Bethesda recently introduced characters from Fallout 76. But wait, there are no human NPCs? Right, because they are already dead. In various factions, they fought for their survival and failed.
The absence of human NPCs is one of the biggest criticisms of Fallout 76. Recently, however, Bethesda revealed some human characters and factions, which caused confusion among some players.
Shortly afterward, it was confirmed that these are merely backstories for characters and factions. This includes the Brotherhood of Steel and the Raiders. Two entirely new factions were also introduced, the Preppers and the Responders.
Stories from West Virginia
These characters and factions were shared by Bethesda via Twitter and are briefly described there.
What role do these characters play? The characters narrate the story of certain factions that emerged during the fallout – long before Vault 76 opened. The images show
- the Brotherhood of Steel and how they came to West Virginia,
- who led the Raiders in this region,
- a group of “Preppers” who prepared for a potential apocalypse even before the war,
- and the Responders, made up of former police officers, firefighters, doctors, and other helpers.
Only remnants of these people can still be found; they did not survive the decades between the fallout and the opening of Vault 76.
Story without human NPCs? Since Fallout 76 forgoes human characters, factions, and parties, the story like a real Fallout is told through tape recordings, notes, and terminals.
It will be an essential part of the game to experience the tragic stories throughout the game world. Where have the people gone? What happened to them? These questions will often be central. This also applies to the presented characters.
These NPCs have been introduced by Bethesda so far
Currently, four former NPC factions are known:
The Brotherhood of Steel
This was founded in November 2077 by Captain Roger Maxson in California. Using a still-functioning satellite, the Brotherhood managed to extend its influence to other regions in the USA, including West Virginia.
Who is the Brotherhood of Steel? This group is somewhat like a modern knight order, consisting mostly of descendants of military personnel. Accordingly, they possess technology and weapons.
Over time, it has split into three isolated groups in California, Chicago, and Washington D.C.
Rose, the leader of the Raiders
Raiders are looters who exploit chaos for their gain. They can be found all over the USA and have been among the fiercest opponents in every Fallout game. In West Virginia, Rose was their leader.
Their hideout is located at “Top of the World”, a former ski resort on a mountain peak.
The Doomsday Preppers
This group of survivors prepared for a potential end of the world years in advance. They gathered resources, built their own bunkers, and organized themselves as “Free States”, which likely traded with each other.
For a while, they survived this way, waiting in their bunkers, until they disappeared.
The Responders
This group consisted of former police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and other public service workers. They attempted to respond to the catastrophe and help the people.
It’s likely that Bethesda will introduce even more in the coming days.
What do you think of the way Bethesda is handling the story of Fallout 76?
