Is Fallout 4 Worth Playing in 2023? A Wastelander’s Verdict
Absolutely! Fallout 4 remains a compelling and immersive experience in 2023. Despite its initial release in 2015, a dedicated modding community, continued updates, and the enduring appeal of its post-apocalyptic world make it a title well worth venturing into, whether you’re a seasoned wastelander or a fresh-faced vault dweller. The improved graphics, engaging gameplay, and vast open world will make you lose many hours in the wasteland.
Why Fallout 4 Still Holds Up
Fallout 4 benefits from several key factors that contribute to its lasting appeal. While newer games boast more advanced graphics, Fallout 4’s art style and environmental design are timeless. The game’s detailed world, coupled with strong sound design, creates a convincing atmosphere of a post-nuclear Boston. The gunplay is satisfying, and the V.A.T.S. system remains a unique and engaging way to approach combat. More than that, the storyline and narrative are exceptional, making the game worth playing for the plot alone.
The modding community is a significant reason for Fallout 4’s longevity. Mods add new content, improve graphics, fix bugs, and generally expand the game in ways Bethesda might never have envisioned. Whether you want to add new quests, overhaul the perk system, or simply make the Commonwealth look more beautiful, there’s a mod for that. It’s worth noting that mods can sometimes interfere with your game, so be sure to read about them beforehand and determine if they are worth it to you.
Furthermore, Fallout 4’s settlement building mechanics provides a unique layer of strategy and personalization to the open-world RPG experience. Designing, constructing, and managing settlements is a fulfilling venture that players can partake in. The game offers numerous avenues for exploration and customization with a player base that still enjoys it today.
Another benefit to playing Fallout 4 is the fact that it will allow you to prepare for future Bethesda titles. The mechanics and gameplay from the Fallout series are likely to feature in future games that Bethesda develops. This means that learning Fallout 4 is like a headstart on the features that will be in future games.
Addressing Potential Concerns
Some critics argue that Fallout 4’s RPG elements are less robust than those of its predecessor, Fallout: New Vegas. While this is a valid point, Fallout 4 offers its own unique strengths. The expanded crafting and base-building systems provide depth and player agency in ways New Vegas doesn’t.
Another common criticism concerns the main storyline. While the central plot might not be as universally acclaimed as New Vegas’s, Fallout 4’s side quests and character interactions are often compelling and memorable. Plus, the game lets you decide which faction to follow. As such, you have agency over which side will ultimately gain control of the commonwealth, which is a feature that will keep you playing.
Ultimately, whether Fallout 4 is “better” than New Vegas is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Both games offer unique experiences, and both are worth playing for fans of the Fallout series.
Fallout 4 and Starfield: A Connection
For players looking forward to Bethesda’s new IP, Starfield, Fallout 4 can serve as an excellent introduction to the studio’s design philosophy. Both games share similar design principles, including vast open worlds, extensive crafting systems, and emergent gameplay. Getting familiar with Fallout 4’s mechanics can provide a head start in understanding Starfield’s systems. Consider it like training to eventually become an astronaut. You first need to become a pilot to begin training.
As you advance in Fallout 4, you will encounter numerous characters, factions, and plots. This will allow you to better understand Bethesda’s style of storytelling. From there, you will be able to predict the plot and overall narrative structure of Bethesda’s other games.
The Verdict
Fallout 4 is more than just a game; it’s an experience. Its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and endless customization options make it a title that can be enjoyed for hundreds of hours. While it might have its flaws, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. So, grab your Pip-Boy, stock up on stimpaks, and prepare to venture into the Commonwealth. You won’t be disappointed. If you don’t believe that Fallout 4 is worth playing, then consider reading some publications from the Games Learning Society to learn about the features of a good video game. They also have publications available at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Fallout 4 still good in 2023 for someone who has never played a Fallout game before?
Yes, Fallout 4 is a great entry point to the Fallout series. Its more modern gameplay mechanics and graphics make it more accessible than older titles. It’s a perfect introduction to the post-apocalyptic world and the unique blend of RPG and FPS elements that define the franchise.
2. How does Fallout 4 compare to Fallout: New Vegas in 2023?
Fallout 4 and New Vegas are both excellent games, but they offer different experiences. New Vegas emphasizes RPG elements and player choice, while Fallout 4 focuses on exploration, combat, and base-building. Which one is “better” depends on your personal preferences.
3. Does Fallout 4 run well on modern PCs?
Yes, Fallout 4 generally runs well on modern PCs. However, it’s important to check the game’s system requirements and ensure your hardware meets the minimum or recommended specifications. Additionally, mods can sometimes impact performance, so it’s wise to test them individually.
4. What are some essential mods for Fallout 4 in 2023?
Some popular and essential mods include Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch (bug fixes), Sim Settlements 2 (enhanced settlement building), True Storms (improved weather effects), and Fallout 4 HD Overhaul (graphics improvements). There are many more mods that enhance the experience, depending on your preferences.
5. How long does it take to beat Fallout 4?
The main story of Fallout 4 can be completed in around 25-30 hours. However, exploring the world, completing side quests, and building settlements can easily extend playtime to 100+ hours. Completionists can spend hundreds of hours uncovering every secret.
6. Is Fallout 4 multiplayer?
No, Fallout 4 is a single-player game. However, there is Fallout 76, an online multiplayer game set in the Fallout universe.
7. What is the hardest quest in Fallout 4?
Many players consider Open Season in the Nuka-World DLC to be the hardest quest. It involves eliminating all the raider gangs in Nuka-World, which can be a challenging and time-consuming task.
8. How big is the map in Fallout 4 compared to other open-world games?
Fallout 4’s map is smaller than some other open-world games like Skyrim or GTA V, but it’s densely packed with content. It’s not about the size of the map, but the content in the map that matters. The focus is on exploration and discovery.
9. What are some of the best weapons in Fallout 4?
Some of the best weapons include the Overseer’s Guardian (combat rifle), Spray n’ Pray (submachine gun), and the Gauss Rifle (sniper rifle). The best weapon depends on your play style and build.
10. Is the Fallout 4 Season Pass worth buying in 2023?
The Fallout 4 Season Pass includes all the DLCs, which add significant content to the game, including new locations, quests, and items. If you plan to spend a lot of time with Fallout 4, the Season Pass is definitely worth considering.
11. Is Fallout 4 scary?
Fallout 4 isn’t a horror game, but it can have moments of suspense and dread. Some locations, like the Dunwich Borers quarry or the Pickman Gallery, are genuinely unsettling. The inclusion of enemies like ghouls and Deathclaws are sure to keep you on your toes.
12. How does Fallout 4’s base-building system work?
Fallout 4 allows you to establish and manage settlements throughout the Commonwealth. You can build structures, defenses, and amenities to attract settlers and create thriving communities. Managing resources and defending your settlements from raider attacks is a key part of the gameplay loop.
13. What are the different factions in Fallout 4, and which one should I choose?
Fallout 4 features four main factions: The Minutemen, The Railroad, The Brotherhood of Steel, and The Institute. Each faction has its own ideology and goals. The choice of which faction to support is a personal one and has significant consequences for the game’s story.
14. What are the most important stats to focus on in Fallout 4?
The SPECIAL stats (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, Luck) are crucial for character development. Which stats to prioritize depends on your play style. Strength is important for melee builds, Perception for ranged builds, and Intelligence for crafting and hacking.
15. Is Fallout 4 a realistic game?
Fallout 4 takes place in a post-apocalyptic world with fantastical elements, so it’s not entirely realistic. However, the game explores themes of survival, morality, and the consequences of nuclear war, which can resonate with real-world issues.