Fallout 4 introduced the settlement building system to the franchise, and while it was overall considered a positive addition, there were issues with how it was implemented into the gameplay. Fallout 76, however, is the perfect place for the system to be successful. Here's why.
What went wrong
With Fallout 4, the main issue with settlement building was that it constantly went against the grain of the game's story. In it, you're desperately searching for your missing son who was taken from you during the prologue. However, Preston Garvey's constant reminder to you that "there's a settlement that needs your help" makes it feel like you're supposed to be doing that instead.
If you choose to ignore the settlements, then the game nags on you to no end. But if you choose to focus on them, it feels strange that you're even bothering with the task while your son is missing. This creates a lose-lose scenario where no matter what you do, it seems that you're doing the wrong thing.
Ideally, the settlement building should have been saved until after the main story was completed to prevent this issue completely. This way, there would be no conflict between it and the narrative — and this is something that Fallout 76 has the potential to achieve spectacularly.
Rebuilding what was lost
Based on everything we know about Fallout 76, it's going to be a cooperative multiplayer game about you and your friends working to rebuild the wastelands. This type of story is absolutely perfect for the settlement building system due to the fact that building homes, farms, and defenses is a natural step in trying to civilize post-Great War America.
When supported by the main narrative, the settlement system will likely be exciting and much more enjoyable this time around. Especially with how Bethesda has portrayed the world of Fallout 76 as dynamic, it will be awesome to see how your hard work and dedication genuinely changes the play space. The possibility of mods further adding to the fun is also a possibility (this is a Bethesda game, after all) but with the multiplayer focus that may not happen. Regardless, though, Fallout 76 will be an excellent place for settlement building to shine.
Read: Fallout 76 leveling, Perk Cards, and SPECIAL system explained
Your thoughts
What do you think of Fallout 76 based on what we know so far? Do you think that it will be a better place than Fallout 4 for the settlement building mechanics to be utilized well? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Fallout 76 will be releasing on November 14 of this year on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Check out the links below if you want to pre-order the Standard Edition for $59.99, or go to our all-in-one guide if you're looking to get your hands on one of the other editions.
