What is the Weirdest Vault in Fallout 4?
If you’ve spent any considerable time wandering the radioactive wasteland of Fallout 4, you’ll know that Vault-Tec’s Vaults are less about preserving humanity and more about conducting morally reprehensible experiments on unsuspecting citizens. While many vaults showcase disturbing scenarios, the weirdest in Fallout 4 arguably goes to Vault 118. Located beneath the Cliffside Hotel in Mount Desert Island (part of the Far Harbor DLC), Vault 118 takes the cake for its sheer absurdity and the bizarre nature of its inhabitants.
Instead of a single, overarching experiment, Vault 118 presents a multi-layered social commentary wrapped in a darkly comedic package. The vault was designed to house two distinct social classes: wealthy elites who transferred their consciousness into robotic bodies, and working-class individuals who remained human and served as maintenance staff. The “experiment” was to observe how these two groups would interact and adapt to life underground.
However, as is typical of Vault-Tec, things went horribly wrong, but in a profoundly strange way. The human staff, disillusioned and resentful of their robotic overlords, staged a robotic uprising, locked the robots in their living quarters, and then died from starvation and dehydration after several days. When the Sole Survivor arrives, the robotic residents, completely oblivious to the fate of their human counterparts, are still living out their programmed lives in an almost cartoonishly affluent manner.
The unsettling juxtaposition of robotic high society and the decaying remains of their former servants, coupled with the bizarre quests and dialogues you encounter, solidifies Vault 118 as the weirdest, most darkly humorous, and strangely thought-provoking Vault in Fallout 4.
A Deeper Dive into the Absurdity of Vault 118
The Robotic Elite
The wealthy residents of Vault 118, now housed in gleaming robot bodies, are the embodiment of upper-class stereotypes. They engage in vapid conversations about art, fashion, and social standing, utterly detached from the grim reality of their situation. Characters like Ezra Parker, the socialite obsessed with robotic enhancements, and Gilda Broscoe, the aspiring actress with dreams of robotic stardom, are caricatures of the privileged elite. Their obliviousness to the fate of the human staff and their continued pursuit of superficial pleasures create a disturbingly comical atmosphere.
The Ghostly Servants
In stark contrast to the robotic residents, the skeletal remains of the human staff serve as a constant reminder of the vault’s twisted history. Their fate is a consequence of class division and the inherent cruelty of the Vault-Tec experiment. The fact that the robots are completely unaware of the tragedy that unfolded adds another layer of irony to the Vault’s narrative.
The Murder Mystery
The main questline in Vault 118 involves solving a murder mystery among the robotic residents. As the Sole Survivor investigates the crime, they uncover secrets and rivalries that further highlight the bizarre nature of this underground society. The investigation leads to various side quests and dialogues that reveal more about the personalities and motivations of the robotic inhabitants, providing a deeper understanding of their strange world.
Vault 118’s Place in Fallout Lore
Vault 118, while unique in its absurdity, fits perfectly within the broader context of Fallout’s satirical commentary on society, government, and human nature. Like other vaults in the Fallout universe, it serves as a microcosm of the pre-war world, exaggerating its flaws and contradictions to create a darkly humorous and thought-provoking narrative. The vault’s focus on class division and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement is a common theme in the Fallout series.
You can also delve deeper into the exploration of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society to explore research and resources surrounding the educational dimensions of gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fallout Vaults
Is Vault 118 the only vault in the Far Harbor DLC?
No, Vault 118 is the most prominent, but Far Harbor also has a connection to Vault 92, mentioned through terminals and lore.
What makes Vault-Tec experiments so messed up?
Vault-Tec prioritized research over human well-being, creating scenarios designed to study the effects of various factors on human behavior, regardless of the ethical implications.
Are all vaults experiments?
Most, but not all, vaults were designed for experimental purposes. Some were intended as control groups or served other logistical functions within the broader Vault-Tec network. Vault 0, for example, was intended as a central control facility.
What is the purpose of the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system in Fallout?
The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, Luck) represents the core attributes of a character and affects their abilities and skills in the game.
How many vaults are there in the Fallout universe?
The exact number is debated, but over 120 vaults are known to exist in the Fallout lore, spread across the United States.
Can you rebuild Vault 88 in Fallout 4?
Yes, Vault 88, introduced in the Vault-Tec Workshop DLC, is a unique vault that can be customized and expanded by the player, allowing them to become the overseer and conduct their own (less unethical) experiments.
What is the significance of Vault Boy?
Vault Boy is the mascot of Vault-Tec, used in advertisements and instructional materials within the Fallout universe. He’s also become an iconic symbol of the Fallout franchise.
What happens if you side with the Institute in Fallout 4?
Siding with the Institute leads to the destruction of the Railroad and the Brotherhood of Steel, furthering the Institute’s goal of replacing humanity with synths. This factional ending has a profound impact on the Commonwealth.
What is the rarest weapon in Fallout 4?
While subjective, the Aeternus Gatling Laser is one of the rarest weapons, obtained by defeating the final boss of the Automatron DLC. Its unique ability to never require reloading makes it highly sought after.
What is the most evil faction in Fallout 4?
The answer is subjective, but many players consider the Institute to be the most evil due to their unethical experiments, kidnapping and replacing people with synths, and their dismissive attitude toward the surface world.
What happened in Vault 76?
Vault 76, the setting for Fallout 76, was designed as a control vault. Its residents were tasked with reclaiming and rebuilding America 25 years after the Great War.
How does radiation affect humans in Fallout?
Radiation exposure leads to radiation poisoning, which reduces maximum health and can eventually lead to death. Consuming RadAway removes radiation, while Rad-X provides temporary resistance.
What is the significance of the Power Armor in Fallout?
Power Armor is a pre-war military technology that provides significant protection from damage and increases strength. It requires Fusion Cores to operate and is a valuable asset in the wasteland.
What is the purpose of the bobbleheads in Fallout 4?
Bobbleheads are collectible items that permanently increase one of your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes or a specific skill, providing a lasting advantage throughout the game.
Why is Fallout so popular?
Fallout’s popularity stems from its unique blend of post-apocalyptic setting, retro-futuristic style, dark humor, and open-world gameplay. The freedom to explore, make choices, and shape the story contributes to its enduring appeal.