Fallout 4: Vault-Tec Workshop Review

Fallout 4- Vault-Tec Workshop Review Screenshot 1

After the success of Fallout Shelter (Bethesda’s attempt at an app where you can create your own vault), it didn’t surprise me that the next DLC for the main game was a vault editor.

Titled as another workshop DLC, Vault-Tec Workshop allows players to build, customise and create a fully working vault through the usual build mechanic. As expected, additional items are added to the workshop. Most of these are recognisable from the other vaults around the Commonwealth to give your vault the classic vault-look if that’s what you want to build. Unlike the previous workshop DLCs however, this one comes with an additional quest line.

The story first takes you to a new location where you discover the vacant vault under the running of a new character known as Overseer Barstow. A little daunting at first, Barstow explains that she wants to re-invent the vault and start introducing new vault dwellers to get things up and running. You soon realise this isn’t just your regular vault and the quest line continues from there. I liked the story, I thought it was a decent addition. It gave my vault some direction I could follow and really allowed me to use all the new items effectively. Then again, if you would rather build the vault in a completely original way you can always avoid the story entirely. So the choice is there.

Fallout 4- Vault-Tec Workshop Review Screenshot 2

One of the main disappointments with this DLC however I thought was other restrictions that are put in place. As it was advertised with the ‘vault creator’ in mind, I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of scale and location. First of all, the vault is in a set location. This isn’t too much of an issue as such, I just thought it might have been an idea to perhaps build a vault hatch as a workshop item wherever, and then as you enter it you appear underground in a clear space where you can create the vault. Just an idea I had which led to me feeling a little underwhelmed that it’s all pre-built. But then I guess because there is a story behind it as well, it makes sense to have a set location.

Second of all I felt the scale was a little limiting. Once you have entered the vault, you come across various different sized areas underground where you can build. These are all connected by tunnels. This aggravated me as I had to tailor my vault to make sure it lined up with the tunnels and limited the scale of buildings I wanted to create. It also meant my vault diner was forced to be a two-minute walk away from anything else in the vault and by the end this just became annoying.

Fallout 4- Vault-Tec Workshop Review Screenshot 3

Despite this, I was really happy with the majority of my vault. Everything fitted together nicely and it all looked fairly professional. The vault-specific items that are included in the DLC really adds to the character of the place and the feeling of stepping back and looking at what you’ve spent time creating really never gets old. My only advice going into the DLC would be if you want to get the most out of it, collect as many resources as possible before attempting it. I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much if I didn’t already have the resources needed to get straight into building the vault.

So overall I thought this was a good DLC. Definitely the best workshop add-on so far simply due to the scale of it and the additional story. The workshop is as smooth as ever allowing you to really experiment with the new items and create it the way you want to. Well, to as much extent as I mentioned. But despite those minor criticisms, this really is great purchase and something I would recommend to all Fallout players who want a little more gameplay to sink their creative skills in to.

Rating 8

REVIEW CODE: A complimentary Microsoft Xbox One code was provided to Brash Games for this review. Please send all review code enquiries to editor@brashgames.co.uk.

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