Fallout 4: Siding with the Institute – The Fate of the Railroad
Yes, if you fully commit to the Institute in Fallout 4, you will ultimately be required to destroy the Railroad. This is a pivotal moment in the game’s narrative, as the conflicting ideologies of these two factions make coexistence impossible. Choosing the Institute means embracing their vision for the future, one that fundamentally clashes with the Railroad’s dedication to freeing synths.
The Institute’s Ideology vs. The Railroad’s Mission
The Institute views synths as tools, advanced machines designed to serve their purposes. They believe that the surface world is beyond saving and that their focus should be on technological advancement, even if it means utilizing synths in ways the Railroad finds abhorrent. The Railroad, on the other hand, sees synths as sentient beings deserving of freedom and the right to live their own lives. This fundamental disagreement makes conflict inevitable once you align yourself with the Institute.
The Quest That Seals the Deal
The quest that forces your hand is usually “End of the Line” (or similar quest title dependent on choices made in earlier parts of the game). As you progress through the Institute’s storyline, you’ll receive the order to eliminate the Railroad as a threat to the Institute’s operations. There’s really no way around this quest if you want to see the Institute’s storyline to its conclusion. Ignoring the quest or delaying it will simply stall your progress with the Institute, but the order will remain.
Consequences of Destroying the Railroad
Destroying the Railroad has several consequences:
- Loss of Companions: Deacon, a Railroad companion, will become hostile and unavailable.
- Failed Quests: Any active Railroad quests will be marked as failed.
- Impact on Ending: You’ll secure the Institute ending, solidifying their control over the Commonwealth.
Ultimately, the choice of whether or not to destroy the Railroad rests with you, the player. It’s a moral decision that reflects your own values and the kind of character you want to play. There’s no “right” or “wrong” answer, only the consequences of your actions within the game’s world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it possible to hold off on destroying the Railroad and still complete the Institute storyline?
Yes, you can delay the inevitable. A common tactic is to progress with the Railroad questline until you reach a point where you’ve gained valuable rewards or experience, then switch your allegiance to the Institute and ultimately eliminate the Railroad. This allows you to maximize your gains before committing to a final faction.
2. What happens if I warn Desdemona about the Institute’s plans?
Warning Desdemona does not prevent the eventual conflict. It simply allows the Railroad to prepare for the attack, making the quest to eliminate them slightly more challenging. However, the outcome remains the same: the Railroad will be destroyed if you side with the Institute.
3. Can I betray the Institute after destroying the Railroad?
While you can technically turn against the Institute after destroying the Railroad, it’s narratively unsatisfying and doesn’t offer any real benefits. The game essentially considers you to have committed to the Institute ending at that point.
4. What companions do I lose if I side with the Institute and destroy the Railroad?
The primary companion you lose is Deacon, a devoted member of the Railroad. Other companions may disapprove of your actions, affecting your relationship with them, but Deacon is the only one who will become permanently hostile.
5. Is the Institute evil?
Whether the Institute is “evil” is a matter of perspective and player interpretation. They are certainly ruthless and willing to sacrifice the well-being of the Commonwealth for their own goals, but they believe they are acting for the greater good of humanity. Their methods are often ethically questionable, but their intentions (at least in their own minds) are noble. GamesLearningSociety.org explores these complex moral dilemmas in games, so check out their website.
6. What happens if I don’t kill the Railroad in Fallout 4?
If you don’t kill the Railroad, you can pursue endings with either the Railroad themselves or the Minutemen, both of which allow the Railroad to survive. The Minutemen ending also allows for a tenuous alliance with the Brotherhood of Steel.
7. Can I still join the Brotherhood of Steel after siding with the Institute?
No. Siding with the Institute will lock you out of any further progress with the Brotherhood of Steel. You’ll eventually be tasked with destroying them as well.
8. Is there a way to save all factions in Fallout 4?
No, there is no way to save all factions. You must choose between them. The closest you can get to a peaceful resolution is the Minutemen ending, which allows the Minutemen, Railroad, and Brotherhood of Steel to coexist, but it requires the destruction of the Institute.
9. What is the most peaceful ending in Fallout 4?
As mentioned above, the Minutemen ending is generally considered the most peaceful. It minimizes bloodshed and allows for a relatively stable Commonwealth.
10. Can the Minutemen and Institute work together?
Initially, the Minutemen can remain neutral to the Institute. However, once you become fully aligned with the Institute, conflict with the Minutemen becomes inevitable if you pursue the Institute ending.
11. What are the benefits of siding with the Institute?
The benefits of siding with the Institute include access to advanced technology, unique weapons and armor, and a sense of belonging to a powerful and influential organization. You also get to play a significant role in shaping the future of the Commonwealth according to the Institute’s vision.
12. What are the downsides of siding with the Institute?
The downsides include the moral compromises you must make, the loss of potential allies (like the Railroad and Brotherhood of Steel), and the negative perception many Commonwealth residents will have of you. You also have to deal with the Institute’s somewhat detached and clinical approach to the world.
13. Does siding with the Railroad affect other factions?
Yes, siding with the Railroad will eventually lead to conflict with both the Institute and the Brotherhood of Steel.
14. What happens if I refuse to join the Institute?
If you refuse to join the Institute, you’ll be locked out of their questline and will need to choose another faction to side with to complete the main story.
15. What is the best faction to side with in Fallout 4?
The “best” faction is entirely subjective and depends on your personal values and playstyle. The Brotherhood of Steel offers power and a clear sense of purpose, the Railroad champions freedom and equality, the Minutemen focus on community and protection, and the Institute offers technological advancement and a vision for the future. The choice is yours!
This concludes our deep dive into the complex choices surrounding the Railroad and the Institute in Fallout 4. May your decisions be as impactful in your game as they are in shaping the narrative! Visit the Games Learning Society for more discussions on gaming and education at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.