Summary
- Harold/Bob, the "Numen," is a unique character in the Fallout series, and has a rich history that could be further explored in Fallout 5.
- Fallout 5 may return to a West Coast setting, potentially referencing Harold and Bob or other Numen.
- The next entry could include Harold's descendant or a new Numen character to expand on the lore and carry on Harold's legacy in the setting.
Fallout has a long and storied past, both in-universe and its status as one of the most enduring and high-profile post-apocalyptic RPGs, often credited with popularizing them. Throughout its nearly 30 years, Fallout has covered a lot of ground, and the IP changed hands to Bethesda in 2004. The studio took the franchise in a new direction, with Fallout 3 being an open-world FPS instead of a turn-based CPRG. With the latest numbered installment back in 2015, and Bethesda known to be working next on the long-awaited The Elder Scrolls 6, it will likely be quite a while before fans will know much about Fallout 5.
After the previous two mainline outings, along with Fallout 76, took players from the original California setting and nearby states to the East Coast, speculation and some hints buried in Fallout 4 suggest that it's possible the fifth will return to the west where the story first began. And if it does so, there's one of the most distinctive characters whose history stretches back to Fallout 1 who would be a prime candidate to resurface in some form in Fallout 5.
Fallout 76' s recent addition of playable Ghoul characters could be hinting that Bethesda is considering including this option in the next entry, though it has not commented on this one way or another.
Fallout 5 Shouldn’t Forget About One of FO3’s DLC’s Best Characters
Fallout 5 has a great opportunity to see the return of an incredibly compelling character from one of Fallout 3's memorable DLCs.
Fallout 5 Moving Back to a West Coast Setting Would Provide the Perfect Opportunity to See Harold and Bob or More Numen
Harold and Bob: The "Numen"
Fallout's Harold has lived an incredible life. Born a few years before the Great War, he survived in a Vault before establishing a caravan trading outpost. While on an expedition with his partners to the Mariposa Military Base, he was exposed to the FEV and began to slowly mutate. He is first seen in Fallout 1 as a down-on-his-luck ghoul living in the settlement of Old Town, interestingly having previously known the title's antagonist, The Master, before the latter became the leader of the Super Mutant army.
In Fallout 2, Harold becomes foreman and mayor of the town of Gecko. But his mutation continued in an unexpected way over many years, as a parasitic tree-like growth sprouted from his head, which he affectionately named Bob. The duo was dubbed a "Numen," and by the time of Fallout 3, had made their way to the Capital Wasteland, whereupon Harold became painfully rooted to the earth by Bob. But his presence has revitalized the surrounding Wasteland into a verdant region, The Oasis.
The Lone Wanderer can find Harold in this hidden grove along with The Treeminders, a peaceful group caring for and worshiping Harold as a god. Players could choose to kill Harold and end his predicament, which he seemed to prefer, or help the Treeminders by either moderating or accelerating his growth. It's implied that doing so might spread Harold's effect further out, potentially changing the land into a more sustainable state.
How Fallout 5 Could Expand on Harold and Numen
As one of Fallout's strangest and most complicated characters, Harold's presence could be felt in the next game in a couple of ways. Depending on the timeline, and if Fallout 5 does move back to the West, it could be an opportunity to show him at a previously unseen point in his life, before Bob completely overtook his body, and delve more into the lore of how and why the FEV affected him in such a unique manner.
Other potential options could be to include a direct descendant or offshoot of Harold. Perhaps a sentient sapling that still has bits of his personality has split off from Harold, returning to his West Coast roots from Oasis. This would bring Harold's journey and story full circle while allowing his legacy to live on in Fallout 5. There might also be a new, previously unknown Numen who is exhibiting mutations similar to Harold, and could serve as a basis for referencing him. In any case, there are some good ways for the next title to include Harold and/or further explore the Numen.
Fallout 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 89%
