Why Fallout 5 Needs to Embrace This Key Feature After Starfield

It appears that gamers will have to exercise patience as Fallout 5 isn’t expected to grace our screens for a few more years. With The Elder Scrolls 6 predicted to drop before the next Fallout title, it seems like there’s a long wait ahead. Despite this anticipation, clues about Fallout 5 can potentially be gleaned from Bethesda’s recent release, Starfield. This sci-fi RPG has had its fair share of ups and downs, yet it showcases some intriguing concepts that could make their way into the Fallout universe.

While Starfield might offer insights that influence The Elder Scrolls 6, it’s the Fallout franchise that shares a closer kinship with Bethesda’s cosmic adventure. Both series revel in their unique technological narratives, albeit in vastly different ways. Starfield paints a picture of a society exploring the cosmos with advanced technology, whereas Fallout takes players into a post-apocalyptic America struggling to survive. Despite these contrasting stories, Fallout does flirt with a sci-fi theme, possibly setting the scene for the introduction of one of Starfield’s standout features: land vehicles.

Back in August, Starfield received a significant boost with the addition of the REV-8, the game’s inaugural land vehicle. This addition has revolutionized player movement, allowing them to navigate planetary landscapes with ease rather than weariness. Since its 2023 debut, Starfield has benefited from several updates, but the REV-8 stands out as one of the most impactful changes. Integrating a similar feature into Fallout 5 could undeniably mark a pivotal new direction for the beloved series.

Exactly where Fallout 5 will be set remains a mystery, though it’s safe to say a wasteland backdrop is almost certain. Whether it’s a vastly different location or a familiar setting, Fallout’s essence lies in its expansive, perilous, nuclear-ravaged terrain. To distinguish itself and ignite player enthusiasm, Fallout 5 should consider incorporating innovative elements, such as land vehicles—simple yet effective additions that could truly enhance the experience.

In terms of traversal, Fallout has always been about more than just endless trekking across desolate lands. While fast travel options eventually open up, some players prefer a more immersive journey, opting out of instant travel. This choice enriches immersion but also stretches out travel time between locations. Introducing vehicles could add a fresh dynamic, offering a revitalizing twist the series has yet to fully explore.

With the mixed responses to Starfield and the hush surrounding The Elder Scrolls 6, many questions arise about Bethesda’s plans to make Fallout shine in the competitive RPG landscape. As a live-service game, Fallout 76 has the advantage of evolving over time, but Fallout 5 will need an impressive launch to make waves. Known for its post-launch enhancements, Bethesda must capitalize on the current excitement around its games, offering something truly special—a new vehicle feature could be precisely the leap forward needed.

As fans continue to await Fallout 5, Bethesda should reflect on which aspects of Starfield resonate best with players. Starfield may not be perfect, but its inclusion of land vehicles might just set a new benchmark for the Fallout series.