Fallout 5 might seem like it’s light-years away, especially with The Elder Scrolls 6 expected to debut first. But even though we have a long wait ahead, we can glean potential hints about what Fallout 5 could offer by examining Bethesda’s latest release, Starfield. Despite its share of ups and downs, this sci-fi RPG has introduced some thrilling ideas that could very well influence Fallout 5.
Although The Elder Scrolls 6 stands to learn a few lessons from Starfield, it’s the Fallout series that seems to share more DNA with Bethesda’s space-faring saga. Both games lean heavily into future-oriented tech, even if they showcase it differently. Starfield takes you to a galaxy teeming with advanced tech, while Fallout thrusts you into a post-apocalyptic America struggling to survive. Yet, beneath those differences, Fallout sneaks in that distinctive sci-fi vibe. This could mean Fallout 5 might just borrow one of Starfield’s most beloved post-launch features: land vehicles.
Back in August, Starfield introduced the REV-8, its very first land vehicle, completely transforming the way players navigate its vast planetary landscapes. Suddenly, instead of trudging through endless open terrain, players could speed across it, marking one of the game’s most significant upgrades since its 2023 release. While there have been other noteworthy updates, the introduction of this vehicle really shook things up, making a compelling case for why Fallout 5 should include similar features right from the launch.
We still have no idea where Fallout 5 will be set, but a wasteland is pretty much a given. The exact location remains a mystery, yet a harsh, sprawling, nuclear-devastated landscape is typically at Fallout’s core. To truly set Fallout 5 apart and reignite excitement, new features are essential. Adding land vehicles could easily be the game-changer that fans didn’t know they needed.
Traveling through Fallout’s worlds doesn’t always involve slogging through its perilous wastelands. While fast travel is an option and eventually unlocks, some players choose to forgo it for a more immersive experience. Sure, this offers deeper immersion, but it can also eat up time moving from one place to another. Despite many iterations throughout the series, vehicles have never been part of the equation. Including them could revitalize the franchise in a fresh and exciting way.
With the mixed reception to Starfield and the radio silence on The Elder Scrolls 6, there’s plenty of speculation about how Bethesda intends to make Fallout stand out in a crowded RPG market. Fallout 76, as a live-service game, has the advantage of continual improvement over time. However, Fallout 5 will need a strong debut. Bethesda is well-known for delivering substantial post-launch updates, but the sheer anticipation surrounding Fallout 5 means it needs to offer something exceptional at the outset. And let’s be honest—a vehicle system could be the perfect addition.
As we patiently await Fallout 5, Bethesda has a golden opportunity to observe which Starfield features are hitting home runs with players. Even if Starfield isn’t flawless, its land vehicles have set an inspiring benchmark, one that could bring a fantastic new dynamic to Fallout.
