Fallout 76 has injected a rich vein of lore into the broader universe of the Fallout series. By setting its narrative in the verdant, yet perilous, region of Appalachia, and allowing players to assume the roles of Ghouls, the game has established itself as a pivotal chapter in the franchise. Appalachia’s dense forests and towering peaks conceal many dangers, but perhaps none so menacing as the Scorched Plague introduced in this installment.
This plague arose when the Enclave’s Thomas Eckhart unleashed mutated bats, known as Scorchbeasts, on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Appalachia. These creatures, carrying a dangerous mix of radiation, spread the Scorched Plague throughout the region, resulting in mass devastation. Even after a vaccine was crafted, the plague lingers, transforming the infected into relentless, zombie-like beings, who ultimately become eerie stone figures. This fresh narrative thread enriches the series’ lore and hint at the potential to expand its reach beyond Appalachia in future games.
Though firmly anchored in Appalachia, there is an argument to be made for the Scorched Plague’s narrative potential beyond this region. It erupted in 2085 and by 2103, Vault 76 inhabitants managed to distribute a vaccine locally. However, considering the mobility of Scorchbeasts, it’s conceivable the plague has already ventured into other territories. Should Fallout 5 explore unexplored terrains, the Scorched Plague could resurface as a prominent threat, offering fresh gameplay and story dynamics without clashing with established lore.
The symptoms — darkened, ash-scented skin and lesions revealing green ultracite crystals — illuminate the dire condition of those afflicted, as they succumb to a shared intelligence. While Fallout games have primarily explored select areas of the U.S., there is ample room to explore how different regions respond to such an existential menace.
While Vault 76’s accomplishments in combating the plague are noteworthy, other areas might not have such resources at their disposal. Imagining a setting where survivors confront the ongoing reality of the Scorched Plague, scrambling to find safety and answers, presents rich narrative opportunities. The search for a cure could easily become a vital subplot in future Fallout storylines.
Although Fallout 5 might still be years away, Fallout 76 continues to evolve with regular updates, keeping the series fresh and engaging. The ongoing support for Fallout 76 and other media endeavors, like the live-action series, ensures the franchise remains in the spotlight. While the specifics of the next installment remain under wraps, it’s likely that the innovations introduced by Fallout 76 will ripple through future titles.
In the meantime, Fallout 76 remains a compelling arena packed with intricate lore, continually refined since its rocky release in 2018. Fans can look forward to seeing how this chapter’s contributions will shape the series in the years to come, maintaining a narrative yet to be fully told.
