Last year marked a renewed surge of interest in Fallout, as Amazon Prime’s live-action series delivered a surprisingly well-crafted adaptation of the post-apocalyptic franchise. Fallout has long been a cornerstone of gaming culture, and its revitalized presence in pop culture could pave the way for Fallout 5 to materialize sooner rather than later.
As of now, the details of Fallout 5 remain a mystery. However, Bethesda’s Todd Howard has previously confirmed that the game is on the company’s roadmap, slated to follow the release of The Elder Scrolls 6. Unfortunately, the latter is also taking its time to emerge. On the brighter side, the Fallout TV series has introduced a fresh and unique chapter to the franchise. One of the standout characters from the show is The Ghoul—a radiation-scarred cowboy who serves as the story’s antihero. A key plot point tied to his Ghoul nature could make for a compelling addition to Fallout 5.
Traditionally, the Fallout series has offered no clear explanation for why some Ghouls turn feral while others retain a semblance of normalcy. A widely accepted fan theory suggests that radiation eventually erodes every Ghoul’s brain over time, driving them all toward feral behavior. This might hold true, but the TV series’ bold choice to provide a concrete explanation for how The Ghoul maintains control over himself is an idea worth exploring in the games as well.
Right now, Fallout 5’s storyline is shrouded in secrecy, but the concept of an anti-feral drug could steer the narrative in an intriguing direction. For instance, one of the game’s companions or a loved one of the protagonist could be a Ghoul, tasking players with collecting vials of this drug to prevent them from turning feral. It would undoubtedly be a significant challenge, but one that could pay off with gripping plot developments and enriched lore. Incorporating The Ghoul’s feral-proof drug into Fallout 5 would also inject a sense of urgency into the gameplay.
One prevailing theory is that this anti-feral drug could be Radaway, a staple of the Fallout franchise. However, an even more captivating route would be if the protagonist themselves were a Ghoul, needing to gather the drug to stay lucid. Fallout 76, the franchise’s multiplayer spin-off, is set to introduce playable Ghouls for the first time, so Fallout 5 following suit doesn’t seem far-fetched.
How the Fallout TV Series Could Shape Fallout 5
Filming for Fallout Season 2 is currently underway. It’s unclear whether the TV show will directly influence Fallout 5’s story, but the possibility is certainly there. The lore of Fallout is a vital component of its identity, and if the show and the games diverge too drastically, it could disappoint fans. As the series gears up for its second season, Bethesda and the show’s writers are likely collaborating closely—especially with Todd Howard credited as an executive producer.
Given Bethesda’s current pace of game development, it’s plausible that by the time Fallout 5 arrives, the Fallout TV series could be in its third or fourth season. If that happens, the live-action show shaping the future lore of the games feels almost inevitable. Only time will tell, but the TV series’ reimagining of Ghoul lore could prove to be a welcome evolution for the franchise’s future titles.
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