Highlights
- Dual-wielding could be a valuable addition to Fallout 5, bringing new combat mechanics and options for melee and one-handed gun builds.
- The Elder Scrolls series has successfully implemented dual-wielding, showcasing how it can be a fun and effective gameplay feature.
- Fallout's unique setting and weapons shouldn't hinder the possibility of dual-wielding, as even unconventional items like pipes or gauntlets could be utilized for dual-wielded attacks.
The Fallout games are missing out on one element from The Elder Scrolls series that could be shared between the two. There are some obvious differences between the two games that keep them from being able to share every mechanic with the other. However, a lot of the same core ideas have gone into both, which makes sense given that they were made by the same developers. While both games need to be unique, a good idea in one can also work well for the other. In Fallout's case, one Elder Scrolls idea could easily appear in the next game: dual-wielding.
As the two biggest game series in Bethesda's library, Fallout and The Elder Scrolls both have long and proud legacies to uphold. They are among the first names that come to mind regarding the topic of western RPGs, and each series has released several successful games. While The Elder Scrolls is a series of high fantasy swords-and-sorcery adventure, Fallout is a twist on 50's style America combined with an atom-punk approach to sci-fi. Open-world gameplay and roleplaying options are vital to both games' successes, forming the core of their designs. The hype for The Elder Scrolls 6 shows how highly Bethesda's work is regarded. Hopefully, any innovations it makes to weaponry will carry over to Fallout 5, though the existing method of dual wielding in The Elder Scrolls series is already one thing that can make the jump.
Dual-Wielding Could Cross Over From The Elder Scrolls to Fallout
Many fun character builds involve dual-wielding in The Elder Scrolls games. While combining a one-handed weapon with a shield is a traditional and successful combination, players also have the option of wielding two weapons at once, or pairing a weapon with a spell. While this strategy sacrifices the defensive bonuses of a shield, the damage potential can make such a build tempting. Of course, with dual-wielding being a cool concept in general, a lot of players will be drawn to applying it to their characters. Despite how fun dual-wielding can be, the mechanic has yet to come to the Fallout games.
Introducing dual-wielding as a mechanic in the next game could be the overhaul to Fallout's combat that the series needs. While many of Fallout's weapons may not be as sleek as The Elder Scrolls' swords, axes, and the like, there's no reason that they couldn't also be dual-wielded as well. The ability to fight with a pair of switchblades, pipes, or gauntlets at once could be a big buff to melee builds in the future, especially if specialized perks are made for dual-wielding. The option just makes sense, and it's a bit of a surprise that Fallout hasn't made use of it yet.
There is one potential advantage to dual-wielding in Fallout that isn't present in The Elder Scrolls. While The Elder Scrolls uses bows as its ranged weapons, Fallout has one-handed guns, and unlike bows, those guns could potentially be dual-wielded. Doubling up on guns could be remarkably powerful, giving players significantly more damage potential. For that reason, a disadvantage such as slower reloads or accuracy penalties may be required for such a build. However, the appeal of having a character wield two guns like an action movie hero could be too good to pass up, and it's worth considering for Fallout 5.
Dual-wielding has been tried and true in The Elder Scrolls, and it may be time for Fallout to follow suit. Even though Fallout 5 is still far away, it's not too early to theorize new ideas for the game to take on. Adding dual-wielding would provide players with a wealth of new options, and could lead to dynamic new builds in the next game. It would be a great choice for players who want to go over the top with their offensive capabilities, or just look cool. Ultimately, dual-wielding may be the best thing that Fallout 5 could take from The Elder Scrolls.