Fallout 4 has been out for several years, yet it remains one of the most popular RPG games to date. Its mainstream appeal, digestible gameplay, and even mods have helped the game to survive well beyond release. Even the newest installment of the series Fallout 76 did little to diminish Fallout 4's marketability. However, during its time, Fallout 4 has acquired numerous misconstrued ideas regarding the game itself.
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Every video game is susceptible to accumulating negative outlooks or incorrect ideas from the populous. While it is often unintentional it can potentially ruin playthroughs or dissuade others from playing it. Fallout 4 is a victim of these misconceptions, and many elements are ruined because of it. To enjoy Fallout 4 in its entirety fans must first be aware of the many misunderstandings that have arisen over the years.
10 It Is The Best/Worst Fallout
Fallout 4 was initially met with mass praise for its distinct setting and fun gameplay. Nonetheless, as time passed Fallout 4 received much criticism from long-time fans and new players alike. This judgment is a result of the meticulous comparing of Fallout 4 to its predecessors. Alongside previous games, certain elements are notably disappointing yet conversely, some are better. As a result, there is a divide between fans who either love or hate Fallout 4.
Regardless of what outlook players hold Fallout 4 is neither the best nor worst addition to the franchise. In fact, there is no definitive answer to which games surpass each other. Comparing every Fallout game to another is like equating artistic pieces. Nothing is exactly like the other and if it were it would not be special. Instead of setting Fallout 4 on a pedestal or regarding it as trash, players should enjoy it with an open mind.
9 Choices Do Not Matter
The Fallout franchise is known for the effect that decisions have on the game. From the beginning towards the end, every choice that players make contributes to a certain outcome or end. However, the weight of a player's choice in Fallout 4 seems to have no substantial effect on the story. While this element is not to its predecessor's standards Fallout 4 has many critical decision-making moments.
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Even the simple choice of gender will change how the world interacts with the player. Aside from this, decisions such as perks, dialogue options, factions, etc. can completely change a playthrough. For instance, whatever faction you side with will not only affect the Commonwealth but possibly Far Harbor as well. Moreover, those around you will recognize your actions and judge you based on them. While every choice is less impactful, they are not completely void of long-term effects.
8 Builds Must Be Effective
Fallout 4's numerous perks allow players to make a variety of builds. From a cannibalistic boxer to a power-armored sniper the opportunities are nearly endless. However, when planning a character many players feel the need to make their builds formidable. While it is common to make the most powerful character players should not sacrifice creativity in the process.
Making a character should be a fun and imaginative aspect of Fallout 4. Being an RPG, players can be nearly anything they want without consequence. So, why confine characters to effective yet simple soldiers when they can be Grognak the Barbarian instead. Regardless of a build's effectiveness, players should always choose the best build for them.
7 Settlements Are Useless
Fallout 4's most well-known gimmick is its settlement building system. With it, players can join wastelanders in the effort to rebuild society. While it is an awesome feature many regard it as a waste of time and resources. Helping a settlement and rebuilding it from the ground up is tiresome but not without its benefits.
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Settlements offer players sanctuary - pun intended - and a source of goods. After a treacherous journey throughout the Commonwealth players can rest at a settlement and restock needed supplies. In addition, settlers can provide a variety of services such as medical aid or supplies. These are only a few of the benefits that settlements have to offer making them far from useless.
6 Fast Travel Is Necessary
The Commonwealth covers a large area alone but with DLCs that region becomes much bigger. This makes traveling a long and treacherous feat that most players wish to avoid. While open-world games typically support exploration, many would rather fast travel than make the journey. In fact, many believe that fast travel is a vital aspect of playing Fallout 4.
At times fast travel seems to be the only way to get around but doing so will only make playthroughs dull. Exploring the Commonwealth allows players to experience random encounters and discover places never seen before. In addition, enduring long journeys immerses players in the unforgiving world of Fallout.
5 Power Armor Trumps All
The most notable invention of the Fallout franchise is Power Armor. These nuclear-powered suits have remained a prominent item and mascot since Fallout 1. Power Armor has remained a constant theme, but Fallout 4 altered the original suit into something more. Instead of being a wearable suit, Power Armor is an exoskeleton frame that players can modify and upgrade with separate pieces of armor. It is much more powerful than previous renditions and many players will rely on it solely.
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While Power Armor is a useful tool in Fallout 4 it should not act as the player's trump card. It is formidable yes, but without caution, players can easily render their armor useless. Ignoring maintenance or fusion core count will leave it susceptible during confrontations. Moreover, recklessness can result in the deterioration of armor pieces and ultimately death. Power Armor is an exceptional tool but without proper care, it will falter.
4 The Main Story Is A Priority
Fallout 4's main story follows the dreadful tale of a widowed and vengeful parent searching for their son. It is a fast-paced questline that motivates players to be quick as if they are running out of time. As a result, many players will focus their efforts on completing the main questline. While the situation seems dire players should go at their own pace.
Shaun is not going to be lost if players take time away from the main story. In fact, players can disregard the questline entirely without consequence, although that is not recommended. Instead, players should take time to explore or complete side quest alongside the main story. After all, it is an RPG that encourages this attitude immediately upon meeting the Minutemen.
3 Factions Are Purely Good/Bad
Throughout Fallout 4 players will be introduced to four distinct factions: the Minutemen, the Brotherhood of Steel, the Railroad, and the Institute. Every faction is depicted by NPCs or the dialogue of the story as either good or bad. While certain groups and their cause appear to be righteous or evil there is no definite moral standing.
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From the Minutemen to the Institute there is no faction that is ethically sound. Every faction in its own way wants what is best for the Commonwealth. This means that each organization has different ideas of how it can do so. In the end, it is up to the player to decide which faction can provide the most for themselves or the Commonwealth.
2 Certain Factions Are Better Than Others
Alongside a faction's morality players may also incorrectly develop ideas of their strength. The Brotherhood of Steel and the Institute are viewed as powerful while the Railroad and Minutemen are seen as weak. While there is some truth to these claims the Minutemen and Railroad should not be written off.
The Institute and Brotherhood of Steel may be the most militaristic and technologically advanced, but they lack vital qualities. The Minutemen hold the people's interests at heart and can unite unlike any other. The Railroad excels in covert operations and espionage even capable of infiltrating the Institute's ranks. Every faction is exceptional in its own way, and none should be disregarded.
1 Nothing Awaits After The Story & DLC
Fallout 4's main questline along with its DLCs provides hundreds of hours of gameplay. Players able to complete playthroughs will usually set the game aside or start a new game. While it is tempting to do so players can possibly miss out on everything that Fallout 4 has to offer.
Even after completing the core plotlines of Fallout 4 and its DLC, players can still do so much more. The Commonwealth, Nuka World, and Far Harbor are vast regions with various areas to explore. In addition, players can test the limits of their characters against numerous enemies or create other challenges. Overall, the things players can do after are nearly endless.