The Fallout franchise has undergone quite the transformation over the years. Originally, the series started with a trimetric perspective, but everything took a new turn with Fallout 3’s switch to third-person. Fallout 4 then stirred things up by introducing settlement building, a feature that, while enjoyable for some, might be best left behind in the next installment.
Bethesda didn’t stop with Fallout 4, though; they expanded settlement building into Fallout 76 through its camp system. Starfield further evolved the idea, allowing for some truly remarkable constructions. But when it comes to the next Fallout game, a more back-to-basics approach could prove beneficial for the series going forward.
Switching gears can sometimes do wonders for a game, and in the case of Fallout 5, scaling back could indeed make the game stronger. Settlement building is a massive feature that absorbs a lot of development resources, which might be more effectively used in other areas. Starfield, for instance, didn’t quite hit the mark for some players. Criticisms include its use of the outdated Creation Engine 2 and a world that feels somewhat empty. Had the focus shifted to world-building rather than settlements, Starfield might have delivered a more vibrant experience.
Fallout 4 managed to avoid the specific criticisms faced by Starfield, but the extensive focus needed for settlement building is undeniable. While Fallout 5 is still on the distant horizon, trimming down certain features could help the game deliver more compelling characters and richer lore than its predecessors.
Starfield, which released its first DLC, Shattered Space, in October 2024, serves as a reminder of the balance needed between adding new features and maintaining the essence of what makes a game truly memorable. With every Fallout game, the heart of the narrative lies in the journey of characters like the Vault Dweller or New Vegas’ Courier, tasked with navigating the post-apocalyptic world. Fallout 5 could benefit from channeling its development energy into enhancing adventure-driven aspects rather than settlement features.
Following Starfield, Bethesda has two colossal projects in the pipeline: The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. These upcoming titles carry massive expectations, which might stretch the development resources thin. Speculation suggests The Elder Scrolls 6 may even include a settlement system similar to those in Fallout and Starfield. Though adored by a portion of the fanbase, such features could also prolong issues associated with these games. Should Bethesda opt for Unreal Engine 5 instead of sticking with the Creation Engine 2, some of these problems might be alleviated, though the likelihood of such a shift remains slim.
The road ahead for the Fallout series is filled with anticipation and questions as fans await the next game announcement. Sometimes, simplifying a game can lead to a richer experience, and perhaps Fallout 5 will emerge in a smaller yet more detailed form when it finally debuts. Until then, the gaming community will watch closely as Bethesda navigates these uncharted waters.
