Summary
Official news about the nextFallouttitlemay not be forthcoming in the immediate future, as, although it’s certain that Bethesda’s massively popular post-apocalyptic series will eventually see another entry, the developer is focusing on other projects. Most recently, the studio has turned its attention more to supportingStarfieldandFallout 76, with the fifth mainlineFallouttitle likely still far down the pipeline at this point. Players have thus had plenty of time to speculate on and discuss what Bethesda’s plans and direction forFallout 5might be once it does decide to reveal more.
In the meantime, fans received Amazon’s live-actionFalloutTV series that debuted in the Spring of 2024. The show was highly acclaimed, and helped maintain some of the hype and excitement for the next title. It brought the world to life with new characters and storylines in the trademark setting, capturingFallout’s distinct look and tone, especially the combination of absurd, tragic humor and stylized violence. Perhaps no other element in the adaptation was a better representation of these than the character of The Ghoul. Whilethe wait forFallout 5is likely to stretch on, given The Ghoul’s popularity and role in the show, Bethesda could already have a great core concept for the next game’s villain.
The Fallout TV Show’s Ghoul Provides the Perfect Template For Fallout 5’s Antagonist
Fallout Has Often Featured the Same Type of Villains
The franchise has pitted players against some iconic villains throughout its course. Figures like The Master andFrank Horriganwere imposing and effective foes, presenting an ideological and physical challenge to the scrappy Vault Dwellers. In the latter’s case, having close ties to the nefarious Enclave– the group composed of the remnants and descendants of the pre-War military and governmental elite– marked a trend that would accelerate and continue throughout the series. The Enclave often became the go-to villain in later entries, withFallout 3being the most notable example.
There were also other threats, likeFallout: New Vegas' Ceasar’s Legion and Mr. House. Although fans could ally with either side in that entry, they were both presented as the more evil-leaning choice. In other cases, and in keeping withFallout’s general themes, fans battled against mad or fanatical scientists, as withFallout 4’s Institute, with the Enclave still being present in the background or as a secondary threat.
The point is that the series has covered this ground well, and the angles are ones that fans have encountered multiple times.Fallout 5presents an opportunityto attempt to incorporate and build on the differences in these elements from the show by potentially considering a lone outlaw-type character for its villain that relentlessly pursues the player, just like The Ghoul.
Fallout 76will be adding playable Ghoul charactersin March, which may be indicative of what Bethesda has in store forFallout 5.
How The Fallout Show’s The Ghoul Could Be the Basis for Fallout 5’s Main Villain
Walton Goggins' portrayal as The Ghoulin the TV series was a highlight for many. The Ghoul’s skills and practical professionalism combined with a world-weary sense of cynicism made him an excellent foil to the naive and innocent Lucy MacLean. This dynamic and approach could easily fit intoFallout 5, and would also have some shades of the Courier’s tale fromNew Vegas, which, as mentioned, broke from some of the previous conventions for its antagonists.
Fallout 5could take The Ghoul’s character conceit as a jumping-off point, and have its villain be an accomplished hunter who is tracking the protagonist down for their own mysterious motivations. This would be in stark contrast to bringing back the Enclave or another Institute-like group. Rather than returning to one ofFallout’s traditional factionsthat have previously acted as the villain, looking to The Ghoul for its antagonist’s traits could provide a fresh and interesting direction forFallout’s next major baddie.
Fallout 4
WHERE TO PLAY
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, invite you to the ambitious open world of Fallout 4. Do whatever you want in a massive Commonwealth with hundreds of locations, characters and quests.As the sole survivor of Vault 111, only you’re able to rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone - the choices are yours.From a Power Armor-toting soldier to the charismatic smooth-talker, be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system and develop your own playstyle from hundreds of Perks.Experience exciting first- or third-person combat with the dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S., targeting enemies for maximum tactical advantage (and cinematic carnage!) Collect, upgrade and build thousands of items with Fallout 4’s crafting system. Weapons, armor, food and with the right materials, even entire settlements are possible. Welcome home.
