Fallout’s Premise is Perfect for a Horror Spin-Off

The Fallout series, known for its rich sci-fi RPG landscapes, has recently expanded its horizons into a live service game and a series, signaling that there’s a lot more to uncover in this expansive universe. A fascinating avenue for a new spin-off lies within the mysterious Vaults of Fallout.

These Vaults, teeming with untapped stories, could offer fresh and engaging narratives straight from the viewpoint of those seeking refuge from the nuclear fallout. Imagine diving into a horror game set exclusively in a Vault. Some Fallout titles have dabbled with this idea on a smaller scale, but there is so much more to explore. A fully realized Vault horror game could be both gripping and a great expansion of the Fallout lore.

In the Fallout universe, over 122 Vaults are scattered across the United States, with the possibility of more being unofficial. While publicly, these were seen as a way to preserve humanity during nuclear war, in reality, they served as twisted social experiments conducted by the Enclave, with only a handful left untouched. From psychological experiments to physical torments, these Vaults hold endless possibilities for chilling, immersive tales—perfect for a horror game setting.

Horror games often utilize techniques like jump scares, minimal information, and clever sound design to scare players, much like what is seen in films or other horror games such as Silent Hill 2. A Fallout Vault, with its confined spaces and eerie atmosphere, could be ideal for exploring these techniques.

A Fallout Vault horror spin-off could entirely take place within the Vault’s walls, breaking from the usual progression of beginning in a Vault and subsequently venturing out. Players might experience the story from the onset, akin to how Fallout 4 starts, navigating the unknowns as residents first enter, or decades later as the seeds of the experiments germinate, wreaking havoc within the confines.

The core of the suspense would lie in the inability to escape—a significant departure from traditional Fallout games where exiting the Vault symbolizes relief and a new beginning. Being trapped in a Vault, where dangers lurk in every corner, presents a compelling scenario for a horror game.

As the game’s story unfolds, players could experience life before and after the catastrophic nuclear war, watching as stability morphs into chaos when the true nature of the Vault’s experiment is revealed. The genre of horror could shift, driven by the experiment’s dynamics, offering endless creative avenues. Locked away, the stakes rise, enveloping players in a tension-filled experience as they survive in the claustrophobic Vault setting.