Fallout 4 has been out for many years now, yet it remains one of the most popular RPG games. This popularity is largely the result of its mainstream appeal, digestible gameplay, and near-endless collection of mods that have allowed the game to survive well beyond release. Even the latest installment of the series — Fallout 76 — did little to diminish the marketability of Fallout 4. However, in addition to its popularity, Fallout 4 has received many misconstrued ideas regarding the video game itself.

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Every video game is susceptible to developing incorrect preconceptions or unfound ideas, especially Fallout 4, as it comes from an old franchise. Such misconceptions can often misconstrue expectations or dissuade others from playing a video game. Fallout 4 is a victim of these misconceptions and, as such, carries with it many false perceptions. To truly enjoy this video game, players must be aware of the many common misconceptions about Fallout 4 that have arisen over the years.

Updated March 30, 2022, by Christopher Anaya: Fallout 4 continues to be one of the most popular installments in the series of post-apocalyptic video games. It is this popularity that keeps it relevant despite its release in 2015. However, Fallout 4 has been a victim of criticism and ridicule for much of its time. Many veteran fans of the franchise and RPGs in general often chide the video game for its differences.

Such berating has led to the development of many common misconceptions or misconstrued ideas about Fallout 4. Even now, seven years later, many of these incorrect preconceptions persist. Moreover, more unfound ideas about this video game have come into existence, further twisting how others view it. These common misconceptions about Fallout 4 may have some truth to them but are ultimately matters of opinion.

11 It Is The Best/The Worst Fallout

A Split Image Of The Vault Boy

Fallout 4 initially received much praise for its unique setting, fun gameplay, and successful revitalization of a beloved franchise. However, as time passed, Fallout 4 became the target of criticism from fans of both the franchise and RPGs. This judgment is largely the result of the meticulous comparison of Fallout 4 to its predecessors. Particular elements of the video game are undeniably disappointing, yet some are exceedingly better. As a result, there is a divide among fans who either love or hate Fallout 4.

Regardless of what outlook players hold, Fallout 4 is neither the best nor worst addition to the franchise. There is no definitive answer to what games are better, as it is all subjective. Comparing every Fallout game to another is a fruitless endeavor. Nothing is exactly like the other, and if it were, it would not be special. Instead of setting Fallout 4 on a pedestal or regarding it as trash, players should enjoy it with an open mind.

10 Choices Do Not Matter

Split Image Of Fallout 4's Endings

The Fallout franchise is known for presenting players with difficult and impactful choices. From beginning to end, every decision that players make will contribute to a different experience and, most notably, a distinct ending. However, the weight of a player's choice in Fallout 4 seems unsubstantial at first, seemingly not affecting the overall experience and story. Although choices are notably less influential than in previous installments, Fallout 4 is not without critical decision-making moments.

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Nearly every decision a player makes will have a lasting effect, such as the simple choice of gender, which dramatically changes how the world interacts with the player. Aside from this, decisions involving perks, dialogue choices, factions, etc. can alter a playthrough. For instance, whatever faction you side with will not only affect the Commonwealth but possibly Far Harbor as well. Moreover, those around you will recognize your actions and judge you accordingly. While choices are less impactful, they will have long-term effects and consequences.

9 Builds Must Be Effective

A Grognak The Barbarian build in Fallout 4

The numerous perks and gear of Fallout 4 allow players to make a near-limitless number of builds. From a cannibalistic boxer to a power-armored sniper, the options available to players are nearly endless. However, when planning out a character, many players feel the need to make their builds the best. A common trend in RPGs is to make the most powerful character possible, but players should not sacrifice creativity in the process.

Character creation and build planning are fun, imaginative aspects of Fallout 4. Being an RPG, players can make their characters however they want without consequence. So, why confine characters to effective yet simple characters when they can be Grognak the Barbarian instead. Regardless of the effectiveness or viability of builds, players should always go with whatever appeals to them.

8 Settlements Are Useless

Massive Sanctuary Settlement

Fallout 4's most well-known gimmick is its brand new settlement building system. With it, players can join wastelanders in their effort to rebuild society, or at the very least try. Despite being an awesome and suitable feature of Fallout 4, many regard it as a waste of time and resources. Helping a settlement and rebuilding it from the ground up can be a lot of work, but it is not without its benefits.

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Settlements offer players a source of resources, a place to modify gear, and ultimately sanctuary — pun intended. After a treacherous journey across the Commonwealth, players can rest at a settlement, restock vital supplies, and modify their gear. In addition, settlers can provide a variety of services, such as providing supplies, protection, and a source of revenue. These are only a few of the benefits that settlements have to offer, making them far from useless.

7 Fast Travel Is Necessary

Random Encounter With Mysterious Fridge

The Commonwealth covers a large area alone, but with DLCs, that region becomes much bigger. As such, travel is a long and treacherous endeavor that most players avoid whenever possible. While open-world games typically support exploration, many would rather fast travel than make the journey themselves. Many believe that fast travel is a vital aspect of playing Fallout 4 despite the benefits of exploration.

At times, fast travel seems to be the only way to get around, but doing so will only make a playthrough dull. Exploring the Commonwealth grants players the opportunity to experience random encounters and discover breathtaking locations, never been seen before. In addition, enduring long journeys immerses players in the unforgiving world of Fallout 4, completely enthralling them.

6 Power Armor Trumps All

T-45 Power Armor

The most notable invention of the Fallout franchise is Power Armor. These nuclear-powered suits remain a prominent item and mascot being a staple ever since the first Fallout game. Power Armor is a prevalent part of any Fallout game, but Fallout 4 altered the original suit into something more. Instead of being a wearable suit, Power Armor is an exoskeleton frame that players can modify and upgrade with separate pieces of armor. It is much more powerful than previous renditions, leaving many players to rely on it solely.

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While Power Armor is a beneficial tool in Fallout 4, it should not be considered a trump card for every situation. It is formidable, yes, but without appropriate care, players can easily render their armor useless. Without proper maintenance or energy, Power Armor can become less effective, leaving players susceptible in battle. Moreover, recklessness can result in the deterioration of armor pieces and, ultimately, death. Power Armor is an exceptional tool but without proper care, it will falter.

5 The Main Story Is A Priority

Kidnapping Scene Of Fallout 4

The compelling yet imperfect main story of Fallout 4 follows the saddening tale of a newly widowed and vengeful parent searching for their kidnaped son, Shaun. It is a fast-paced questline that constantly pushes players to progress as time is seemingly limited. As a result, many players will focus their efforts on completing the main questline. While the situation seems dire, players should go at their own pace.

Despite what the game suggests, there is no time limit for players to find Shaun. Players can disregard the questline entirely without consequence, allowing them to contribute time and effort to other things. With that, players should take time to explore and complete side quests alongside the main story. After all, it is an RPG that encourages this attitude immediately upon meeting the Minutemen.

4 Factions Are Purely Good/Bad

Fallout 4's Faction Leaders

Throughout Fallout 4, players will meet with four unique and capable factions on their journey: the Minutemen, the Brotherhood of Steel, the Railroad, and the Institute. Many describe these groups as being purely good or bad despite these claims being inaccurate. Although particular groups and their cause appear to be righteous or nefarious, there is no definite moral standing, especially considering the state of the world.

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No group, regardless of how good or bad they appear, is ethically sound. Every faction wants what is best for the Commonwealth, at least what they consider to be the best. This means that each organization has different ideas or methods to do so. In the end, it is up to the player to decide which faction can do the most good for the Commonwealth and the world at large.

3 Certain Factions Are Better Than Others

Every Factions Flags

In addition to the morality of a faction, players may also incorrectly develop ideas of their capabilities. Players commonly view the Brotherhood of Steel and the Institute as the most powerful factions, while the Railroad and Minutemen are the weakest. In truth, every group possesses unique strengths that make them capable and effective forces, each of which can benefit the Commonwealth.

The Institute and Brotherhood of Steel may be the most militaristic and technologically advanced factions, but they lack some vital qualities. The Minutemen align themselves with the Commonwealth and its people, granting them the support of many settlers. The Railroad excels in covert operations and espionage, being capable of infiltrating the most secured groups, even the Institute. Every faction is exceptional in a way, and none should be disregarded or discredited.

2 Nothing Awaits After The Story & DLC

A Wasteland Arena

The main questline of Fallout 4, along with its outstanding DLCs, provides players with over a hundred hours of gameplay. Upon completing the story and DLCs, many players will usually set the game aside or start a new playthrough. While it is tempting and often fitting to do so, players will miss out on much of what Fallout 4 has to offer, as there is much to experience.

Even after completing the core questlines of Fallout 4 and its DLC, players can still do so much more. The Commonwealth, Nuka World, and Far Harbor are vast regions with various areas to explore. Discovering everything these locations have to offer can add hours of playtime. In addition, players can test the limits of their character against numerous enemies or face other challenges. Overall, the things players can do afterward are nearly endless and worthwhile to pursue.

1 Fallout 4 Ignores Past Games

Fallout Split Image Past Games

Fallout 4 takes many liberties and makes a great effort to be a good video game without depending on past installments too much. This effort to be independent has led many to believe that Fallout 4 ignores previous games altogether. While this seems to be the case, Fallout 4 does well to mention past games, going as far as to settle incomplete stories and reintroduce old characters.

Many believe that Fallout 4 ignores Fallout: New Vegas the most as there is little mention of it. There is also the idea that Bethesda wishes to eliminate all of Obsidian's influence on the franchise, which is untrue. This common misconception is simply the result of the distance between the Commonwealth and New Vegas. The chance that these locations would know much of each other's events, if at all.

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