Currently, it seems that Fallout 5 is still a distant prospect, with The Elder Scrolls 6 expected to make its debut first. This suggests that fans are in for a bit of a wait. However, by examining the recent release of Starfield, we might glean some insights into what Fallout 5 could potentially offer. Starfield, a sci-fi RPG from Bethesda, has had its share of memorable moments, and it’s not far-fetched to think that some of its innovative ideas could trickle into the next Fallout title.
While Bethesda’s upcoming endeavors with The Elder Scrolls and Fallout might seem different at first glance, there’s a closer comparison to be drawn between Starfield and Fallout. Both games are heavy on technology but approach it in their unique ways. Starfield takes players through the vast realms of space, depicting an advanced society exploring the cosmos. In contrast, Fallout immerses players in a post-apocalyptic America struggling to survive. Despite these differences, Fallout maintains a touch of sci-fi. This similarity could pave the way for new features in Fallout 5, potentially including one of Starfield’s standout post-launch features: land vehicles.
One of the major updates Starfield introduced was the REV-8, marking the game’s foray into land vehicles. Released last August, this addition changed the game by making it easier for players to explore planetary landscapes quickly. The REV-8’s impact can’t be overstated—it was one of the game’s most significant updates since its 2023 release. If Fallout 5 included such a feature from the start, it would be a significant move for the series.
As for the setting of Fallout 5, that’s still up in the air, though it’s likely to include some form of wasteland. The exact location remains a mystery, but the essence of a sprawling, hazardous, nuclear-ravaged environment will probably be maintained. To distinguish itself and stir excitement among fans, Fallout 5 could benefit immensely from incorporating new features, with land vehicles being a straightforward yet impactful addition.
While traveling through Fallout’s wastelands can be a slow affair, the series does offer fast travel options for those who prefer speed over immersion. Nevertheless, providing players with vehicles as an option would deepen the experience without sacrificing gameplay time when commuting from one place to another. Although previous Fallout entries have not included vehicles, their inclusion could inject fresh energy into the series.
Given the mixed feedback surrounding Starfield and the secrecy about The Elder Scrolls 6, there’s curiosity about how Bethesda plans to evolve Fallout in the competitive RPG landscape. Fallout 76, as a live-service game, has benefited from continuous updates and improvements. However, Fallout 5 will need to make an immediate impact upon release. While Bethesda is known for enriching their games post-launch, the anticipation for Fallout 5 demands something exceptional from the outset—a feature like land vehicles might just fit the bill.
As anticipation builds for Fallout 5, Bethesda has a chance to observe and learn from Starfield’s player-approved features. Even if Starfield isn’t without its flaws, the introduction of land vehicles should hopefully set a benchmark for what players can expect in the upcoming Fallout installment.