Highlights
- Fallout 76's attention to folklore and local legends adds a meaningful sense of connection to West Virginia, with over 10 mythologized creatures included.
- The game features notable cryptids like the Flatwoods Monster, Mothman, and Wendigo, but others like Bigfoot and the Jersey Devil are mentioned but not included.
- Bethesda could expand the game's roster of cryptids, including regional variants of Bigfoot and other prevalent Appalachian creatures, or even pull from other North American cryptids like the Chupacabra or Thunderbird.
Fallout 76 is filled with an ever-expanding list of cryptids. Cryptids, such as Bigfoot, are creatures that are believed by some to exist in nature, even though their existence is scientifically unsubstantiated, but Bethesda has included many of the cryptids and folkloric beasts associated with the Appalachian area that the game is set in. This attention to folklore and local legends is one of Fallout 76's most immersive details, lending it a meaningful sense of connection to the area of West Virginia that the game is set in. In spite of the game containing over 10 mythologized beasts, there are many cryptids left that the game has not included.
So far Fallout 76 has about a dozen cryptids. The most notable ones are the Flatwoods Monster, the Blue Devil, Mothman, and the Wendigo. The Grafton Monster and Sheepsquatch are also included in the game. Notably, the game makes mention of some cryptids that are not included, such as Bigfoot, the Jersey Devil, and the Veggieman. While Fallout 5 could expand on cryptids, Fallout 76 is a live service game and is ripe for additions to its roster of crypto-zoological beasts. The game still has many prevalent cryptids to cover, even from the Appalachia region. The most obvious choice would be for the game to start with some of the cryptids that are mentioned in it.
Fallout 76 Needs To Add Bigfoot
While Fallout 76 makes mention of Sasquatch, also known as Bigfoot, it is not in the game. While Bigfoot is known as a large monkey-like man of sorts in much of North America, Bethesda could pull on other regional variants of the legendary beast for inspiration. The Argentinian Ucumar, a local variant of Bigfoot, is rumored to have a blood-curdling scream and more bear-like features. By borrowing this version of Bigfoot, Bethesda could make it a formidable foe in the game. This would also help to stand out from Bigfoot's appearance in GTA 5 and other games.
The other thing that would make the most sense is to add other prevalent Appalachian cryptids. The Wampus Cat could be a strong option for this. Coming from Cherokee lore, the Wampus Cat is like a mountain lion with another set of legs. Some claim that it has supernatural powers, which would give developers some freedom to make it a unique combat encounter. While Fallout 76 already features Sheepsquatch, the Appalachians are also said to be hiding the Goatman, and although it may be similar, it could be an option for the developers to include. The Veggieman, who bears a resemblance to Fallout 76's Solar Armor, has also been mentioned and would make a unique addition.
Fallout 76 Could Expand to Add More North American Cryptids
While the cryptids of Fallout 76 thus far have carefully pulled on Appalachian folklore and urban legends, the developers could pull from other North American cryptids as well. This would open the door to classics like the Chupacabra, Skin-walkers, and the Thunderbird. While using these creatures would be less faithful to local folklore, it could please fans of cryptids and would allow the developers more freedom. In a world ravaged by nuclear apocalypse, it's not a big reach to imagine that these beasts could have become more numerous or relocated. Alternatively, the developer could work cryptids from different locales into future Fallout 76 expeditions.
If Bethesda wanted to get really creative, it could try to work with more lake monsters. While the Loch Ness monster is Scottish, it is the most well-known lake monster and even appears in GTA Online, which is also set in America. North America also has some less prevalent lake and river monsters and developers could pull on this lore if they wanted to try and stay more local and include the likes of the Black River Monster or Bessie. The inclusion of lake and river monsters would stand out from the game's other legendary beasts. Whatever monster the developers work on next, one thing is clear: Fallout 76 still has a ton of cryptids to add.
Fallout 76 is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
