Expanding Fallout 76’s Scorched Plague Beyond Appalachia

Fallout 76 has added a rich layer of lore to the beloved Fallout series, venturing into uncharted territories with its Appalachian setting and the introduction of playable Ghouls. Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, players encounter various eerie threats, but one of the most chilling elements is the emergence of the Scorched Plague.

The Enclave’s Thomas Eckhart unleashed mutant bats, known as Scorchbeasts, onto the unsuspecting populace of Appalachia. After encountering radiation, these beasts facilitated the spread of the deadly Scorched Plague. This plague wreaked havoc across the region for years, with infected individuals transforming into zombie-like creatures and eventually becoming lifeless statues. Despite the eventual creation of a vaccine, remnants of the plague still haunt the area. The Scorched Plague narrative is both intriguing and ripe for expansion beyond its current setting.

Initially, the Scorched Plague erupted around 2085, and by 2103, Vault 76 inhabitants had distributed the vaccine among the neighboring population. However, it’s plausible that the disease has extended beyond Appalachia. The idea that Scorchbeasts and the plague relocated to other parts of the country is quite imaginable. Although only Fallout 76 tackles the Scorched Plague currently, introducing it into a new setting in an upcoming Fallout game could offer fascinating storytelling opportunities, without affecting the series’ established continuity.

This wider spread of the Scorched Plague could also explore how different areas cope with the infection. While Vault 76 managed to curb the outbreak locally, other areas might lack the means to do the same. Future installments could delve into communities grappling with the plague, with quests focusing on developing a cure or simply trying to survive the panic and destruction it brings.

Though Fallout 5 remains far off on the horizon, Fallout 76 continues to enrich the series with constant updates and new content. This live-service model keeps the lore alive and engaging for fans, even when a new standalone game hasn’t been released recently. The anticipation of Fallout 5 is undeniable, but in the meantime, Fallout 76 ensures that the franchise remains vibrant and engrossing, offering a glimpse into the evolving world of Fallout and its captivating mysteries.