Fallout 4: The Consequences of Rejecting Shaun (Father)

What happens if you say no to Shaun in Fallout 4? This single decision can drastically alter the course of your game, locking you out of the Institute faction and setting you firmly on a path to destroy it. Rejecting Shaun, also known as Father, means you are unwilling to join the Institute and embrace his vision for the future of humanity. The Institute will immediately become hostile, and you’ll be permanently barred from completing any further quests for them. From that point forward, your primary objective shifts to eliminating the Institute, typically by aligning with the Brotherhood of Steel, the Railroad, or the Minutemen.

The Immediate Fallout of Disagreement

The immediate fallout of rejecting Shaun is simple: war. You’ve essentially declared yourself an enemy of the Institute. Synths will attack you on sight in Institute territory. This decision also impacts your relationship with other factions:

• Brotherhood of Steel: The Brotherhood will likely see you as a potential ally in their fight against the Institute. Your refusal to join Shaun aligns perfectly with their goals of destroying advanced technology they deem a threat.

• Railroad: Similarly, the Railroad will view you as an asset. Their primary goal is to liberate synths from the Institute’s control, and by rejecting Shaun, you’ve indirectly supported their cause.

• Minutemen: The Minutemen, if properly established, can provide a more neutral ground for taking down the Institute, allowing for some degree of diplomacy (depending on your choices later on).

Long-Term Implications of Your Choice

The long-term implications are far more profound. By rejecting Shaun, you’re essentially rejecting his vision for the future and committing yourself to a course of action that will inevitably lead to his death – either directly at your hands or indirectly through the destruction of the Institute. This decision raises several moral questions:

• Is Shaun redeemable? Some players argue that Shaun’s intentions, while radical, stem from a desire to rebuild humanity in a way he sees fit.

• Can the Institute be reformed? By rejecting Shaun, you’re effectively dismissing any possibility of reforming the Institute from within. You’re choosing to destroy it rather than attempt to change its fundamental nature.

• What is the right path for the Commonwealth? This becomes the central question driving your gameplay after rejecting Shaun. Are you aligning with factions that offer a better future, or are you simply choosing the lesser of several evils?

Ultimately, rejecting Shaun sets you on a collision course with a major player in the Fallout 4 universe, forcing you to confront difficult ethical dilemmas and make choices that have far-reaching consequences for the Commonwealth. The world of Fallout 4 is one that presents many options, and further exploration into the moral conundrums of the game might just be the thing for players who are interested in deep world-building. A great place to find out more about this is the Games Learning Society and their website, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I pretend to agree with Shaun and then betray the Institute later?

You can certainly infiltrate the Institute and gain their trust initially. However, betraying them later will have the same effect as rejecting Shaun upfront: the Institute will become permanently hostile. The difference is that you’ll have had access to Institute technology, quests, and resources before the inevitable fallout.

Can I convince Shaun to change his ways?

Unfortunately, there is no dialogue option that will fundamentally change Shaun’s beliefs or actions. He is firmly committed to his vision for the Institute, and there is no way to persuade him otherwise.

Is the synth Shaun replaceable?

No, the synth Shaun that Father gives you is unique. There is no way to create another one. If he is destroyed, he is gone for good.

If I destroy the Institute, what happens to the people inside?

The fate of the scientists and inhabitants of the Institute is largely up to you. You can choose to evacuate them before detonating the reactor (depending on which faction you side with), or you can leave them to perish with the Institute.

What rewards do I miss out on by rejecting the Institute?

By rejecting the Institute, you forfeit access to their advanced technology, including synth production, unique weapons, and potentially powerful armor. You also miss out on the opportunity to influence the Commonwealth from within the Institute’s power structure.

Can I still get the synth Shaun if I reject the Institute?

Yes, you can. If you express interest in keeping the synth Shaun before rejecting Father and siding with another faction, he will relocate to the headquarters of whichever faction you ultimately align with.

Which faction is easiest to destroy the Institute with?

The Minutemen are generally considered the easiest faction to destroy the Institute with, as they require the least amount of commitment to their ideology and offer a more flexible approach to the mission.

What happens to my relationship with other companions if I reject Shaun?

Your companions will react differently to your decision based on their individual ideologies. Companions like Piper and Nick Valentine will generally approve of your rejection of the Institute, while others might disapprove.

Is there a “good” ending in Fallout 4?

The concept of a “good” ending is subjective and depends on your personal values. Each faction offers a different vision for the future of the Commonwealth, and none of them are without their flaws. Ultimately, the “best” ending is the one that aligns most closely with your moral compass.

How does rejecting Shaun affect the main storyline?

Rejecting Shaun fundamentally alters the main storyline. Instead of working with him to achieve his goals, you become his enemy, and the story focuses on your efforts to dismantle the Institute and its influence on the Commonwealth.

Can I still complete side quests if I reject Shaun?

Yes, you can still complete most side quests even after rejecting Shaun. However, any quests specifically tied to the Institute will become unavailable.

What is the best way to prepare for attacking the Institute?

The best way to prepare for attacking the Institute is to:

• Level up your character and acquire powerful weapons and armor.

• Stock up on ammunition and supplies.

• Form alliances with other factions to gain their support.

• Develop a strategic plan for infiltrating and destroying the Institute.

Can I use the FEV to become a super mutant myself?

No, you cannot. According to the information provided in the article, the Forced Evolutionary Virus will kill you if used on yourself.

How many endings are in Fallout 4?

There are four main endings in Fallout 4, each tied to a different faction: the Minutemen, the Brotherhood of Steel, the Railroad, and the Institute. Your choices throughout the game determine which ending you achieve.

Does the game change drastically based on my gender choice?

The gender of your character has minimal impact on the main storyline. You will be able to play the game as normal, but you will be able to exploit some perks such as “Black Widow” if playing as a female.