Can You Ally with the Enclave in Fallout?
In the vast and rich universe of Fallout, one of the most iconic factions is the Enclave. However, their strict policies and totalitarian regime raise questions about whether it is possible to form an alliance with them. In this article, we will delve into the answers provided by the Fallout community and the games themselves to give you a better understanding of your options.
The Basics of Alliances
Before diving into the Enclave’s stance on alliances, let’s establish some groundwork. In most Fallout games, factions and players can form alliances, which grant various benefits and perks. These alliances can be either official, such as pledging your loyalty to a faction, or unofficial, like forming a temporary agreement for mutual benefit.
Can You Join the Enclave?
NO, YOU CAN’T!
One of the most disappointing and irritating aspects of the Fallout series is that it’s impossible to join the Enclave as a playable faction. According to the games’ storylines, the Enclave is a totalitarian regime that only tolerates loyalty, with betrayal being punished severely. Even Eden MacDonald, the leader of the Enclave in Fallout 3, pretends that there’s a place for the player character, only to reveal that it was all a ruse.
Broken Steel and Its Impact on Joining the Enclave
Fallout 3’s Broken Steel add-on is the closest the player can get to interacting with the Enclave without being forced into combat or siding with another faction. Even in Broken Steel, however, joining the Enclave is not an option. The DLC simply introduces more quests and characters to flesh out the story, but does not alter the player’s relationship with the Enclave.
Table: Factions and Alliances in Fallout
| Faction | Joinability | Allies/Enemies |
|---|---|---|
| Enclave | No | No official allies or enemies |
| Brotherhood of Steel | No | Railroad and Institute are enemies |
| BoS | No | Official ally: US military ( Fallout 1-2); enemies: Slavers |
| Institute | No | Enemies: BoS, Railroad; official allies:??? |
| Railroad | No | Enemies: BoS; official allies: Institute, humans |
Can You Friently Relations with the Enclave?
Even though you cannot join the Enclave, there is no restriction on helping them in their pursuits or forming temporary alliances for shared goals. The Enclave may become friendly with the player if their needs are met or if there’s a common enemy. In Fallout 2, helping the Enclave’s project can earn you better item prices from them. In Fallout 4, if you decide to aid the Institute and defeat the Railroad, you will momentarily be considered a valuable asset by the Enclave.
Keep in mind that these fleeting friendships should not be confused with true alliances or loyal relationships. The Enclave remains unwavering in their stance against humanity and other factions.
Summary and Conclusion
To answer your question directly: no, you cannot join the Enclave or officially form an alliance with them. Even so, you can still have cordial relationships or work with them temporarily to achieve common goals. As with all Fallout games, each faction has its unique set of motivations, which sometimes make alliances with one another a viable strategy for reaching your goals. Remember, the universe of Fallout is all about moral ambiguities, tough choices, and survival amidst chaos.
Stay vigilant and flexible in your actions, as even small choices can have far-reaching consequences. The world of Fallout awaits; may your actions be guided by courage, wit, and cunning!