With Fallout 5 still on the distant horizon, fans have a long wait ahead, especially since The Elder Scrolls 6 is expected to hit the shelves first. Even with this patience-testing timeline, there’s plenty of speculation about what Fallout 5 might offer, particularly by examining Bethesda’s latest endeavor, Starfield. This sci-fi RPG has been a mixed bag, but it introduces several exciting concepts that could potentially influence the next Fallout installment.
While Starfield offers lessons for The Elder Scrolls 6, it shares a closer kinship with Fallout due to its focus on technology, albeit through different lenses. Starfield is set against a backdrop of a technologically rich society exploring the cosmos, whereas Fallout paints a picture of a post-nuclear America struggling to survive. Even with these contrasting settings, Fallout doesn’t shy away from sci-fi elements, making it natural to consider that Fallout 5 might incorporate one of Starfield’s standout features: land vehicles.
In August, Starfield underwent a significant update with the addition of the REV-8, its inaugural land vehicle. This innovation transformed gameplay by allowing players to zip across planets instead of trekking tediously on foot—an enhancement that was praised as one of the most impactful updates since the game’s 2023 debut. If Fallout 5 launched with a similar feature, it could be a groundbreaking move for the series.
The exact setting for Fallout 5 remains under wraps, but one thing is almost certain: it will return to a familiar wasteland environment. The franchise thrives on its vast, nuked landscapes, and to stand out, the next game will need fresh features. A reliable land vehicle might just be the key to sparking renewed excitement.
Bethesda recently enriched Starfield’s experience by adding another land vehicle, the Deimog, available for free to players. Such updates reflect their commitment to keeping gameplay fresh and engaging.
Navigating Fallout hasn’t always involved slogging through hazardous terrains, thanks to fast travel options. However, for players seeking a more immersive experience, having a vehicle to cruise the wasteland at ground level could offer something new and enticing. Incorporating vehicles would bring an essential change, potentially infusing the series with a breath of fresh air.
With mixed reactions to Starfield and whispers surrounding The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda faces the challenge of making Fallout shine brightly in the competitive RPG market. Fallout 76 has the advantage of ongoing live-service updates, but Fallout 5 needs to make a strong initial impression. Known for their post-launch content, Bethesda must capitalize on the current buzz and deliver a game feature like vehicles that feels revolutionary and engaging right out of the gate.
As fans eagerly await Fallout 5, Bethesda has the chance to take cues from the elements of Starfield that resonate most with players. Even with its imperfections, Starfield’s introduction of land vehicles could set a promising new standard for the Fallout universe.
