As it stands, we’re in for quite the wait before we see anything from Fallout 5. The Elder Scrolls 6 seems set to take the spotlight first, leaving Fallout fans with a long road ahead. Yet, there might be a few clues about what’s in store for Fallout 5 if we take a closer look at Bethesda’s latest release, Starfield. This sci-fi RPG hasn’t been without its ups and downs, but it does offer some intriguing ideas that could potentially enhance the next Fallout installment.
There’s an interesting parallel between Starfield and the Fallout series, especially considering both delve into their unique technological landscapes. Starfield takes players on a journey across a futuristic, star-studded society, while Fallout throws you into a gritty, post-nuclear America struggling for survival. Despite these differences, both series embrace elements of science fiction, which could mean Fallout 5 might just borrow a page from Starfield’s book by incorporating one of its popular features: land vehicles.
Starfield recently made waves with an update in August, introducing the REV-8 — its very first terrestrial vehicle. This addition changed the game, allowing players to zip across planetary terrains rather than trekking through them, and marked one of the most notable updates since the game launched in 2023. If Fallout 5 were to roll out with something similar, it could be a major game-changer for the series.
Right now, we can only speculate on the location of Fallout 5, though a wasteland setting is pretty much a given. The key to standing out might just lie in integrating fresh features, and introducing land vehicles could be the catalyst to differentiate Fallout 5 in an exciting way.
In Fallout games, getting around isn’t limited to slogging through desolate terrains. Players eventually unlock the ability to fast travel, but some might crave a more immersive means to traverse the map. While more immersive, taking the scenic route can be time-consuming. Introducing vehicles in Fallout would offer a breath of fresh air and add a layer of depth not seen in the series thus far.
With the debates surrounding Starfield and the quiet approach to The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda faces the challenge of making Fallout shine in today’s bustling RPG scene. Although Fallout 76 gets to evolve as a live-service title, generating new excitement from the outset will be crucial for Fallout 5. Bethesda is known for impressive post-launch updates, but with the buzz around live projects, Fallout 5 will require something truly extraordinary—something perhaps as tangible and thrilling as a vehicle addition.
As we patiently await Fallout 5, Bethesda has an opportunity to sift through Starfield’s features to identify what captivates players. While Starfield may not be a flawless masterpiece, its land vehicles could very well set a new benchmark for what Fallout fans can hope for in the future.