It’s no secret that Fallout 5 is still a long way off. With The Elder Scrolls 6 expected to hit shelves before the next installment of Fallout, fans are in for a lengthy wait. However, there are likely some exciting clues hidden in Bethesda’s latest release, Starfield, that might offer hints about what players can anticipate in Fallout 5. While the sci-fi RPG has had its mix of successes and setbacks, it also brings a host of fascinating ideas that could transition into the next Fallout game.
Though Starfield may also have lessons for The Elder Scrolls 6, it shares a closer kinship with Fallout due to their technological themes, albeit presented in vastly different settings. Starfield takes players on a journey through a technologically advanced galaxy, while Fallout paints a picture of a post-apocalyptic America struggling to endure. Despite their differences, both dip their toes into the sci-fi genre, potentially paving the way for Fallout 5 to incorporate one of Starfield’s standout features: land vehicles.
Back in August, Starfield introduced players to the REV-8, its first-ever land vehicle, which revolutionized travel across alien terrains. Gone were the days of painstakingly trudging through planetary landscapes. This speeding innovation was one of the most impactful updates since Starfield’s 2023 release, and bringing a similar feature to Fallout 5 from the get-go could be a significant win for the series.
While Fallout 5’s exact setting remains a mystery, we can be pretty certain it will involve some version of a wasteland. Whether it’s an entirely new area or a reimagined location, there’s no doubt a sprawling, dangerous world devastated by nuclear fallout will play a central role. For Fallout 5 to not just fit in but shine, introducing fresh elements like land vehicles could be the ideal move. It would not only differentiate the game but also stir up excitement among fans.
In Fallout games, travel usually means slogging through risky territories. Sure, fast travel kicks in eventually, but for those pursuing a more immersive, on-foot experience, skipping fast travel can feel rewarding but time-consuming. Previous Fallout titles haven’t dabbled in vehicles, but adding one could breathe new life into the franchise.
With the mixed feedback on Starfield and the low-key buzz around The Elder Scrolls 6, it’s a crucial juncture for Bethesda to define how Fallout will stand out in the RPG landscape. Fallout 76 enjoys the perks of being a live-service game that can adapt and grow, but Fallout 5 needs to make a striking first impression. Bethesda’s knack for post-launch enhancements is renowned, but given the heightened anticipation and the momentum from the live series, Fallout 5 needs to deliver something undeniably exciting. A land vehicle could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
As we continue to anticipate Fallout 5, Bethesda has a clear opportunity to learn from what’s hitting home with Starfield players. While Starfield might not be flawless, its addition of land vehicles could very well set a new benchmark for Fallout.
