Summary
The fifth majorFalloutentry is unlikely to see the light of day any time soon. Although it’s in no uncertain terms part of Bethesda’s eventual plans, the developer’s current and largest focus isn’t on the next mainlineFallout, but other projects like the equally anticipatedThe Elder Scrolls 6,as well as ongoing support forStarfieldandFallout 76. As it stands, if the studio adheres to previous and predicted patterns, it’s largely assumed that the nextFallouttitle probably won’t emerge from the vault until around 2029, and likely even later.
As 2025 will mark ten years sinceFallout 4was released, there’s thus been and will continue to be plenty of time for players to mull overFallout 5’s potential story, setting, and direction. Fans did receive the lauded Amazon TV series last year, and in light of some of its events, the stage is set forFallout: New Vegas' iconic New California Republic to appear inFallout 5. Notably, during an interview with IGN after the show premiered, Bethesda executive producer and seriesdirectorTodd Howard teased The NCR’s returnin future works. As Howard stated, the group is, “a wide-ranging organization across not just California, but other places… I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it.” Given this, it lends credence to the idea that The NCR can and should show up inFallout 5.
Spoilers for theFalloutTV show below.
The New California Republic’s Presence in Fallout is Firmly Cemented
The New California Republicwas mentioned in the firstFallouttitle. It then featured again in the second game as a significant plot element. But it’s Obsidian Entertainment’s 2010 spin-off,Fallout: New Vegas, that’s often credited with elevating the group’s status and pivotal role in the lore. As the literal face ofNew Vegas, The NCR is probably its most recognizable and enduring aspect. A good number ofNew Vegas' main missions center around the organization, and even if players are planning to later betray The NCR for another, they will likely still find themselves working with it to some extent. And of the various factions competing for control of the Mojave Wasteland and the Courier’s allegiance, many see The NCR as the most reasonable to side with to bring some semblance of stability to the region.
Fans then got a big surprise involving The NCR in theFalloutTV show, which was confirmed as canon alongsideNew Vegas. Set 15 years after the latter, the series reveals that Shady Sands, The NCR’s capital city, was wiped off the map by a nuclear blast launched by Overseer Hank MacClean, father of protagonist Lucy and part of Vault 33’s scheming inner circle. Hank was also driven by his rivalry with scientist Lee Moldaver, who was seen having scattered New California Republic soldiers in her ragtag army’s ranks. The series of events leaves a large hole forFalloutto fill, and depending on a few other details, providesFO5with various ways to have The NCR be part of its tale.
Fallout 5 Is Primed to See the Return of The New California Republic
There are a couple of factors that might play into why and howFallout 5should include The New California Republic.Fallout 5’s rumored setting places it in California. If true, this naturally opens a window to see The NCR again in some form. If Bethesda keeps advancing the timeline and directly references the show, fans could potentially meet NCR remnants and members who were away on other missions during the annihilation of Shady Sands, and are now attempting to regroup and rebuild while tracking down those responsible for its destruction. This could be either through a major plotline or a series of sidequests, as either would fit well into the next title’s possible framework.
On the other hand, though it is generally portrayed as a benevolent force,The New California Republic has engaged in less than upstanding practicesalong the way in its efforts to maintain its holdings and convince citizens to join. It could thus play more of an antagonistic role inFallout 5, perhaps reflecting its evolution in values and methods that have become more aggressive and uncompromising versus previous depictions. A change in The NCR’s presentation and ideology could also entail an engrossing story and interesting roleplaying possibilities, showing a new side to the faction that affects its place in the world and lore going forward.
Fallout 5bringing back The New California Republic could also have more immediate gameplay benefits in the form of the return of fan-favorite items like theNCR Ranger Armor. As one of the coolest and most useful sets, it is perpetually popular with players both for its badass appearance and the solid protection it provides against the dangers of the Wasteland.Fallout 5could make the armor available again, potentially even in new or modified versions that still invoke the iconic style and related stat bonuses.
TheNew California Republic is indelibly a part ofFallout, and as such, almost demands a presence inFallout 5,regardless of its other potential elements. Whether it be an important player again, alaNew Vegas, or as a smaller but nonetheless compelling part in a greater tale, The NCR should certainly have a role in the next entry. And based on what’s been hinted so far, it looks promising that this might indeed be the case.
The NCR is a wide-ranging organization across not just California, but other places… I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it.
