What’s the Canon Ending of Fallout 4?
There is no officially declared canon ending to Fallout 4. Bethesda, the game’s developer, has deliberately avoided establishing a single, definitive conclusion to the Sole Survivor’s journey in the Commonwealth. This is a conscious design choice to allow players to feel that their choices truly matter and that their Fallout 4 experience is valid, regardless of which faction they ultimately side with. The ambiguity leaves the future of the Commonwealth open to interpretation and allows Bethesda flexibility for future games or expansions set in the same universe.
Understanding Canon in Fallout
Before delving further, it’s important to understand what “canon” means in the context of the Fallout universe. Canon refers to the officially established history and lore of the series. It dictates which events and storylines are considered “true” within the fictional world. For example, the destruction of the Enclave Oil Rig in Fallout 2 is considered canon, influencing events and factions in subsequent games like Fallout 3.
The absence of a concrete canon ending for Fallout 4 signifies that Bethesda prefers to maintain a state of narrative flexibility. This means that any of the four primary endings – siding with the Minutemen, the Brotherhood of Steel, the Railroad, or the Institute – are potentially valid outcomes. Each ending results in a significantly different future for the Commonwealth, with varying impacts on its inhabitants and power dynamics.
Why No Canon Ending?
Bethesda’s decision to avoid declaring a canon ending likely stems from several factors:
- Player Agency: Fallout games are renowned for their emphasis on player choice and consequence. A definitive ending would undermine the impact of player decisions, potentially alienating fans who chose a different path.
- Narrative Flexibility: Leaving the ending ambiguous allows Bethesda to explore different possibilities in future games or expansions. They can cherry-pick elements from various endings or even introduce entirely new developments without contradicting established canon.
- Marketing Strategy: Maintaining ambiguity generates ongoing discussion and speculation within the Fallout community, keeping the game relevant and promoting engagement.
Implications of the Ambiguous Ending
The lack of a canon ending has several implications for the Fallout universe:
- Uncertain Future: The long-term fate of the Commonwealth remains unclear. Will the Minutemen establish a stable democracy? Will the Brotherhood of Steel eradicate all synths? Will the Railroad continue to liberate synths from the Institute? Or will the Institute rebuild and reassert its dominance? These questions remain unanswered.
- Fan Theories and Speculation: The ambiguous ending fuels countless fan theories and discussions about the “true” fate of the Commonwealth. Players debate the merits of each faction and speculate on the potential consequences of their actions.
- Potential for Future Games: Bethesda can draw inspiration from any of the Fallout 4 endings for future games set in the Commonwealth or the surrounding areas. They could explore the rise of a new power, the consequences of a particular faction’s dominance, or the emergence of new threats.
Factors Influencing Player Choice
Despite the lack of a canon ending, players’ choices in Fallout 4 are influenced by various factors:
- Moral Alignment: Players often align with the faction that best reflects their moral beliefs. Those who prioritize freedom and equality may side with the Railroad, while those who value order and security may choose the Brotherhood of Steel.
- Faction Ideologies: Each faction represents a distinct ideology. Players evaluate these ideologies and choose the faction whose vision for the future resonates with them most strongly.
- Character Backstory: The Sole Survivor’s backstory as a parent searching for their son, Shaun, can influence their decisions. Some players may prioritize Shaun’s well-being above all else, even if it means siding with the morally questionable Institute.
- Gameplay Preferences: Players may also consider gameplay factors, such as the types of weapons, armor, and companions offered by each faction.
Future Fallout Installments
The future of the Fallout series remains uncertain. Whether Bethesda will ever establish a canon ending for Fallout 4 or continue to embrace ambiguity is unknown. However, the company’s past behavior suggests that they will likely prioritize player agency and narrative flexibility. This means that the fate of the Commonwealth will likely remain a subject of debate and speculation for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fallout 4’s Ending
What if I destroyed all the factions? Is that canon?
No, destroying all factions is generally not considered a plausible, even non-canon, ending due to its inherent destructiveness and the lack of a sustainable future for the Commonwealth. The game’s narrative structure leans towards one faction ultimately prevailing, even if other options lead to their elimination.
Does siding with the Institute make me evil?
Not necessarily. While the Institute employs morally questionable methods, their goal is ultimately to advance humanity through science. Some players may view their actions as necessary for the greater good.
Which ending is the most popular among players?
There is no definitive data on the most popular ending, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the Minutemen ending is a relatively common choice due to its emphasis on rebuilding and protecting settlements.
Does the Far Harbor DLC affect the canon ending?
No, the Far Harbor DLC offers its own set of choices and consequences, but it does not directly establish a canon ending for the main Fallout 4 storyline.
What about Nuka-World? Does it matter which raider gangs I choose?
Similar to Far Harbor, Nuka-World provides branching narratives and faction choices that don’t dictate the overall canon ending of Fallout 4. Your decisions within Nuka-World have local consequences, but they don’t resolve the conflict in the Commonwealth.
Will Fallout 5 address the ending of Fallout 4?
It’s highly probable that Fallout 5 will acknowledge the events of Fallout 4, but whether it will definitively establish a canon ending remains to be seen. Bethesda may choose to incorporate elements from multiple endings or introduce new developments that supersede previous events.
Is there any official lore hinting at a preferred ending?
Bethesda has been very careful to avoid hinting at a preferred ending. Their official statements and marketing materials emphasize the importance of player choice and consequence.
If there is no canon ending, why does it matter?
Even without a declared canon, discussing possible outcomes and their consequences is enjoyable and encourages discussion.
Is the Minutemen ending considered the “good” ending?
Many players consider the Minutemen ending the “good” ending because it emphasizes rebuilding communities and protecting the weak. However, other factions also have their own justifications and potential benefits for the Commonwealth.
What about the companions? Do their reactions matter to the “canon” ending?
While companion reactions provide insights into the morality of your choices, they do not determine a canon ending. Each companion has their own biases and preferences, and their opinions may not align with the overall narrative direction.
Is it possible to complete the main quest without siding with any faction?
No, completing the main quest requires aligning with at least one faction, even if you eventually turn against them. There is no “neutral” ending where you remain completely independent of all factions.
Does the ending I choose affect future Fallout games?
Potentially, yes. While Bethesda may not definitively declare a canon ending, they could draw inspiration from the various endings and incorporate elements into future games. The consequences of your choices in Fallout 4 could subtly influence the political landscape or character interactions in future installments.
Can the factions coexist?
While the game presents opportunities for temporary alliances, the core ideologies of the factions are ultimately incompatible. Achieving a lasting peace between all factions is not possible within the confines of the game.
Which ending is the most impactful for the future of the Commonwealth?
Each ending has a significant impact on the future of the Commonwealth. The Minutemen ending offers the potential for a democratic and prosperous society, while the Brotherhood of Steel ending prioritizes order and security. The Railroad ending focuses on protecting synth rights, and the Institute ending aims to advance humanity through science.
How is Fallout 4 different from other Fallout games with regards to canon endings?
Fallout 4 is significantly different from previous Fallout games in its ambiguity around a canon ending. While older titles like Fallout 1 and 2 had clearer conclusions and their consequences were more directly addressed in subsequent games, Fallout 4 deliberately leaves the future open to interpretation. This marks a shift in Bethesda’s approach to storytelling, prioritizing player agency over a pre-defined narrative path.