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Unveiling the Enclave’s Vault Assaults: More Than Just Resisting Capture

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The Enclave, those power-armored remnants of the pre-War United States government, present a complex and often brutal force in the Fallout universe. When they targeted Vaults, like the infamous Vault 13 raid, it wasn’t simply a matter of “resisting capture,” although that narrative served their propaganda. The reality is much more nuanced, driven by a combination of scientific ambition, ideological purity, and calculated power projection. The Enclave shot at, infiltrated, and ultimately raided vaults for specific reasons: to secure pure human specimens for genetic research, to test FEV-based toxins and potential cures, and to reinforce their image as the sole legitimate authority in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Their actions, however, were often justified with the false pretense of restoring order.

The Science of Superiority: Vault Raids as Research Expeditions

The Enclave viewed themselves as the rightful inheritors of America, untainted by radiation and mutation. This belief fueled their intense interest in Vaults, which they believed housed the most genetically “pure” humans remaining.

Vault 13: The Inoculation Trials

The most infamous example is the raid on Vault 13 in 2242. The article you provided correctly identifies the primary reason: to capture the inhabitants and test an inoculation against an FEV-based toxin. The Enclave, deeply concerned about the spread of mutations, sought a way to protect themselves and, hypothetically, to purify the wasteland. Vault 13’s residents were unwitting test subjects in this grim experiment. The Enclave intended to test the vault dwellers and see if the inoculation rendering humans immune to the FEV-based toxin would work.

The Pursuit of Genetic Purity

Beyond FEV research, the Enclave was fascinated by the genetic makeup of Vault dwellers. They believed that studying these populations could unlock secrets to combating mutation and restoring the human race to its pre-War glory. This pursuit of genetic purity contributed to their willingness to use force against Vault communities. They considered these “pure” vault dwellers worthy of consideration as civilians.

Ideology and Control: Asserting Dominance Through Violence

The Enclave’s actions weren’t solely driven by scientific curiosity. They also served a crucial ideological purpose: demonstrating their power and reinforcing their claim to leadership.

Showing “They Meant Business”: Intimidation as a Tool

The article accurately suggests that the Enclave’s violence served as a “show of force”. By brutally subduing Vaults, they sent a clear message to other settlements and factions: the Enclave was in control and would not tolerate defiance. This intimidation was a key element of their strategy to establish dominance over the wasteland. This message was the backbone of the Enclave’s propaganda.

Vaults as Potential Resources

Beyond their inhabitants, Vaults represented valuable resources: technology, supplies, and strategic locations. By seizing control of these Vaults, the Enclave could strengthen their own position and weaken potential rivals. This resource acquisition was a secondary, but still significant, motivation for their assaults.

The Morality of “Purity”: Justifying Atrocities

The Enclave’s ideology of genetic purity led them to commit horrific acts, including the planned extermination of all “mutated” beings in the wasteland. This chilling vision fueled their hatred of Ghouls, Super Mutants, and even irradiated humans.

Releasing a Biological Agent

The ultimate expression of this ideology was their plan to release a biological agent into the airstream, killing almost every living thing that had been exposed to radiation. This act of genocide was driven by their belief that only the “pure” deserved to inherit the Earth. This is the main reason why people hate them.

The Ends Justify the Means: A Twisted Logic

The Enclave believed that their actions, however brutal, were necessary to save humanity. This distorted sense of morality allowed them to justify atrocities in the name of a greater good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Enclave

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the Enclave’s motives and actions:

Why do people hate the Enclave? Because they planned to commit genocide by releasing a biological agent that would kill everyone exposed to radiation, including most humans in the wasteland. The Enclave’s plan targeted anyone who wasn’t them.
Did the Enclave hate Ghouls? Generally, yes. Enclave high command viewed Ghouls and Super Mutants with disdain. Some field reports suggest that individual soldiers recognized that not all Ghouls were feral, but the overall policy remained discriminatory.
Was the Enclave evil? By most standards, yes. They routinely engaged in acts of violence, oppression, and genocide, justifying their actions through a twisted ideology of purity and superiority.
Why didn’t the Enclave nuke the Citadel? The Enclave considered the Pentagon (Citadel) to be U.S. government property and their rightful possession. Also, they sought a decisive victory without resorting to nuclear weapons, if possible.
Why is the Enclave bad in Fallout? They are willing to kill all irradiated beings in the Wasteland. Not only would they kill humans, but also animals that could be used for food, or animals that are important for the animal kingdom.
What did the Enclave think of Vault Dwellers? They saw Vault Dwellers as genetically pure humans, worthy of consideration but requiring Enclave leadership and guidance.
What did the Enclave do wrong? Killing mutated inhabitants of the wastes, using their power to take territory by force, and plotting to exterminate anyone exposed to radiation were among their worst offenses.
Does the Enclave still exist in Fallout 4? No, the Enclave is essentially extinct by the time of Fallout 4. Their main bases were destroyed, and remnants were wiped out by the NCR and the Brotherhood of Steel.
Who destroyed the Enclave? The East Coast Enclave was primarily destroyed by the Capital Wasteland Brotherhood of Steel and the Lone Wanderer.
Is the Enclave stronger than the Brotherhood of Steel? On paper, the Enclave possessed superior technology, including advanced power armor, Vertibirds, and Sentry Bots, making them theoretically more powerful. However, in practice, the Brotherhood’s determination and the actions of key individuals often proved decisive.
Can you join the Enclave? In Fallout 76, you can join the Enclave by completing the “Bunker Buster” and “One of Us” quests.
Is the Enclave evil in New Vegas? While there are remnants of the Enclave in New Vegas, they are generally portrayed as a shadow of their former selves, but they still adhere to many of their original ideologies and methods, which many still consider evil.
Did the Brotherhood of Steel fight the Enclave? Yes, the Brotherhood-Enclave War was a major conflict in Fallout 3.
Was anywhere not nuked in Fallout? Yes, several locations avoided direct nuclear strikes due to defensive technologies or low strategic value. Examples include parts of the Capital Wasteland, New Vegas, and Big MT.
What are some interesting resources for understanding the Enclave in games? The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers valuable insights into the narratives and ethical complexities presented in games like Fallout. Exploring their research and discussions can provide a deeper understanding of the Enclave’s role as antagonists and their impact on the game’s world.

In conclusion, the Enclave’s decision to assault Vaults was driven by a complex interplay of factors, including the pursuit of scientific knowledge, the assertion of ideological dominance, and the ruthless pursuit of power. Their actions, rooted in a distorted sense of morality and a belief in genetic purity, serve as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the seductive allure of extremism.