Can You Join the Brotherhood of Steel and Still Be a Minuteman in Fallout 4?
The short answer is a resounding yes! Fallout 4 allows you to walk a precarious tightrope, juggling allegiances between the Minutemen and the Brotherhood of Steel (BoS) for a significant portion of the game. You can rise through the ranks of both factions, accepting their quests and reaping their rewards, right up until the point where their ideologies clash irrevocably. However, understand that you’ll eventually need to make a choice to progress the main storyline. This article will delve into the nuances of this alliance, exploring the benefits, limitations, and potential pitfalls of trying to be a friend to both the Commonwealth’s scrappy militia and the technologically advanced Brotherhood.
Navigating the Faction Divide
Fallout 4 thrives on player agency. The ability to initially join multiple factions adds depth and complexity to the narrative. This freedom gives you the chance to experience different perspectives and gather resources before committing to a final path.
The Minutemen represent a grassroots effort to protect the settlements of the Commonwealth. They focus on rebuilding society and helping those in need. Conversely, the Brotherhood of Steel is a militaristic organization dedicated to preserving and controlling pre-War technology, viewing synths and other “abominations” as threats to humanity.
The key to maintaining both affiliations lies in understanding the trigger points. The game will explicitly warn you when a quest is about to force you to choose between factions. Pay close attention to these warnings! Before that point, you are free to explore both questlines, improving your character’s skills, acquiring powerful gear, and gaining valuable insights into the Commonwealth’s landscape.
The main limitation is that a true peaceful resolution requires siding with the Minutemen. Siding with either the Brotherhood or the Institute requires the destruction of at least one other major faction.
The Advantages of Dual Allegiance
There are several key benefits to temporarily aligning yourself with both the Minutemen and the Brotherhood:
- Resource Acquisition: Both factions offer a variety of quests that reward you with caps, ammunition, weapons, and armor. This is especially valuable early in the game.
- Experience Points: Completing quests for both factions allows you to level up quickly, improving your character’s stats and unlocking valuable perks.
- Unique Equipment: The Brotherhood offers access to powerful Power Armor and energy weapons, while the Minutemen provide access to settlements and the ability to call in artillery support.
- Faction-Specific Perks: As you progress within each faction, you unlock unique perks that enhance your abilities. These perks can significantly improve your combat effectiveness and survivability.
- Understanding the Narrative: Working with both factions gives you a comprehensive understanding of their ideologies and motivations. This allows you to make a more informed decision when the time comes to choose a side.
Potential Conflicts and Considerations
While maintaining both allegiances is possible, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential for conflict. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Companion Affinity: Some companions have strong opinions about the Brotherhood of Steel. For example, Nick Valentine dislikes it if you actively help the BoS. Pay attention to your companions’ reactions to your actions.
- Quest Triggers: Certain quests will inevitably force you to choose between factions. Be prepared to make a decision when the game prompts you.
- Moral Alignment: The Brotherhood’s methods can sometimes be morally questionable. Consider whether their actions align with your character’s values.
- The Institute: The Institute’s involvement will eventually become a central conflict point. Your relationships with the Minutemen and the Brotherhood will impact how you approach this conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I complete all quests for both the Minutemen and the Brotherhood before making a final decision?
No. There will come a point where progressing further with one faction will automatically make you an enemy of another. The game will usually give you a warning message indicating this imminent conflict.
2. Will Preston Garvey hate me if I join the Brotherhood?
Preston Garvey doesn’t like it, but he won’t leave your party or become hostile. He’s generally understanding as long as you continue to support the Minutemen settlements.
3. Can I destroy the Brotherhood of Steel while siding with the Minutemen?
Yes. After completing the main storyline with the Minutemen ending, you can turn on the Brotherhood by killing key members or attacking the Prydwen. This will trigger a quest to destroy the Brotherhood.
4. What happens if I side with the Brotherhood?
You will rise through their ranks, eventually becoming a Sentinel. You’ll receive a jetpack for your Power Armor, and Brotherhood members will treat you with respect. However, you will likely have to destroy the Railroad and potentially the Minutemen, depending on your choices.
5. Is the Minutemen ending the most peaceful option?
Many players consider the Minutemen ending the most peaceful because it allows you to spare the Railroad and potentially the Brotherhood of Steel, focusing solely on the destruction of the Institute.
6. Can I save the Railroad while siding with the Brotherhood?
No, if you choose to progress with the Brotherhood’s questline, you will eventually be tasked with destroying the Railroad.
7. How do I make enemies with the Brotherhood?
The most direct way is to attack Brotherhood members or steal from them. Killing a key member like Paladin Danse will almost certainly trigger a hostile response.
8. What are the benefits of joining the Brotherhood?
The Brotherhood offers access to advanced technology, including Power Armor, energy weapons, and vertibirds. You’ll also gain access to their airship base, the Prydwen.
9. What are the downsides of joining the Brotherhood?
The Brotherhood’s rigid ideology and aggressive tactics can conflict with your moral compass. You may be forced to make difficult choices that harm innocent people.
10. Does Deacon like the Minutemen?
No. Deacon is critical of the Minutemen due to their past failures and perceived weakness.
11. Do the Minutemen want to destroy the Institute?
Yes. If you choose the Minutemen ending, you will ultimately lead them in an assault against the Institute.
12. Is there a way to betray every faction in Fallout 4?
Yes. If you side with the Institute, you can eventually betray and destroy all other factions, including the Minutemen, the Brotherhood, and the Railroad.
13. Do the Minutemen missions ever end?
The radiant quests from Preston Garvey are infamous for being endless. These are generated randomly and are designed to keep you engaged in helping settlements throughout the Commonwealth.
14. What happens if I feed a settlement with the “Feeding the Troops” quest?
The Brotherhood of Steel takes control of that settlement. This can affect your standing with the Minutemen if the settlement was previously under their protection.
15. Which faction is the most evil in Fallout 4?
Opinions vary, but many players consider the Brotherhood of Steel, under the leadership of Elder Maxson, to be one of the most morally questionable factions due to their zealous pursuit of technology and their willingness to use violence to achieve their goals. The Institute is a close second, considering their kidnapping and replacement of people with synths.
Making Your Choice
Ultimately, the decision of which faction to side with is a personal one. Consider your character’s values, your preferred playstyle, and the type of Commonwealth you want to create. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each faction carefully before making your final choice. Remember, Fallout 4 is about shaping your own story, and that includes choosing your allies and enemies. Exploring these nuances in game design is what makes the medium so compelling. To learn more about the educational aspects of video games, visit the Games Learning Society website. GamesLearningSociety.org
Conclusion
Juggling the allegiances of the Brotherhood of Steel and the Minutemen can be a rewarding experience in Fallout 4. It allows you to explore different perspectives, acquire valuable resources, and make a more informed decision about the fate of the Commonwealth. Just remember to pay attention to the game’s warnings and be prepared to choose a side when the time comes. Happy adventuring in the Wasteland!