Is Elder Maxson Evil in Fallout 4? A Deep Dive
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Ultimately, whether Elder Arthur Maxson is “evil” in Fallout 4 is a matter of perspective and depends entirely on the player’s choices and moral compass. He’s a complex character leading a faction with its own set of beliefs and priorities, which may clash with the player’s or other factions’ ideals, making him an antagonist in some playthroughs, and a savior in others.
The Complexities of Maxson and the Brotherhood of Steel
Maxson represents a revitalized Brotherhood of Steel, a faction that has evolved from its original mission of preserving technology to a more interventionist role in shaping the Commonwealth. He’s charismatic, decisive, and inspires unwavering loyalty in his followers. However, his leadership is also characterized by a ruthless pragmatism and a willingness to use force to achieve his goals, leading many to question his methods and motives. He is willing to take the ends justify the means approach to almost every action.
The Brotherhood’s primary objective under Maxson’s command is to eradicate what they perceive as threats to humanity, namely synths and super mutants. This stems from a belief that these entities are abominations and a danger to the “purity” of the human race. The extermination of synths, in particular, raises ethical questions about the definition of humanity and the right to exist. Maxson and the Brotherhood believe synths have no humanity.
Morality is Subjective: The Player’s Choice
Fallout 4 excels at presenting moral dilemmas without clear-cut answers. Depending on the player’s choices, Maxson can be seen in very different lights:
- Hero: If the player believes in the Brotherhood’s ideals of technological preservation and human supremacy, Maxson is a strong leader fighting for the survival of humanity. He provides security and order in a chaotic world.
- Antagonist: If the player sympathizes with the Institute and their advanced synth technology or the Railroad and their fight for synth freedom, Maxson becomes a tyrannical figure imposing his will through violence and intolerance.
- Nuanced Leader: Even if the player doesn’t fully agree with Maxson, it’s possible to see him as a pragmatic leader making difficult choices in a desperate situation. His actions might be harsh, but they are motivated by a genuine, albeit flawed, desire to protect humanity.
The Consequences of Siding with or Against Maxson
The player’s decision to side with or against Maxson has significant consequences:
- Siding with the Brotherhood: The player earns the respect and loyalty of the Brotherhood, access to advanced technology and resources, and the satisfaction of eliminating perceived threats to humanity.
- Opposing the Brotherhood: The player allies with factions like the Institute or the Railroad, fighting for different ideals but facing the full force of the Brotherhood’s military might. Maxson becomes a direct enemy, and the player must confront him in a final, decisive battle.
Maxson’s Motivations
Understanding Maxson’s motivations is key to judging his character. He inherited the leadership of the Brotherhood at a young age and witnessed firsthand the dangers of unchecked technology and the horrors of the post-apocalyptic world. His experiences shaped his worldview and instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to protect humanity, even if it means making morally questionable choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Maxson and his role in Fallout 4:
1. Is Elder Maxson a descendant of the Brotherhood of Steel founder?
Yes, Elder Arthur Maxson is the last descendant of Roger Maxson, the founder of the Brotherhood of Steel. This lineage plays a significant role in his leadership and the respect he commands within the organization.
2. Can you avoid killing Maxson?
Unfortunately, there is no way to complete the game without either siding with him and his faction, or facing him in a final battle. Some of his decisions can be argued to be unjust but this does not change his overall goal.
3. What is Final Judgement, and how do you get it?
Final Judgement is Elder Maxson’s unique Gatling laser, and it’s one of the most powerful weapons in Fallout 4. You can only obtain it by looting it from his corpse after killing him during the main questline if you sided against the Brotherhood of Steel.
4. Why do people dislike Elder Maxson?
Some players dislike Elder Maxson because they perceive him as arrogant, authoritarian, and intolerant. His unwavering belief in the Brotherhood’s superiority and his willingness to use violence to achieve his goals rub some the wrong way.
5. Is Maxson’s Battlecoat obtainable?
Yes, but only by killing him. The battlecoat is worn by Elder Maxson, and it cannot be pickpocketed. The only way to obtain it is to kill Maxson and take it from his body.
6. Is Maxson a Synth?
No, Elder Maxson is not a synth. He is a human and considered a perfect human specimen within the Brotherhood, enhanced by technology but fundamentally human.
7. Is Maxson in Fallout 3?
Yes, a younger Arthur Maxson appears in Fallout 3 as a squire at the Citadel, the Brotherhood of Steel’s headquarters in the Capital Wasteland.
8. Can you become Elder of the Brotherhood of Steel?
No, the option to take over the Brotherhood and replace Maxson as Elder was cut from the final game.
9. What happens if you side with the Brotherhood of Steel?
If you side with the Brotherhood of Steel, you will get promoted to the rank of Sentinel. You also gain a jetpack for your Power Armor, and the Brotherhood members treat you with great respect.
10. Why does the Brotherhood of Steel hate synths?
The Brotherhood of Steel considers synths to be abominations of technology and a threat to humanity. They believe synths lack souls and are dangerous imitations of humans, leading to their policy of synth eradication.
11. What are the Brotherhood of Steel’s goals?
The Brotherhood of Steel aims to preserve pre-war technology and ensure that it is used responsibly, according to their standards. They also strive to protect humanity from threats like synths, super mutants, and ghouls.
12. Is the Brotherhood of Steel a good faction?
Whether the Brotherhood of Steel is a “good” faction is subjective. They provide order and security, but their methods are often authoritarian and intolerant. Their stance on synths makes them controversial.
13. How old is Danse in Fallout 4?
Paladin Danse’s mental age is approximately 30 years old, referring to his memories and experiences before being revealed as a synth.
14. What are the other factions’ opinions of the Brotherhood?
The Institute sees the Brotherhood as a technologically inferior threat, the Railroad views them as oppressors of synths, and the Minutemen may appreciate their help but disagree with their methods.
15. What if I want to learn more about video games and education?
For those interested in exploring the intersection of video games and education, the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable resources and insights into how games can be used for learning and development.
Conclusion: Maxson, a Mirror Reflecting Player Choices
Elder Maxson’s character is a testament to the moral ambiguity of Fallout 4. He is not simply “good” or “evil” but a complex individual driven by his beliefs and experiences. Ultimately, the player’s choices determine how they perceive him and whether they stand alongside him or against him. He is a character that serves as a mirror, reflecting the player’s own moral compass and forcing them to confront difficult questions about the nature of humanity, the role of technology, and the price of security.