Fallout 4has 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 modsthat have allowed the game to survive well beyond release. Even the latest installment of the series —Fallout 76— did little to diminish the marketability ofFallout 4. However, in addition to its popularity,Fallout 4has 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 4is 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 aboutFallout 4that have arisen over the years.
Updated June 17, 2025, 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.
11It Is The Best/The Worst Fallout
Fallout 4initially received much praise for its unique setting, fun gameplay, and successful revitalization of a beloved franchise. However, as time passed,Fallout 4became the target of criticism from fans of both the franchise and RPGs. This judgment is largely the result of the meticulouscomparison ofFallout 4to 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 hateFallout 4.
Regardless of what outlook players hold,Fallout 4is 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 everyFalloutgame to another is a fruitless endeavor. Nothing is exactly like the other, and if it were, it would not be special. Instead of settingFallout 4on a pedestal or regarding it as trash, players should enjoy it with an open mind.
10Choices Do Not Matter
TheFalloutfranchise 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 inFallout 4seems unsubstantial at first, seemingly not affecting the overall experience and story. Although choices are notably less influential than in previous installments,Fallout 4is 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.
9Builds Must Be Effective
The numerous perks and gear ofFallout 4allow players to makea 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 ofFallout 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.
8Settlements Are Useless
Fallout 4’smost well-known gimmick is itsbrand 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 ofFallout 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.
7Fast Travel Is Necessary
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 playingFallout 4despite 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 encountersand discover breathtakinglocations, never been seen before. In addition, enduring long journeys immerses players in the unforgiving world ofFallout 4, completely enthralling them.
6Power Armor Trumps All
The most notableinvention of theFalloutfranchise is Power Armor. These nuclear-powered suits remain a prominent item and mascot being a staple ever since the firstFalloutgame. Power Armor is a prevalent part of anyFalloutgame, butFallout 4altered 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 inFallout 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.
5The Main Story Is A Priority
The compelling yet imperfect main story ofFallout 4follows 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.
4Factions Are Purely Good/Bad
ThroughoutFallout 4, players will meet withfour unique and capable factionson 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.
3Certain Factions Are Better Than Others
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.
2Nothing Awaits After The Story & DLC
The main questline ofFallout 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 whatFallout 4has to offer, as there is much to experience.
Even after completing the core questlines ofFallout 4and 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.
