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Can You Save the Talking Deathclaws in Fallout? A Deep Dive

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No, you fundamentally cannot “save” the talking Deathclaws in the way one might typically think. While Fallout 2 features intelligent Deathclaws created by the Enclave, these individuals – specifically Goris and Xarn – are essentially the last of their kind. The Enclave’s experiments were ultimately deemed failures and the intelligent Deathclaws were slated for extermination. While Goris can become a companion, and both Goris and Xarn can survive the ending of Fallout 2 depending on player choices, they do not go on to re-establish a population of intelligent Deathclaws. Their survival is more of a bittersweet ending than a hopeful beginning for a new intelligent species. The narrative strongly suggests the intelligent Deathclaws’ story concludes with them.

The Lore: Why Talking Deathclaws Are Rare

The Deathclaws are terrifying apex predators in the Fallout universe. Their intelligence, however, is not a natural trait. The intelligent Deathclaws seen in Fallout 2 are the result of genetic manipulation and experimentation by the Enclave at Vault 13.

Enclave Experiments Gone Wrong

The Enclave, always seeking to create super soldiers and potent biological weapons, saw potential in the Deathclaw. Their scientists attempted to enhance the creatures’ intelligence, reasoning that a smarter Deathclaw would be an even more effective killing machine. However, this backfired to a significant degree.

The now-intelligent Deathclaws developed self-awareness, emotions, and even a sense of morality. Some, like Goris, questioned their purpose and the brutality inherent in their nature. The Enclave, seeing their experiment as a failure and fearing potential insubordination, decided to eliminate the intelligent Deathclaws.

The Fate of Vault 13

The events surrounding Vault 13 are tragic. The Enclave, after using the Vault’s inhabitants for experiments, ultimately intended to destroy them. Dr. Schreber’s actions and the main computer problems in Vault 13 led to the wiping out of the population. It’s this environment that gave rise to Xarn and Goris and their subsequent banishment.

Canon and the Lack of Proliferation

The crucial element is that, within the Fallout canon, these intelligent Deathclaws didn’t successfully propagate their intelligence to a wider population. The destruction of Vault 13 and the Enclave’s subsequent downfall limited any opportunity for the talking Deathclaws to spread and thrive.

The Deathclaw’s Place in Fallout Lore

The Deathclaw is the most evil thing to rise out of the ashes after the War. Some say it’s a powerful ghost from the war that haunts the land. The Deathclaw is as real as you and me. It’s incredibly dangerous, and its fearsome reputation is well-earned.

What about Friendly Deathclaws?

In some Fallout games, like Fallout 4, instances of “friendly” or non-hostile Deathclaws can occur. However, these are usually scripted events or glitches. For example, in Fallout 4, returning a Deathclaw egg in a certain quest triggers the nest’s guard Deathclaw to become friendly to the player. This doesn’t mean the Deathclaw is intelligent or capable of communication; it simply has altered AI behavior.

Companion Deathclaws

The ability to have a Deathclaw companion is an interesting addition to the series. In Fallout 4 you need the Wasteland Whisperer perk to be able to befriend them.

FAQs About Deathclaws and Intelligence

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of Deathclaws and intelligence in the Fallout universe:

Are talking Deathclaws canon? Yes, Fallout 2 establishes the existence of intelligent Deathclaws, but their creation is explicitly tied to Enclave experimentation. They are not a naturally occurring phenomenon.
What happened to the talking Deathclaws in Fallout 2? The talking Deathclaws were ultimately destroyed at the end of Fallout 2.
Can you save the talking Deathclaws in Fallout 2? You cannot prevent the ultimate fate of the intelligent Deathclaws as a species. While Goris and Xarn can survive the ending of the game, there’s no path to establishing a new intelligent Deathclaw population.
Why are Deathclaws so weak now? Some players perceive Deathclaws as weaker in later Fallout games due to balancing changes and the introduction of stronger enemies. However, Deathclaws still remain significant threats, especially at lower levels.
Are Deathclaws blind? Most Deathclaws are not blind. However, a variant called “Blind Deathclaws” exists, particularly in Fallout: New Vegas.
Which Deathclaw is the strongest? The mythic Deathclaw from Fallout 4 is generally considered the strongest Deathclaw variant, boasting high hit points and significant damage resistance.
Can you make a Deathclaw your companion? In Fallout 4, with the Wasteland Whisperer perk, you can befriend and recruit Deathclaws as companions.
Can you outrun a Deathclaw? Outrunning a Deathclaw is difficult. It is generally better to find buildings or other structures to use for cover.
Did any intelligent Deathclaws survive? Goris and Xarn, can survive Fallout 2’s ending.
Are Gatorclaws stronger than Deathclaws? Generally, Alpha Deathclaws are considered stronger than Gatorclaws due to their higher damage output, especially with heavy melee attacks.
Are Deathclaws evil? Deathclaws are generally depicted as dangerous predators, driven by instinct rather than malice. They are not inherently evil, though their aggressive nature makes them a significant threat to humans.
Are there any friendly Deathclaws in Fallout 4? Yes, in the quest “The Devil’s Due,” returning a Deathclaw egg can result in a permanently friendly Deathclaw guarding the nest. This is a scripted event, not an indication of general Deathclaw benevolence.
Should I give the Deathclaw egg back? Returning the egg in “The Devil’s Due” leads to a friendly Deathclaw. Attempting to leave without returning the egg will cause the Deathclaw to become hostile.
Can Deathclaws turn invisible? Deathclaws themselves cannot turn invisible. The confusion likely stems from other enemies, like certain Sentry Bots, that possess invisibility capabilities.
What is the hardest Fallout 4 enemy? The Mythic Deathclaw and Enraged Fog Crawler are considered among the toughest non-Legendary enemies in Fallout 4.

The Broader Context: Fallout and Learning

Games like Fallout offer more than just entertainment. They provide opportunities for critical thinking, problem-solving, and even empathy. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of video games. Fallout’s complex moral choices, intricate world-building, and engaging narratives make it a fascinating subject for study and discussion.

Conclusion: Remembering Goris and Xarn

While you can’t fundamentally “save” the talking Deathclaws as a species within the established Fallout canon, the existence of characters like Goris and Xarn raises profound questions about morality, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of scientific hubris. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tragic narratives that define the Fallout universe.