The story of Fallout is filled with the consequences of humanity’s actions, adding up to the iconic wastelands players have come to know and love. When it comes to Fallout, the horrors of an unchecked, post-apocalyptic society are highlighted in each entry, showcasing a fascinating glimpse into what a post-nuclear world could look like.
With a growing list of titles, Fallout has robust lore that has made it a standout in the world of RPGs. Following 2018’s Fallout 76, many are wondering what Fallout 5 has in store. From the setting to the storyline, there is essentially nothing substantial known about the next game. With such a long-running series, it can be difficult to keep things fresh while still staying true to a franchise’s essence. However, one way Bethesda can mix things up and still embrace the game’s lore is by focusing on the FEV. By adding a new strain, Fallout 5 could include a small, but effective, change that offers something fresh for players.
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Fallout 5 Taking Note of Fallout 4’s Approach to FEV
The Source of the Super Mutants
FEV, also known as the Forced Evolutionary Virus, is a staple throughout the Fallout franchise. The virus, which was originally used as a biological weapon, has a long history within the series due to its creation of Super Mutants, and Fallout 4 showcased the FEV in a brand-new light. In this chapter’s story, The Institute performed years of experiments involving FEV. Through trial and error, Institute scientists unleashed mutated test subjects into the wild, wreaking havoc on the Commonwealth.
The Institute’s FEV produced Super Mutants that were hulking, muscular humanoids that boasted immunity to radiation in addition to their strength. Their posture is more upright than other mutant counterparts, and they also have the capacity for basic speech, unlike the poor speech of Vault 87’s Super Mutants.
Institute Super Mutants are capable of building forts and setting traps, making them a considerable threat.
Fallout 5 Introducing a New Kind of Super Mutant
Depending on where Fallout 5 takes place, it could leave the door wide open for a new type of Super Mutant. Perhaps another secretive or rogue group like The Institute managed to experiment with an FEV in some way and create a never-before-seen version of Super Mutants. Whether stronger or more intelligent, Super Mutants playing at least a small role in the story would go a long way. Another fascinating angle would be to introduce a colony where Super Mutants and human survivors have managed to coexist peacefully together. There have been civilized and non-hostile Super Mutants in the past, like New Vegas‘ Marcus and Fallout 4‘s Uncle Leo, but a full-blown cooperative society could be a compelling narrative to explore.
Fallout 5’s Mysterious Path Forward
Bethesda’s Next Move
There are high expectations for Bethesda at the moment. After the lackluster response to Starfield and its recent DLC, Shattered Space, The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 have a daunting road ahead. The overwhelmingly positive response to Amazon Prime’s Fallout series has reignited interest in the franchise, making the path forward even more challenging for Bethesda. In order to meet expectations, Fallout 5 will have the difficult task of balancing both classic points of lore with fresh concepts.
It is believed that
Fallout 5
will release after
The Elder Scrolls 6
, which likely means a long wait is ahead for the next chapter.
Although the game will likely need to do more to excite longtime fans, a unique take on Super Mutants could be a strong starting point. With the success of the live-action adaptation and the resurgence of Fallout 76 and its fellow single-player entries, it will be intriguing to see how Bethesda uses these successes to inform Fallout 5‘s overall story.
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, invite you to the ambitious open world of Fallout 4. Do whatever you want in a massive Commonwealth with hundreds of locations, characters and quests.
As the sole survivor of Vault 111, only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone – the choices are yours.
From a Power Armor-toting soldier to the charismatic smooth-talker, be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system and develop your own playstyle from hundreds of Perks.
Experience exciting first- or third-person combat with the dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S., targeting enemies for maximum tactical advantage (and cinematic carnage!) Collect, upgrade and build thousands of items with Fallout 4’s crafting system. Weapons, armor, food and with the right materials, even entire settlements are possible. Welcome home.