Fallout 5is unfortunately years away at this point, but that at least leaves plenty of time to speculate on what the next game could have in store for players. TheFalloutfranchise has become an RPG staple, and once a fresh chapter sees the light of day, it’s bound to be another exploration-filled wasteland adventure.
There are manyfeatures to be expected in aFalloutgame. From the vast and dangerous wastelands to multiple unique factions,Falloutboasts a variety of details and mechanics that help bring the games to life. One of the biggest standout mechanics in all theFalloutseries, though, is the VATS system.Fallout 5may be a huge mystery at the moment, but the return of VATS is a must.
Fallout 5 Should Make the Return of VATS a Priority
VATS is One of Fallout’s Most Unique Combat Features
There are many pieces that make up aFalloutgame, but VATS is arguably one of the most notable. When using VATS, time slows, as the game shows players a variety of targets on an enemy’s body that can be hit with what percentage of accuracy. It can help make more harrowing encounters more manageable, but it also just serves as a fun wasteland-inspired version of slow motion, too.There are those who want VATS to be retired, and while the cases against VATS have their own merits, the system is an important piece ofFallout’s identity.
It’s an incredibly useful tool that makes Bethesda’s long-ranged combat a lot more manageable, becauseFalloutisn’t exactly known for snappy and satisfying gunplay. Of course, there is the argument to be made thatStarfieldproves that VATS is unnecessary, but at this point, VATS feels like a huge part of theFalloutlore.
Right now, Bethesda has yet to confirm whenFallout 5is scheduled to be released. All that is known so far is that the nextFalloutgame is slated for production afterThe Elder Scrolls 6launches, which is also likely years away.
At this point, it may feel jarring to not feature VATS inFallout 5after years of including it in various entries. Since VATS has beentied to Vault-Tecitself, it’s more than just a mechanic; it’s a piece of the overall story. It’s a further extension of Vault-Tec’s advancements in technology, and side-stepping the feature at this point may be disappointing for a lot of longtime fans who are fond of the system.
Fallout 5may be a huge mystery at the moment, but the return of VATS is a must.
The Best Thing About VATS is That it Can Be Ignored
Just becauseFallout 5potentially features VATS doesn’t mean that players have to use it. It’s completely possible for Bethesda to take thestronger gun mechanics fromStarfieldand mix them withFallout’s VATS, so that players have more diverse options in their combat experience. Giving players more agency in how they approach the story is almost always a good thing, so allowing players who don’t enjoy VATS to still enjoy more snappy and engaging gunplay than theFalloutstandard would be a strong route for Bethesda to take.
Season 2 of Amazon Prime’sFalloutTV series is currently filming. This season is bringing the story to New Vegas this time around.
At this point, VATS is just as much a part ofFalloutas the wastelands orthe terrifying Deathclaws. Taking the mechanic out now may prove to be too risky, as it’s become such a defining feature of the games. The reasons against VATS are understandable, as the mechanic can sometimes feel outdated, but it also gives the gameplay an extra level of charm that makesFallouta unique RPG.
