but also set a precedent for future iterations like Fallout 5. By inviting players to experience the game through the eyes of Ghouls, it’s expected to broaden the role-playing possibilities and keep fans eager for what’s next in the ever-evolving Fallout universe.
