The Grim Fate: Unpacking the Bad Ending of Fallout 1
The bad ending in Fallout 1 is a stark departure from the game’s primary narrative arc and is often considered a “gimmick” or a “troll ending.” It occurs when the player, the Vault Dweller, chooses to join the Master and his Unity army. This decision results in a horrifying cutscene where the Vault Dweller is forcibly transformed into a super mutant. This process involves the Vault Dweller being dropped into a vat of acid, a gruesome and irreversible act. Additionally, the Vault Dweller betrays humanity by revealing the location of Vault 13 to the Master, jeopardizing the safety of their own people. This ending subverts the entire goal of the game, which is to find a water chip and ultimately, stop the Master. This betrayal, combined with the brutal transformation, makes it a truly “bad” outcome. This ending is generally considered non-canon, as it goes directly against the character’s motivations and the overarching story of Fallout 1.
Understanding the “Bad” Choice
The reason this ending is considered “bad” goes beyond the immediate horror of the super mutant transformation. It’s a betrayal of the Vault Dweller’s entire purpose. Throughout the game, the player is driven by the need to save their vault, and by extension, human civilization. By siding with the Master, the Vault Dweller actively participates in humanity’s subjugation. This choice not only ends the Vault Dweller’s personal journey in a tragic and brutal manner but also dooms their community. It’s a subversion of all the moral choices and actions that the player might have undertaken up until that point. Instead of being a beacon of hope, the Vault Dweller becomes another pawn in the Master’s twisted plan.
The Gruesome Transformation
The cutscene depicting the transformation is a critical element that solidifies this ending’s “bad” status. The imagery is graphic and disturbing, highlighting the irreversible nature of the process. This jarring scene serves as a stark reminder of the horrific consequences of joining the Master. It visually communicates the absolute loss of identity and humanity experienced by the Vault Dweller. It’s a powerful and unsettling moment that players often remember long after completing the game.
A Non-Canonical Path
It’s important to emphasize that this “bad ending” is not considered canon within the Fallout universe. The canonical ending, detailed in the Vault Dweller’s Memoirs from the Fallout 2 manual, involves the Vault Dweller defeating the Master and the Lieutenant, saving Tandi, and defeating the Khans. This canonical outcome is what is referenced throughout the following games, making the super mutant fate of the vault dweller considered an alternative non-canon choice.
FAQs About the Fallout 1 Endings
1. How Many Endings Does Fallout 1 Technically Have?
Fallout 1 technically has two endings, but only one is considered the “true” or canonical ending. The other ending, where the Vault Dweller joins the Master, is widely regarded as a bad ending or non-canon alternative.
2. What is the Canon Ending of Fallout 1?
The canon ending involves the Vault Dweller killing the Master and the Lieutenant, rescuing Tandi, and defeating the Khans with the exception of one member. This ending is the one referenced in Fallout 2 and is considered the official continuation of the story.
3. Why is the Super Mutant Ending Considered “Bad?”
The super mutant ending is “bad” because it directly contradicts the Vault Dweller’s quest to save their vault and humanity. It ends with them betraying their people and losing their own humanity in a horrific transformation, making it the antithesis of a positive resolution.
4. Is Fallout 1’s Bad Ending a Game Over?
While technically an ending, the bad ending is more akin to a “game over” in terms of player choice. It ends the Vault Dweller’s story in a negative way, with no further progress to be made in the game.
5. Does the Bad Ending Have any Long-Term Consequences in the Fallout Lore?
No. The bad ending is non-canonical and has no bearing on subsequent games. Fallout 2 continues the story from the canonical ending where the Master is defeated.
6. Can You Play Fallout 1 After the Ending?
No, you cannot play after any ending in Fallout 1. The game ends after either the bad ending or canonical ending. Moreover, Fallout 1 has a time limit of 500 days to complete the game. If the time limit expires before completion, the player loses.
7. How is the Vault Dweller Transformed into a Super Mutant in the Bad Ending?
The Vault Dweller is forcibly dropped into a vat of acid as part of the transformation process, a gruesome scene that effectively ends the character’s arc and identity.
8. Who is The Master in Fallout 1?
The Master is the main villain of Fallout 1, the leader of the Unity cult of super mutants. He is a grotesque fusion of several people and driven by a warped ideology.
9. Is the Master’s Goal to Turn Everyone Into Super Mutants?
Yes. The Master believes that super mutants are the next step in evolution and that humanity will not survive in its original form. He desires to transform the human population to overcome the “flaws” he perceives.
10. Does the Bad Ending Betray the Game’s Themes?
Yes. The bad ending subverts the game’s themes of survival, hope, and the fight against overwhelming odds. It represents a complete surrender to the forces of evil, and a loss of humanity.
11. What is the Significance of the Vault Dweller Revealing Vault 13’s Location?
By revealing Vault 13’s location, the Vault Dweller dooms the people they were originally tasked with saving. It’s the ultimate betrayal.
12. Is the Super Mutant Ending Considered an Easter Egg or a Serious Option?
While it’s presented as an ending, it’s viewed more as a dark, non-canon alternative. It isn’t a serious branching narrative option, but a shocking “what if” scenario.
13. How Does the Canon Ending Contrast with the Bad Ending in Terms of Player Agency?
The canon ending emphasizes the player’s agency as a force for good, while the bad ending showcases the potential for corruption and despair. The canon ending allows the Vault Dweller to be a hero, whereas the bad ending shows the depths they can fall to.
14. Is There Any Way to Redeem the Vault Dweller in the Bad Ending?
No, the bad ending is a point of no return. There is no path to redemption once the Vault Dweller has undergone the transformation.
15. How Does the Bad Ending Impact the Overall Fallout Narrative?
It does not impact the overall narrative. It is considered a non-canon “what-if” scenario that stands apart from the main storyline of the franchise and it serves more to provide shock value rather than narrative development.
Conclusion
The bad ending in Fallout 1 is a jarring and disturbing conclusion for players who choose to align with the Master. It stands as a grim reminder of the potential for corruption and betrayal within the game’s post-apocalyptic world. While not canon, it remains an impactful and memorable moment in the game’s history, showcasing that even in a wasteland, the choices made matter deeply. The gruesome transformation and the betrayal of Vault 13 create a stark contrast to the game’s themes of hope and survival, making it a truly “bad” ending.