The Curious Case of Shaun: Unraveling the Mysteries of Aging in Fallout 4
The question of how Shaun aged so fast in Fallout 4 is a central, and often perplexing, point in the game’s narrative. The short answer is: Shaun aged normally because he was a real human being who experienced time linearly. While the Sole Survivor was in cryogenic suspension, Shaun was taken by the Institute, where he grew up and eventually became its leader, Father. The passage of time was perfectly ordinary for him, resulting in his aging from an infant to an elderly man. The seeming disparity in age is due to the player character being frozen for over two centuries.
Understanding the Timeline
To fully grasp why Shaun appears so much older, it’s crucial to understand the game’s timeline:
- October 23, 2077: The Great War occurs, and the Sole Survivor, along with their spouse and baby Shaun, enters Vault 111.
- Shortly After: Kellogg, commissioned by the Institute, abducts Shaun from Vault 111 and kills the Sole Survivor’s spouse.
- Approximately 60 Years Later: The Sole Survivor is released from cryogenic suspension. Kellogg, kept alive through cybernetic enhancements, is still relatively young-looking. Shaun, however, has lived those 60 years (plus the initial time before entering the vault) and grown into an adult within the Institute.
- 2287: The year in which Fallout 4’s main story takes place. Shaun, now known as Father, is the elderly leader of the Institute.
The Institute’s Role
The Institute’s experimentation plays a significant role in this narrative. They are driven by the desire to rebuild humanity and believe that the surface world is beyond saving. Their actions, including the abduction of Shaun, stem from this belief.
Cybernetics vs. Natural Aging
It’s important to distinguish between Kellogg’s artificially slowed aging and Shaun’s natural aging process. Kellogg’s cybernetic implants were designed to extend his lifespan and maintain his youthful appearance, while Shaun was allowed to age normally within the controlled environment of the Institute. He lived, ate, slept, and experienced time in a standard human fashion, leading to the natural progression of aging.
Debunking Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Shaun’s aging is somehow sped up. This isn’t the case. The Sole Survivor’s perception of time is distorted due to the cryogenic stasis. From their perspective, it feels like they’ve only been asleep for a short while, making Shaun’s age a shock. However, from Shaun’s perspective, the Sole Survivor has been missing for his entire life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Shaun and aging in Fallout 4, offering more insights into this crucial story element:
How Old is Shaun in Fallout 4?
In 2287, when the Sole Survivor emerges from Vault 111, Shaun is approximately 60 years old. He was an infant at the beginning of the game in 2077.
Was Shaun a Synth from the Beginning?
No, the baby Shaun taken from Vault 111 was the real Shaun, the Sole Survivor’s son. The Institute later created a synth version of him as a child, but the original Shaun lived and aged within the Institute to become Father.
What Happens to Synth Shaun?
The synth Shaun serves different roles depending on the players choices:
- He is the Child synths are sent into the commonwealth
- You are able to keep him as a companion
- He dies if you destroy the Institute
Why Did the Institute Take Shaun?
The Institute needed Shaun’s DNA to advance their synth technology. His genetic material was crucial for the creation of Gen 3 synths, which are nearly indistinguishable from humans.
Is it Possible to Save Shaun?
Ultimately, no, Shaun cannot be saved in the long term. He is terminally ill, regardless of the player’s choices. If the player sides with the Institute, they can spend time with Shaun, but his death is inevitable. If the player chooses to destroy the Institute, Shaun dies during the final mission or can be left to die.
Is the Sole Survivor a Synth?
No, the Sole Survivor (Nate or Nora) is not a synth. The game emphasizes their role as the sole human survivor, differentiating them from the Institute’s artificial creations. This is further confirmed by the fact that they don’t drop a synth component when killed using console commands.
How Does Kellogg Stay So Young?
Kellogg’s youthful appearance is maintained through cybernetic implants provided by the Institute. These implants slow his aging process, allowing him to live much longer than a normal human while retaining a relatively youthful look.
Was Kellogg Loyal to the Institute?
Yes, Kellogg was ultimately loyal to the Institute. He carried out their orders, including the abduction of Shaun, and served as their agent in the Commonwealth.
What is the Institute’s Goal?
The Institute’s ultimate goal is to rebuild humanity according to their own vision. They believe the surface world is irredeemable and focus on technological advancement and creating a new, synthetic future.
Can You Let Kellogg Live?
No, there is no option to let Kellogg live. The narrative requires the Sole Survivor to confront and kill Kellogg to progress in the search for Shaun.
How Old is Kellogg in Fallout 4?
Kellogg is 108 years old in Fallout 4. His advanced age is masked by the cybernetic enhancements that slow his aging process.
Why Did Kellogg Have Synth Shaun?
The synth Shaun in Kellogg’s home was a decoy, a means to lure the Sole Survivor and track their movements. It was part of the Institute’s experiment to see how the Sole Survivor would react and how they could be manipulated.
Is the Institute Evil?
Whether the Institute is evil is a matter of perspective. They are certainly morally ambiguous, willing to sacrifice individuals for what they see as the greater good of humanity. The player’s choices ultimately determine whether the Institute continues to exist or is destroyed.
Why Does Sturges Know He’s a Synth?
The question assumes Sturges knows he is a synth, which isn’t confirmed in the game. The game subtly implies that he could be, but he might not be aware of it, similar to Danse. He is a Gen 3 synth, so he’s virtually indistinguishable from normal humans.
Are All Synths Evil?
Not all synths are evil. Many synths, especially those who have escaped the Institute, desire freedom and self-determination. Characters like Nick Valentine demonstrate that synths can possess empathy, morality, and a desire to help others.
Shaun’s aging in Fallout 4 is a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of survival. The game masterfully uses this narrative element to explore themes of family, morality, and the future of humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. For more in-depth discussions about the educational implications of gaming, visit Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.