Why Fallout 5 Needs to Embrace This Key Feature Post-Starfield

Right now, the gaming community is buzzing with anticipation for Fallout 5, even though it seems we have a long wait ahead. Before we dive back into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, The Elder Scrolls 6 is expected to make its debut, stretching the timeline for the next Fallout release. However, if you take a good look at Bethesda’s recent release, Starfield, it might give us some clues about what to look forward to in Fallout 5. While Starfield has had its share of ups and downs, it introduces some exciting ideas that could seamlessly transition into the next Fallout installment.

There’s a unique synergy between the Fallout series and Starfield, even though their settings are worlds apart—literally. While Starfield hurls players into the cosmos within a tech-driven society, Fallout plunges them into the gritty aftermath of nuclear devastation on Earth. Despite their differences, both embrace a sci-fi flair. This opens the door for Fallout 5 to take inspiration from one of Starfield’s standout features: land vehicles.

In August, Starfield revealed the REV-8, marking a significant upgrade. This land vehicle transformed how players traverse the expansive landscapes of planets, making exploration more about speeding through terrain rather than trudging across it. Among the updates Starfield has seen since its 2023 launch, the REV-8 stands out as a game-changer, and integrating something similar in Fallout 5 from the get-go could be a major game plan for Bethesda.

The setting for Fallout 5 remains a mystery, but it’s safe to bet on the presence of a vast wasteland—a signature of the series. Introducing new features like a land vehicle could not only set Fallout 5 apart from its predecessors but also inject fresh excitement into the franchise.

While Bethesda added another land vehicle, the Deimog, to Starfield, fans eagerly anticipate what could be incorporated into Fallout 5. The Deimog, available for free download, hints at these enhancements being a trend.

Imagine zooming across the desolate wastes in a vehicle rather than slogging it on foot. While fast travel has always been an option, many players crave a more immersive journey. Navigating from one point to another without relying on fast travel adds to that immersive feel, although it can be time-consuming. None of the Fallout games to date have featured vehicles, yet adding them could revolutionize the way the story unfolds.

Amidst the whispers surrounding The Elder Scrolls 6 and the mixed reception of Starfield, there’s plenty of speculation on how Bethesda plans to make the Fallout franchise stand out in the ever-growing RPG landscape. Fallout 76 has shown the benefits of a live-service model, continuously improving over time. However, Fallout 5 needs to make a strong initial impact. While Bethesda is known for its post-launch updates, offering something jaw-dropping from day one—like vehicles—feels necessary to maintain interest and excitement.

With the prolonged wait for Fallout 5, Bethesda has the chance to reflect on which elements of Starfield truly resonate with players. Even if Starfield may not be perfect, its introduction of land vehicles could potentially set a new benchmark for the iconic Fallout series.