TheFalloutgames have explored different areas of a post-nuclear America, but each entry has at least revolved around a wasteland one way or another. With each newFalloutgame, getting to see what wasteland awaits is a big part of the fun. However, the franchise may be running out of options to continue this franchise trend.
The most recent game in the series,Fallout 76, focuses on the Appalachian region of the country, which is one of the most unique settings yet. From the New California Republic to the Commonwealth, each setting inFallouthas helped build upon the lore even further. There’s no telling whenFallout 5will come out at this point, but Bethesda will have to present a fresh wasteland that stands out from the others, which is easier said than done. Thankfully,Starfield’s procedural generationcould not only help this problem, but it could expand the map beyond what has been attempted before.
The Future of Fallout Embracing a Procedurally Generated Wasteland
Expanding the Scope of Fallout’s Reach
Starfield’s procedural generation may not be a perfect way to bring over 1,000 planets to life, but it has a lot of potential if its parameters are made more specific. Althougheach wasteland inFallouthas had its own unique qualities, there are only so many versions of a wasteland Bethesda can explore before having to recycle them. The franchise has covered nearly every type of landscape found in America. Returning to a similar region is possible, but going even bigger and featuring a procedurally generated version of America that is completely open to explore could be exciting.
Instead of focusing on one central location, the nextFalloutcould make exploration and aimless wandering a key component in its next game. The only issue is that Bethesda will need to learn from itsmistakes withStarfield. At launch, one of the main criticisms ofStarfieldwas that the game’s planets felt lifeless and lacked content. Although these planets are likely more lifelike representations of what uninhabited planets could be, getting to travel to earth and see old landmarks would have been thrilling. If Bethesda wants to make the procedural generation truly work, retrying withFalloutand making a point to focus on landmarks and more unique terrain and visuals would be needed.
Despite excitement being reignited by Amazon Prime’s Fallout series,Fallout 5is still years away.
The vastness ofStarfieldis compelling, and taking this approach with the wastelands ofFalloutcould be an intriguing step in a new direction. Of course, there would need to be more hand-crafted colonies sprinkled throughout America, but getting to travel between each one could bring the franchise to the next level.The nextFalloutis a mystery, but it would be surprising if Bethesda didn’t use some of the same tricks asStarfieldfor its development.
Fallout Showcasing More of the Wasteland
The wastelands ofFalloutare just as much of a main character as the Vault Dwellers or the Courier. However, one expansive map that allowed for ultimate exploration could bring an even more epic story to the forefront.If the nextFalloutwants to stand out, then there will need to be some big moves made.Fallout 76did this well with its region and dive into multiplayer, so it will be intriguing to see if Bethesda tries to pivot in a drastic new direction once again.
Fallout 5may not use procedural generation, but it could need to be at least considered down the road. As of now,Falloutcould still explore a wasteland version of the Everglades or deep in the Midwest. There are still options available, butBethesda may need to go biggerin order to impress audiences.
