Fallout 76 has come a long way since its initial launch back in 2018. What was once a lackluster multiplayer experience has evolved into a more realized version of what Bethesda originally intended. This growth mixed with the surge in popularity of the Fallout franchise has made Fallout 76 a fun experience to dive into.
The Fallout renaissance that happened after the premiere of Amazon Prime's live-action adaptation in April has reignited questions about the eventual fifth mainline game in the franchise. Fallout 5 is just as much of a mystery as its fantasy counterpart, The Elder Scrolls 6, leaving Bethesda with two massive releases looming in the distance. Although many may be expecting Fallout 4 to be the inspiration for Fallout 5, Fallout 76 may actually be paving the way for the next installment. Since Fallout 76 added Expeditions to the game, Fallout 5 has the perfect opportunity to expand its horizons.
Fallout 76's Expeditions Need to Play a Role in Fallout 5
Expanding the Franchise's Lore in Smaller Fragments
Fallout 76's Appalachian setting is one of the most fascinating locations featured in a Fallout game, but the game has ventured into other territories with Expeditions. The point of Expeditions is to explore stories and expand on franchise lore outside the confines of Appalachia. As of now, there are two Expeditions available in the game that allow players to explore The Pitt and Atlantic City. Getting the chance to experience Pittsburgh and the once-iconic New Jersey party city is an exciting insight into what lies outside of Fallout 76's base map.
Despite this mode being new in Fallout 76's lifespan, that doesn't mean it shouldn't inform the development of Fallout 5. Throughout the Fallout series, each game has focused on a set area. This, of course, is important to world-building and immersing players in the setting, but Expeditions have proven that a Fallout game can briefly showcase other parts of America without taking away from the main map and narrative. Expeditions only last around 10 to 20 minutes, and it's a great way to expand on series lore that Fallout 5 could only benefit from.
Expeditions are a newer addition to Fallout 76. The Pitt was added to the game back in 2022, with Atlantic City arriving in 2023
Of course, a balance would have to be achieved in order for Fallout 5 to pull this off properly. There could only be a few Expedition-inspired moments in the next game. Otherwise, it could make Fallout 5 feel like an anthology of various stories instead of one set narrative. However, this could also be a fantastic way to experience moments from the past, possibly even before the bombs fell. The Fallout series on Amazon Prime showcases the world before the Great War, and Fallout 5 has the opportunity to potentially connect both worlds through Expedition-like moments.
Fallout 5 Needs to Continue the Franchise's Evolution
When it comes down to it, Fallout 76 would be a stronger source of inspiration for Fallout 5 than Fallout 4 simply because of the game's evolution. Of course, this is mainly due to the game's live service nature, but Fallout 76 has experimented with the franchise in ways Fallout 4 was unable to. Despite the rocky start, Fallout 76 is now a strong entry in the franchise, and using it to set the groundwork for how Fallout 5 approaches series lore could make for a compelling and fresh story.
There are many directions Fallout 5 could take. From focusing on the Great War to potentially being the franchise's largest time jump since the bombs fell, the choices are seemingly endless. Whatever route Bethesda chooses to take, Fallout 76 will hopefully help build the next game's blueprint.
Fallout 76
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 54 /100 Critics Rec: 9%
