Why You Can’t Truly Join the Enclave in Fallout 2: A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re trekking through the wastes of Fallout 2, dreaming of donning that iconic black power armor and purging the wasteland alongside the Enclave. You envision yourself a cog in their well-oiled, technologically superior machine. Unfortunately, that dream will remain just that: a dream. You can’t genuinely join the Enclave in Fallout 2. While you can infiltrate their ranks and pose as a recruit, you will never truly become one of them. The underlying reason is simple: the Enclave’s ideology of racial purity and their inherent distrust of anyone not born within their ranks. They consider themselves the last bastion of “true” humanity, untouched by the radiation and mutations that plague the wasteland. As a Vault Dweller, descended from those who survived the Great War in underground shelters, you are inherently “impure” in their eyes, no matter how many power armor suits you steal or orders you follow.
The Enclave’s Twisted Ideology
The Enclave’s philosophy is deeply rooted in a warped version of American exceptionalism and a belief in their own genetic superiority. They view the wastelanders, including you, as contaminated and deserving of eradication. This stems from their pre-war roots within the highest echelons of the US government and military, who retreated to secure locations and developed their own isolated society. This isolation fostered a deep sense of paranoia and a desire to restore America in their own image, even if it means committing genocide.
Their plan in Fallout 2 involves using a modified strain of the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV) to create a targeted airborne virus that would kill anything with even the slightest trace of mutation. This includes almost everyone in the wasteland. This plan reveals their true intentions: not to rebuild America for everyone, but to rebuild it for themselves, at the expense of everyone else.
Infiltration vs. Membership
The Fallout 2 storyline allows you to infiltrate the Enclave’s Navarro base. By donning their armor and following orders, you can move through their ranks undetected, gathering information and sabotaging their operations. This infiltration allows you to learn about their plans and ultimately confront President Dick Richardson and the monstrous Frank Horrigan.
However, this is merely a disguise. At no point do they accept you as one of their own. They remain suspicious and wary, constantly testing your loyalty and ensuring you don’t pose a threat. The only way to progress through the story is to deceive them and exploit their weaknesses.
The Illusion of Choice
While Fallout 2 offers a degree of player agency, it never presents you with the option to genuinely align with the Enclave. The game’s narrative inherently positions you as an outsider, a force for change in the wasteland, and a champion of its people. Siding with the Enclave, whose goals directly contradict these ideals, would fundamentally break the game’s narrative and character arc.
The game’s narrative reinforces the idea that the Enclave is an inherently evil organization with no redeeming qualities. Their actions and beliefs are presented as monstrous and irredeemable, making any genuine alliance with them impossible from a storytelling perspective.
The Unwavering Opposition
Ultimately, the reason you can’t truly join the Enclave in Fallout 2 boils down to their core ideology and the game’s narrative structure. You are fundamentally incompatible with their worldview. You might wear their uniform and follow their orders for a time, but you will always be an outsider, a threat to their vision of a “pure” America. Your destiny lies in opposing them, not becoming one of them. The Games Learning Society studies how games affect the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify why you can’t truly join the Enclave in Fallout 2:
Can I at least pretend to be an Enclave member?
Yes! The game allows you to acquire Enclave power armor and move around their base, Navarro, acting as a recruit. This is a crucial part of the storyline, allowing you to gather information and sabotage their plans from within. However, it’s important to remember that this is only a facade.
Do the Enclave members ever suspect that I’m not one of them?
Yes, they are inherently suspicious of outsiders. They will constantly test you and monitor your actions to ensure you’re not a threat. You need to maintain your cover carefully to avoid detection.
Is there any way to change the Enclave’s mind about me?
No. Their ideology is deeply ingrained and unyielding. There is no dialogue option or action you can take to convince them that you are worthy of being a true member.
Does my character’s background matter?
Yes. Regardless of your character’s skills or traits, you are still a Vault Dweller, descended from those who survived the war in underground shelters. This inherently makes you “impure” in the Enclave’s eyes.
Can I convince other characters to join the Enclave?
No. There are no NPCs in the game that you can recruit or convince to join the Enclave. Their ranks are exclusively composed of individuals who were part of their pre-war organization or born within their isolated society.
Why are the Enclave so obsessed with purity?
Their obsession with purity stems from their belief that they are the last “true” humans, untouched by the radiation and mutations of the wasteland. They see themselves as superior to everyone else and believe it is their duty to cleanse the world and rebuild America in their own image.
Is the Enclave in other Fallout games?
Yes, the Enclave appears in several other Fallout games, including Fallout 3, Fallout 76, and Fallout: New Vegas (in the form of remnants). However, their role and objectives may vary depending on the game.
Are there any Enclave remnants that I can befriend?
In Fallout: New Vegas, you can encounter Enclave Remnants, former members of the organization who have scattered across the wasteland. While you can’t “join” them in the same way as a faction, you can gain their support and learn about their past.
What is Frank Horrigan?
Frank Horrigan is the Enclave’s most formidable agent. He is a heavily cybernetically-enhanced super mutant, making him an incredibly dangerous and powerful enemy. He serves as the final boss of Fallout 2.
What are the Enclave’s goals in Fallout 2?
The Enclave’s primary goal in Fallout 2 is to eradicate all mutated life in the wasteland using a modified strain of the FEV virus. They then plan to repopulate America with their own citizens, who they believe are the only “pure” humans left.
Why is the Enclave considered evil?
The Enclave is widely considered evil due to their genocidal plans and their unwavering belief in their own superiority. Their actions and beliefs are presented as morally reprehensible, making them a clear antagonist in the Fallout universe.
Is there any way to redeem the Enclave?
No. The game’s narrative does not offer any opportunity to redeem the Enclave or change their ways. They are presented as an inherently evil organization with no redeeming qualities.
What is the Enclave Power Armor?
The Enclave power armor is a technologically advanced suit of armor that provides exceptional protection and combat capabilities. It is one of the most iconic pieces of equipment in the Fallout universe. Obtaining and using it is key to infiltrating their ranks.
Is it possible to defeat the Enclave?
Yes! The ultimate goal of Fallout 2 is to defeat the Enclave and thwart their genocidal plans. This involves infiltrating their base, sabotaging their operations, and confronting their leaders.
What other factions are present in Fallout 2?
Besides the Enclave, Fallout 2 features other factions such as the New California Republic (NCR), various tribal groups, and criminal organizations like the Salvatore family.
In conclusion, while the allure of the Enclave’s power and technology might be tempting, the narrative and ideological barriers prevent you from ever truly becoming one of them in Fallout 2. Your role is to expose their evil and fight for the survival of the wasteland, not to join its oppressors. The GamesLearningSociety.org has a great resource library.