Fallout 76 takes the beloved franchise into new territory with its multiplayer format, whisking players away to the dangerous, post-nuclear world of Appalachia. Known for emphasizing role-playing elements, the Fallout series takes its signature gameplay a step further in Fallout 76 by incorporating a multiplayer experience that promises even richer, more immersive gaming moments. Traditionally, the franchise has always kept players in human roles, until now.
Thanks to the sweeping success of Amazon Prime’s live-action Fallout series and the rave reviews Walton Goggins received as The Ghoul, there’s exciting news on the horizon. Fallout 76 is set to introduce playable Ghouls in early 2025, marking a significant shift for both this game and the series at large. This move could pave the way for more non-human races to join the lineup. While options for non-human characters are currently limited, the introduction of Super Mutants seems like a natural progression.
Super Mutants are as iconic as Ghouls in the Fallout universe, evolving from humans exposed to the FEV virus, which transforms them into formidable beings feared across the wastelands. Although many you encounter are hostile, the series has showcased more peaceable members, like the residents of Jacobstown in Fallout: New Vegas or Strong from Fallout 4, who can even accompany you as a companion.
The decision to introduce Ghouls in Fallout 76, driven largely by Walton Goggins’ acclaimed performance, could hopefully inspire further exploration of Fallout’s diverse lore. This has the potential to widen the scope of what characters players can embody, in Fallout 76 and beyond. Considering both Ghouls and Super Mutants originate from human characters, it makes sense to see these transformations occur as part of the player journey. Perhaps a mission, where contact with the FEV triggers this transformation, could be introduced to guide players along the path to becoming a Super Mutant.
Looking forward, other intriguing races such as robotic Synths could feature in future updates, but Ghouls and Super Mutants maintain Fallout’s human-centric narrative, offering transformative adventures through quests. While Synths could add a fascinating layer, their inclusion would require a more complex approach.
The runaway success of the Amazon Prime Fallout series has reignited enthusiasm for the games, with Fallout 76 finally getting its time in the spotlight. As anticipation builds for a potential second season, it’s captivating to consider how such adaptations might influence future game developments.
With playable Ghouls in Fallout 76 bringing a fresh dimension to the gameplay, there’s a possibility this feature could extend to Fallout 5. If Super Mutants don’t make their debut in Fallout 76, the next installment could serve as a fantastic platform for them. The direction Fallout takes is still uncertain, but one can hope the introduction of playable Ghouls will broaden the horizon for role-playing possibilities in this storied franchise.
