Should You Enlist? A Deep Dive into Joining the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 76

The question of whether to join the Brotherhood of Steel (BoS) in Fallout 76 is a complex one, steeped in moral considerations, gameplay advantages, and personal preference. The short answer is: it depends. Joining the BoS offers significant benefits, particularly for players seeking powerful gear, a structured questline, and a strong faction identity. However, it also comes with limitations, including the potential for moral compromises and a commitment to a specific ideology. Let’s delve into the intricacies of joining the ranks of these steel-clad warriors in Appalachia.

Why Join the Brotherhood of Steel? The Perks and the Appeal

Power Armor Access and Upgrades

One of the most compelling reasons to align yourself with the BoS is the access to power armor. Unlike Fallout 4, where you could acquire power armor fairly early, Fallout 76 gates its best suits behind quest completions and faction affiliation. The BoS questline in Fallout 76, specifically the “Defiance Has Fallen” quest, rewards you with a full set of Ultracite Power Armor. This armor is a significant upgrade compared to earlier models and provides substantial protection against the dangers of the wasteland. Furthermore, progressing through the BoS ranks unlocks access to power armor modifications and plans, allowing you to customize and enhance your gear further. Think of it as a relatively quick and easy method to acquire an extremely nice suit of power armor.

Impressive Arsenal

The Brotherhood are known for their impressive weaponry and technology. By siding with them, you’ll gain access to powerful weapons like the Gatling Laser, among others.

Engaging Questlines and Lore

The BoS questline in Fallout 76 is a well-developed and engaging narrative that explores the history of the organization in Appalachia. You’ll uncover secrets, face challenging enemies, and make important decisions that shape the future of the BoS in the region. The questline provides a clear sense of purpose and progression, giving players a structured path to follow in the vast and sometimes overwhelming world of Fallout 76.

Unique Rewards and Benefits

Beyond power armor and questlines, the BoS offers a variety of unique rewards, including:

• Faction-specific plans and recipes: Access to crafting recipes for BoS-themed items, weapons, and armor modifications.
• Daily quests and repeatable content: Opportunities to earn reputation, resources, and rewards through daily missions and repeatable events.
• Roleplaying opportunities: A chance to immerse yourself in the BoS ideology and interact with other players who share similar values.

No Impact on Minutemen

You can safely join the Brotherhood of Steel as it doesn’t affect how the Minutemen will treat you.

The Shadow Side: Considerations Before Enlistment

Ideological Conflicts

The BoS operates on a strict code of conduct and a firm belief in technological control. Their views can sometimes clash with those of other factions or your own personal values. They are not known for sharing their knowledge, even if doing so would improve the quality of life among the people of the wasteland. Before committing to the BoS, consider whether their ideology aligns with your desired roleplaying experience and moral compass.

Potential for Moral Compromises

The BoS questline may present you with choices that require you to compromise your morals. For example, you might be asked to confiscate technology from settlements or engage in actions that benefit the BoS at the expense of others. These decisions can have consequences and affect your relationships with other factions.

Limited Faction Choices

While you can initially join multiple factions in Fallout 76, there comes a point where you must choose a side. Siding with the BoS can lock you out of certain quests and storylines associated with other factions, such as the Raiders or the Settlers. Think carefully about which faction offers the most compelling content and rewards before making your final decision.

Making the Right Choice: Factors to Consider

Ultimately, the decision to join the BoS in Fallout 76 is a personal one. Consider the following factors when making your choice:

• Your playstyle: Do you enjoy structured questlines, powerful gear, and a strong faction identity?
• Your moral compass: Are you comfortable with the BoS ideology and potential moral compromises?
• Your long-term goals: Which faction offers the most appealing content and rewards for your desired endgame experience?

Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. The best choice is the one that aligns with your personal preferences and allows you to have the most enjoyable experience in Fallout 76. You can always create multiple characters to experience the storylines and rewards of different factions. This game emphasizes player choice and flexibility. The Games Learning Society, at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores how these choices impact learning and engagement in games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Joining the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 76

1. Does joining the Brotherhood of Steel lock me out of other faction questlines? While you can initially join multiple factions, eventually you’ll need to choose a primary allegiance, potentially locking you out of some quests and storylines from other factions like the Raiders or Settlers.

2. What are the benefits of increasing my rank within the Brotherhood of Steel? As your rank increases (up to Sentinel), you’ll unlock access to better power armor, weapons, faction-specific plans, and increased standing within the organization.

3. How do I get the Ultracite Power Armor from the Brotherhood of Steel? Complete the “Defiance Has Fallen” questline, including the “Belly of the Beast” mission at Fort Defiance. This will reward you with a full set of Ultracite Power Armor.

4. Can I betray the Brotherhood of Steel after joining them? Yes, there are opportunities to betray the Brotherhood. For example, you can go to Fort Atlas, load Sheena’s Holotape into a Brotherhood terminal, and select the option to “Download Terminal Data”.

5. Does Piper from Fallout 4 hate the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 76? Piper isn’t a character in Fallout 76. In Fallout 4, she has mixed feelings, acknowledging their redeeming qualities but feeling they could do more for the local population.

6. What is the best power armor to get in Fallout 76 if I join the Brotherhood? While the Ultracite Power Armor is a great reward, many players consider the Hellcat Power Armor to be the best overall due to its damage reduction bonuses and ease of acquisition through a questline. T-65 is the most powerful statitically,

7. Can I still join the Minutemen if I join the Brotherhood of Steel? Yes, joining the Brotherhood of Steel does not affect how the Minutemen will treat you.

8. What kind of weapons do the Brotherhood of Steel typically use? The Brotherhood favors advanced weaponry such as the Gatling Laser, plasma rifles, and other energy weapons.

9. Is there a downside to joining the Dark Brotherhood in Fallout 76? The Dark Brotherhood is not present in Fallout 76. That particular faction is from The Elder Scrolls series.

10. Can I avoid killing members of the Brotherhood of Steel during questlines? In some quests, you may be able to find alternative solutions that avoid direct conflict, but ultimately, siding against the Brotherhood may require you to fight them. It depends on the given circumstances.

11. Does joining the Brotherhood of Steel give me access to Vertibird rides? While not specifically mentioned as a continuous benefit in Fallout 76, you may encounter Vertibirds during certain BoS quests or events, which can provide transportation or aerial support.

12. Are there any unique companions associated with the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 76? Fallout 76 does not feature traditional companions like Fallout 4. However, you will interact with various BoS members during questlines and can team up with other players who are aligned with the faction.

13. What happens if I side with the Brotherhood of Steel in the final faction choice? Choosing the BoS as your primary allegiance will lock you out of the main questlines of other factions, focusing your gameplay experience on BoS-related content and rewards.

14. Is it better to join the Brotherhood of Steel or the Raiders in Fallout 76? It depends on your playstyle and moral alignment. The BoS offers structure, powerful gear, and a focus on technology, while the Raiders provide a more chaotic and morally ambiguous experience with different rewards. If you want something fast, go with the raiders.

15. How do I maximize my reputation with the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 76? Complete daily quests, participate in BoS events, and make choices that align with their values. Consistent engagement will increase your reputation and unlock better rewards.