8-Point Plan for Todd Howard to Ensure Fallout 5 Doesn’t End Up a Snoozefest Like Fallout 4

The Fallout series holds a special place in the hearts of gamers, but Fallout 4 has been a sore point for many. The game was heavily criticized for straying too far from its RPG roots. With Todd Howard and Bethesda now working on Fallout 5, a lot can change.

Players will no doubt have high expectations from the studio to deliver. Especially after the improvements that Fallout 76 made and how successful the Fallout TV series was on Amazon. Bethesda has a golden opportunity to return to its roots while innovating for the future.

1. Make a Fallout World Worth Engaging In

The world of Fallout 4 is big but often bland. Fallout 5 should strike a balance between post-apocalyptic decay and signs of nature reclaiming the earth. Bethesda’s environmental storytelling shines in games like Skyrim, and applying that skill to Fallout 5 could create unforgettable locations.

2. Upgrade the Game Engine Without Losing Modding Potential

Bethesda’s Creation Engine, which dates back to 1997, has been a sticking point for fans. Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 showcased its limitations. Completely replacing it would affect how modding works compared to other Bethesda games.

So while the engine could use an upgrade in terms of graphics, physics, and animations, it shouldn’t affect modding. Mods and their creators are a huge part of Bethesda’s games, so preserving this relationship is a win-win.

3. Bring Back The RPG We Know in Fallout 5

Many fans cite Fallout: New Vegas as the franchise’s RPG pinnacle, thanks to its branching narratives, skill checks, and reputation systems. Fallout 4, on the other hand, watered down these mechanics and felt more like an action game. Fallout 5 must bring back these complex role-playing features.

4. Settlements and Crafting Could Use a Change

When Fallout 4 introduced settlements, they felt like an endless grind of fetch quests and repetitive designs. Fallout 5 could add customizable NPC interactions, such as naming settlers or assigning specific roles with visible results. Making certain radiant quests better, like Preston Garvey’s infamous “another settlement needs our help,” would reduce player fatigue.

5. Focus on Quality DLC

Post-launch content can make or break a Fallout game. Fallout 3 and New Vegas delivered unforgettable expansions that felt like full-fledged experiences. Bethesda’s approach to DLCs in Fallout 4 felt hit-or-miss.

Posts from the fallout
community on Reddit

Even more recently, the studio released the Shattered Space DLC for Starfield, which was largely a miss. The studio should learn and draw inspiration from what has already worked to make Fallout 5‘s DLCs.

6. Go All in on the Community and Modders

The Fallout modding community has been a lifeline for the series, with mods introducing new quests, mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements. Bethesda should collaborate with modders during Fallout 5’s development to incorporate fan-favorite features directly into the base game.

Additionally, addressing bugs and technical issues at launch would go a long way in earning back goodwill, especially after the backlash surrounding Fallout 76.

7. Diversify Factions and Morality

Fallout 4’s factions were interesting but they often blurred together with morally ambiguous goals. We should get the choice to join factions with ethical contrasts and the get chance to embrace outright villainy. Fallout 5 should feature more diverse factions with clearer moral stakes, allowing players to make significant ethical decisions.

8. A Story Worth Remembering

Many fans found Fallout 4’s story predictable and uninspired. The ‘missing relative’ trope has been used repeatedly in the franchise, and it’s time for a fresh narrative. We need a plot with genuine moral dilemmas, branching paths, and impactful choices.

Let the story reflect the harshness of a post-apocalyptic world where every decision carries weight. These emotionally charged decisions are what elevate RPG storytelling and could be a defining feature of Fallout 5.

What do you want to see in Fallout 5? Let us know your thoughts!