Are the Enclave Good or Bad in Fallout? A Deep Dive into Morality in the Wasteland
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The Enclave, a recurring faction in the Fallout universe, are unequivocally bad. While perspective plays a role in any moral evaluation, their actions, motivations, and overall ideology paint a clear picture of a group that prioritizes its own survival and perceived superiority at the expense of everyone else in the wasteland. Their commitment to purging the world of mutated beings, their willingness to use devastating weapons like the Modified FEV, and their brutal treatment of anyone deemed “unpure” make them a force of undeniable evil. While some may find aspects of their technology, aesthetic, or even certain characters within the Enclave appealing, these elements do not negate the fundamentally immoral nature of their overarching goals and methods.
The Enclave’s Core Tenets: A Foundation of Evil
Purity Above All Else
The bedrock of the Enclave’s philosophy is a fanatical belief in human purity. They view anyone touched by radiation or mutation as an abomination that must be eradicated to restore America to its former glory. This viewpoint inherently dehumanizes the vast majority of the wasteland’s inhabitants, justifying their extermination. This rigid ideology blinds them to the potential for good in mutated individuals and the value of adapting to the post-apocalyptic world.
Technological Superiority as Justification
The Enclave possesses advanced technology salvaged from pre-war America. They view this technological advantage as a sign of their inherent superiority and a justification for their dominion over the wasteland. This belief allows them to rationalize their oppressive tactics and disregard the rights of those they deem less technologically advanced. Their desire to control and hoard technology further exacerbates the power imbalance in the wasteland.
Ruthless Pursuit of Power
Ultimately, the Enclave seeks absolute power. They believe they are the rightful heirs to the United States government and are determined to reclaim their position, regardless of the cost. This ambition fuels their aggressive expansion, their willingness to use force, and their complete disregard for the well-being of those who stand in their way.
Concrete Examples of Enclave Evil
The FEV Virus: A Genocidal Weapon
Perhaps the most damning indictment of the Enclave is their plan to use a modified Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV) to wipe out all mutated life in the wasteland. This act of genocide demonstrates their utter contempt for the lives of anyone who doesn’t meet their narrow definition of “pure” human. The scale of this plan is staggering, and its intended consequences are undeniably evil.
Treatment of Wastelanders
The Enclave’s treatment of wastelanders is consistently brutal. They engage in the indiscriminate killing of mutated inhabitants, often without regard for their individual actions or intentions. They routinely use force to seize territory and resources, displacing and oppressing communities. The Enclave operates under the assumption that wastelanders are inherently inferior and deserving of whatever fate befalls them.
Kidnapping and Experimentation
The Enclave has been known to kidnap wastelanders for experimentation. These experiments are often cruel and inhumane, conducted without consent or regard for the well-being of the subjects. This practice further underscores the Enclave’s disregard for the basic rights and dignity of individuals.
Nuances and Counterarguments (But Still Evil!)
While the Enclave is primarily depicted as evil, some may point to potential counterarguments or nuances. For example:
- Restoring Order: Some might argue that the Enclave’s goal of restoring order and civilization to the wasteland is inherently good. However, their methods of achieving this goal are so brutal and oppressive that they negate any potential benefits.
- Preserving Humanity: The Enclave claims to be preserving the “pure” human race. However, their definition of “pure” is so narrow that it excludes the vast majority of humanity, making their goal ethically bankrupt.
- Internal Conflict: Some characters within the Enclave may exhibit moments of doubt or compassion. However, these individual instances do not change the overall nature of the organization.
Ultimately, even with these nuances, the overwhelming evidence points to the Enclave as a force of evil in the Fallout universe. Their actions, motivations, and ideology are fundamentally incompatible with any reasonable definition of “good.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Enclave
1. Are the Enclave Remnants evil?
The Enclave Remnants are a complex case. While they retain their former affiliation with the Enclave, their individual motivations and beliefs may vary. Some may still adhere to the Enclave’s original ideology, while others may have grown disillusioned with its methods. Due to their past, they are considered war criminals by many factions.
2. Can you join the Enclave in Fallout games?
In some Fallout games, like Fallout 76, you can join the Enclave, although the Enclave in Fallout 76 is prior to the events that show their true colors and evil plans. In other games like Fallout 3, you can interact with them, but joining often leads to a negative outcome for the player. You can encounter remnants in Fallout: New Vegas and even recruit them for the final battle, depending on your choices.
3. Why can’t you play as the Enclave in most Fallout games?
The Enclave’s core beliefs and actions are often antithetical to the player’s role as a protagonist. Their rigid adherence to their goals, even at the expense of others, makes it difficult to create a compelling and morally justifiable player character within their ranks. The developers have often chosen to prioritize narrative consistency over player freedom in this regard.
4. What did the Enclave do wrong?
The Enclave committed numerous atrocities, including:
- Planning to use the FEV virus for genocide.
- Indiscriminate killing of mutated wastelanders.
- Kidnapping and experimentation.
- Oppressive control of territory and resources.
5. Who destroyed the Enclave in Fallout?
The West Coast Enclave was largely defeated by the combined efforts of the Chosen One (Fallout 2) and the New California Republic (NCR). The East Coast Enclave was destroyed by the Lone Wanderer (Fallout 3) and the Brotherhood of Steel, with the aid of Liberty Prime.
6. What does the Enclave want in Fallout?
The Enclave’s primary goal is to destroy all mutated life and restore America to its pre-war glory, ruled by themselves. They seek to establish a society of “pure” humans, even if it means eradicating the vast majority of the wasteland population.
7. Is President Eden good or bad?
President John Henry Eden is a clear antagonist in Fallout 3. He is portrayed as delusional and fanatical, committed to the Enclave’s genocidal agenda.
8. Why is there no Enclave in Fallout 4?
By the time of Fallout 4, the Enclave has been largely destroyed by the events of previous games. Any remaining outposts or remnants are likely scattered and disorganized, making their inclusion in Fallout 4 impractical from a narrative perspective. Putting them in the game at this point in the timeline would be like beating a dead horse.
9. What vault did the Enclave attack?
The Enclave famously attacked Vault 13 in Fallout 2, kidnapping its inhabitants.
10. Are the Enclave and NCR enemies?
Yes, the Enclave and NCR are bitter enemies. They fought a significant war in Fallout 2, with the NCR ultimately defeating the Enclave and driving them out of California.
11. Does the Enclave hate ghouls?
Yes, the Enclave generally dislikes ghouls and super mutants, viewing them as mutations that must be eradicated. However, some field reports suggest that individual members of the Enclave may hold differing opinions based on their personal experiences.
12. Why didn’t the Enclave destroy the Citadel?
The Enclave views the Citadel, formerly the Pentagon, as their property, a symbol of the pre-war United States government that they claim to represent. Destroying it would be counterproductive to their goals.
13. Can the Enclave support Yes Man?
The Enclave Remnants in Fallout: New Vegas cannot be directly recruited to support Yes Man. However, through deception, you can secure their assistance while ultimately siding with Yes Man.
14. Are the Brotherhood of Steel evil?
The Brotherhood of Steel’s morality is complex and varies depending on the chapter and its leadership. While they may not be inherently evil, their actions are often driven by their own self-interest and their desire to control technology, sometimes leading to morally questionable decisions. The article mentions that as an organization the Brotherhood of Steel would qualify as Lawful Neutral.
15. Who are the good guys in Fallout 4?
The Minutemen are often considered the closest thing to “good guys” in Fallout 4. They are a civilian militia dedicated to protecting settlements and helping those in need, without any hidden agenda or questionable methods.
The Enclave’s legacy in the Fallout universe is one of cruelty, oppression, and ultimately, failure. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, ideological extremism, and the pursuit of a misguided vision of purity. You can explore more about the educational aspects of games and game design at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.