A new Fallout TV show just dropped on Prime Video, so it’s the perfect moment to take a look at one of the most iconic features of this universe: the fabled Vaults. So, grab a bottle of Nuka-Cola, sit back, relax, and read on!
Built by Vault-Tec Corporation, the Vaults were planned as a complex network of sophisticated nuclear shelters. They were supposed to help the American society survive a nuclear holocaust, however, they served a more sinister purpose. Many of the Vaults were built for scientific and often cruel experiments performed on the dwellers.
Fans of the game series can already explore various shelters, some of which are bizarre, creepy, or even downright scary, while others are strangely normal. In this article, we will take a look at the most interesting ones.
And if you want to do some scouting on your own, now’s the perfect time for that. Head over to G2A.COM, grab some hot deals on Fallout games, and find out what secrets the Wasteland holds!
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Let's begin with Vault 13, the place where everything started. It was established as a 200-year-long study on prolonged isolation. However, the Vault had a malfunctioning water chip, which posed a severe threat to the underground society. As a Vault Dweller, you were sent on a mission to find a replacement, which turned out to be an epic quest. Unfortunately, it ended with a betrayal by the ones you were trying to save. You are a hero, and that's the reason why you can't stay.
Vault 13 is iconic, because it serves as the basis of the first Fallout game and sort of works as a setup for Fallout 2.
Have you ever heard the tragedy of the ghouls? The sad story of Vault 12
Is nuclear fallout harmful? Absolutely, but Vault-Tec scientists wanted to see that for themselves, so they kept the doors of Vault 12 open, exposing the dwellers to intense radiation. This turned them into ghouls: mutated humans with ravaged flesh, sometimes even deteriorated minds. Vault 12 served as the basis for the metropolis of Necropolis.
But there must be some good Vaults, right?
And there sure are! Vault 8, for example, is one of the rare instances of these shelters that actually protected people. Soon after its unsealing, Vault City was built - a high-tech settlement known for advanced medical services offered by the professionals living there. As you can see, even a post-nuclear wasteland can have safe havens such as this one.
The Vaults of Fallout 3
The first 3D RPG with real-time combat in the mainline series, Fallout 3 boasts its share of interesting Vaults that you can discover and explore.
Take Vault 108, for example. What – or better, who – you’ll find it’s inhabited by clones of an individual named Gary. It's fascinating that they are quite hostile and can only communicate by repeating their name; truly one of the stranger places you’ll find in the Fallout games.
Vault 112, on the other hand, is overseen by a mad scientist by the name of Dr. Stanislaus Braun. The dwellers living there are subjected to simulated tortures by him. The doctor's subjects are killed off in a virtual realm, and their memories are wiped clean. After that, they are "resurrected" in an unending cycle of suffering. The Tranquility Lane simulation is quite an unsettling experience!
Finally, there’s Vault 101, where the whole story begins. It’s strangely normal and somewhat peaceful, with some nice memories associated with it, such as your character’s 10th birthday, and other nice stuff (minus that little jerk, Butch, maybe). As you return to your former home later on in the campaign, you discover that there’s a crisis in the air, somewhat mirroring the ending of the first Fallout game…
The Vaults of Fallout: New Vegas
Obsidian’s famed spin-off of the series, New Vegas takes you to the Mojave Wasteland and the titular city where post-apocalyptic casinos abound. And it, too, has its fair share of Vault-Tec’s cruel creations.
For example: Vault 11. A place where a horrific social experiment took place. The dwellers of this Vault were faced with an extremely difficult choice: either sacrifice one of their people each year or face complete extermination. Nobody told them that refusal to do so would result in…nothing. They’d be free to go. In the end, only five dwellers would survive, but four of those five chose to take their own lives.
Vault 19 was another social experiment in which its dwellers were effectively divided into two groups: Red and Blue. The goal? See if there’s a way to induce paranoia without resorting to chemicals or violence. The ultimate fate of Vault 19’s denizens is unknown and the place has since been abandoned, but it’s certainly a testament to Vault-Tec’s heartless ways.
Lastly, In line with the whole New Vegas theme is Vault 21, a gambling den, where all your problems were solved over a game of blackjack. Things could go your way if luck was on your side. Ultimately, the Vault became part of the city of New Vegas and was turned into a hotel.
Down with the sickness? Not in this Vault!
Fallout 4 introduced Vault 81, a place where horrific scientific experiments were to be conducted. Its inhabitants were expected to serve as test subjects for medical experimentation. Fortunately for them, the Vault’s Overseer mutinied, saving them from a terrible fate and turning the place into a regular colony whose dwellers lived in peace and good health.
The Vaults of Fallout 76
If you need any proof that genetic engineering is bad, just go to Vault 96. Even after many years and countless unfortunate incidents, things keep taking a turn for the worse, courtesy of Doctor Edgar Blackburn…
Vault 51 is interesting because it never had a human Overseer. Instead, a supercomputer, ZAX, was installed to choose the best candidate for the role and to conduct some experiments. This obviously ended with a whole series of tragedies that struck the Vault.
And then there’s the titular Vault 76, which serves as the game’s start location and tutorial area.
These are just a few of all the Vaults present in Fallout’s lore. In fact, only a handful of these have been included in the games released so far, which means there’s plenty of room for the developers to create and surprise players in upcoming installments.
If you want to discover the secrets of Vault-Tec’s creations on your own, head over to G2A.COM and grab some excellent deals on these Fallout games!