Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 both feature iconic playable characters. Fallout 3 and its sequel introduced the Lone Wanderer and Sole Survivor respectively as playable characters. Both have a pretty similar story, as the Lone Wanderer and Sole Survivor go through the wasteland in an attempt to find a family member. The Wanderer goes to search for their dad, while the Survivor is on the search for their son.
Despite these similarities, these playable characters have their own unique traits that set them apart. Some of these differences might come as a surprise, while others will be known to fans of the series.
10 Sole Survivor – Lived Pre-War
The Sole Survivor is one of the only playable characters, besides the player in Fallout 76, to be born before the Great War. They also have another unique advantage – they are not a Ghoul. Players are able to see the moments leading up to the Great War, as well as the nuclear strike on Boston.
This gives players a unique perspective in the wasteland. The Sole Survivor knows about Pre-War items and events, being able to correct Wastelanders on what they get wrong.
9 Lone Wanderer – Dad Is Liam Neeson
The voice of the Lone Wanderer's father might sound familiar to some, as he is voiced by Liam Neeson. There is something cool about knowing that the protagonist's father in the game looks a bit like and sounds like Liam Neeson.
The player travels the Capital Wasteland on the search for their father, James, only to discover him in Vault 112. James is helped at Project Purity until the Enclave comes in and takes it over. James sacrifices himself, meaning the player's father is...taken.
8 Sole Survivor – Was Frozen For 200+ Years
The Sole Survivor was able to make it from the Pre-War to the Post-War world by being frozen inside of Vault 111. Of course, the Sole Survivor did not know they would be frozen. Their sleep is disrupted when Conrad Kellogg enters the vault and steals Shaun.
The Sole Survivor is one of the more unique protagonists, as they were frozen for 200+ years and were the only ones to come out of Vault 111, aside from Shaun.
7 Lone Wanderer – Was Abducted
If players have the Mothership Zeta DLC for Fallout 3, they can be abducted by aliens. This DLC has the Lone Wanderer fight through an alien ship to reach its captain, who the player is tasked with killing. The Lone Wanderer meets with interesting characters along the way, including a samurai from the 16th century.
After completing the DLC, the Lone Wanderer technically has an entire spaceship to themselves. The protagonist saved earth from an alien invasion, gaining a ship as an award. Players are also able to shoot the death ray aboard the ship, but it does not affect the Capital Wasteland.
6 Sole Survivor – Has A Voice
The Sole Survivor is a unique playable Fallout character in one major way, as they are the first (and so far only) protagonist to have a voice.
It adds a bit of entertainment when the player chooses a dialogue option, as the protagonist is able to vocalize the sarcastic quote or yell at an innocent child. It adds a bit more personality than just reading the text boxes.
5 Lone Wanderer – Cleaned Capital Wasteland's Water
The Lone Wanderer is able to complete their father's work. After James's sacrifice, it would make sense to try to activate Project Purity and bring clean water to the area. By talking to the companion Deacon in Fallout 4, it is revealed Project Purity was a success.
While completing the project might seem like the obvious choice, players are given the option to poison the water and sabotage the project. That said, it is satisfying to see the Lone Wanderer chose the right option and help the people of the Capital Wasteland.
4 Sole Survivor – Can Become Sentinal In Brotherhood Of Steel
If the Sole Survivor decides to join the Brotherhood of Steel, they can achieve the rank of sentinel. This is the rank right below Elder, with Maxson saying he hasn't had a sentinel in years. While the Lone Wanderer joins the Brotherhood of Steel, they only make it to the rank of Knight.
The Sole Survivor is able to attain the rank of sentinel by completing all quests for the Brotherhood of Steel. After everything the player went through to help the Brotherhood, it is no surprise they made it to one of the highest ranks.
3 Lone Wanderer – Canonically Does Good
Some playable characters have their actions decided by the player, offering a different ending for each protagonist. The Lone Wanderer is unique, as their exploits are talked about even in Fallout 4. The Lone Wanderer activates Project Purity, destroys the Enclave base in the Capital Wasteland, and helps the Brotherhood of Steel bring order to the area.
It seems the Lone Wanderer canonically opted for the best options. It should also be noted, this means the Lone Wanderer did not detonate the nuclear bomb in the middle of Megaton.
2 Sole Survivor – Was A Soldier
The Sole Survivor – at least the male one – was in the military before the start of the game. This explains why they are able to use weapons and power armor without any training. It could be assumed the female Sole Survivor, who used to be a lawyer, was taught about weapons and power armor by her husband.
The male Sole Survivor is also able to mention their military service at random times during the game, such as when they stumble across the USS Constitution. It is nice to have an explanation of how the protagonist is able to use the weapons and survive in combat.
1 (The Winner) Lone Wanderer – Was Only A Teenager
With everything the Lone Wanderer does in Fallout 3, it is impressive to know the protagonist was only 19. With the DLCs of the game, it means the protagonist is only 20 when they complete the DLC quests. The Lone Wanderer was most likely the youngest protagonist to achieve as much as they did.
By the age of 20, the Lone Wanderer saved the Earth from aliens and drove the Enclave out of the Capital Wasteland.