As the first-ever playable Ghoul, Fallout 76 has taken on quite a challenge to translate this iconic mutant race into a playable character. While exciting, there have been a few bumps in the road, though, as Fallout 76’s playable Ghoul has already been the source of two new controversies.
In the short time since it was released, the new disguise mechanic for the playable Ghoul has turned out to be quite a controversial feature in Fallout 76. Following fans’ strong reactions to the Ghoul’s disguise, Bethesda may need to find a happy middle ground for this feature to make playing as a Ghoul more accessible.
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The Unwritten Rules of Fallout 76’s Playable Ghoul Explained
Transforming into a Ghoul in Fallout 76 will present new mechanics and playstyle opportunities that players will want to take into consideration.
Fallout 76’s Ghoul Disguise Controversy Explained
For any players who transform into a Ghoul in Fallout 76, it will be necessary to wear a specific disguise when interacting with some of the key factions and independent quest-givers throughout the game. In previous iterations of the Ghoul’s disguise on Fallout 76’s Public Test Server, the disguise originally featured several debuffs while players were wearing it. Even though these debuffs have since been removed, players are still largely unhappy with the Ghoul’s disguise mechanic. Some of the community’s biggest complaints about this feature so far are that it’s tedious to interact with, it can be quite a deterrent for newer players, and its overall contradictory nature.
The Ghoul Disguise Adds Unnecessary Loading Screens and Fast Travel Costs
Currently, equipping and unequipping the Ghoul’s disguise requires players to visit Jaye Vo in the Radiant Hills. Even though Radiant Hills is a free fast travel point, some of the quest locations players might be traveling to and from while using the disguise likely aren’t free. So, not only does the disguise require players to go through an arguably unnecessary amount of loading screens, but it also slowly costs players Caps to travel around, despite the disguise itself being free to equip and unequip.
Playing as Ghoul Creates a Barrier to Entry for Newer Players
For longtime players who have already completed the available questlines in Fallout 76 before becoming a Ghoul, the disguise mechanic is generally only needed for visiting NPC vendors found within some of the faction hubs. However, for players who still need to complete these quests, the Ghoul’s disguise can be quite the barrier to entry as it’s required for the majority of existing quests. Hence, for any new and returning players who create a new character in Fallout 76 to become a Ghoul, the disguise can be quite a deterrent for what is otherwise a worthwhile experience.
The Disguise Mechanic Isn’t Consistent with Fallout 76’s Factions
Another point of criticism for the playable Ghoul’s disguise is that most of the factions that players are required to wear a disguise to visit have known affiliations with Ghoul NPCs and other mutant races, who themselves don’t need to wear disguises. A prime example of this is the Raiders at the Crater, who knowingly employ the services of a Ghoul and a Super Mutant. Hence, it isn’t exactly justified that this main faction in Fallout 76 would be distrustful of the player character for being a Ghoul.
How Fallout 76 Can Improve the Ghoul’s Disguise Mechanic
- Allow players to equip/unequip the disguise from their inventory, eliminating the need to travel back and forth to the Radiant Hills
- Make full-body and face outfits count as disguises, either by default or by having Jaye Vo upgrade them for a fee
- Once players reach max reputation for a faction, make disguises optional
Leaving the disguise’s debuffs permanently removed is a good start, but there are several ways this feature could be further improved. Considering that reception to Fallout 76’s playable Ghoul character could influence a wider variety of playable characters in future Fallout games, Bethesda needs to consider finding a happy middle ground with the Ghoul’s controversial disguise mechanic for the sake of the franchise’s legacy.
- Released
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November 14, 2018
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol