Fallout London: Afternoon tea with a hint of radiation

The Fallout game series – let's be honest, most of us know it well, and the image of the blonde guy in a blue jumpsuit giving a thumbs-up rings a bell for almost everyone. Throughout its existence, Fallout has been primarily associated with the USA, or rather, its post-apocalyptic version. Comic-book-style graphics, a dangerous environment full of mutants and deranged raiders, a bit of humor and exaggeration here and there, plus the interesting easter eggs Bethesda prepared for players – that's what makes Fallout, Fallout.

Post-apocalyptic USA – 11 different games, some more famous than others, take place in the radioactive wasteland left behind by the former United States. But after such a long time, it's starting to get a bit monotonous, don't you think? Many fans, content creators, and lore-masters have theorized and even researched, based on evidence found directly in the games, what the rest of the world might look like in the Fallout universe. The community is already hoping that the next Fallout – Fallout 5 – could take place in war-torn China, or in an Australia infested with mutated kangaroos and koalas that prefer a steak from a tourist over eucalyptus leaves. Russia, Europe, or England would also be great candidates.

And that's where this shocking revelation comes in (which half the community has known about for a long time, but why not talk about it, right?) – Fallout is happening in the United Kingdom! It's true. Fallout 4 will, hopefully very soon, present itself in a brand-new tweed coat. A team of fans, modders, and programmers working under the name FOLON Team introduced the revolutionary Fallout London mod about two years ago. It's not just a complete overhaul of the entire game environment; the mod creators are also introducing a brand-new storyline and bringing Fallout's England to life. And since it's fan-made content – it's completely free.

Right off the bat, it's worth looking at the technical aspects of the expansion. This is one of the largest, if not the largest, mods ever made available to the community. In size, it exceeds the base game Fallout 4 along with the official Far Harbor expansion.

Fallout London takes us through fifteen different parts of London, such as Westminster, Camden, Islington, or Greenwich. Those who have visited London will surely recognize more than one familiar place, though now, instead of tourists with cameras, it's infested with radiation and mutants. At the same time, the mod introduces several locations where you can build your own bases or villages, especially for those who miss the original settlement building mechanics. Besides that, we can look forward to 121 completely new types of weapons (my favorites are undoubtedly the historical rifles, the so-called breech-loaders), 514 pieces of clothing, including Peaky Blinders-style outfits or Royal Guard uniforms, 29 different races of inhabitants and mutants (including mechanical pigeons), and 425 architectural textures.

The developers are also introducing a British version of the original Pip-Boy, the so-called Atom-Boy, which will function as the player interface, inventory, skill overview, and map. Naturally, this incredibly useful gadget will also feature a radio, which has also received a makeover. The original hits from classic American artists remain in the game. However, new tracks will also appear, perfectly evoking a classic British atmosphere.

Beyond the gameplay itself, we'll see significant changes and improvements. For example, a new, slightly more polished crafting system will open up, new skills will be added, and the dialogue system will ensure that charisma plays a much more significant role in the game. Some of you might also appreciate the ability to ride around the war-torn London in traditional English style – on a bicycle. Motorboats have also been added. Parts of the city are partially flooded, and besides, who could refuse the chance to sail peacefully down the Thames and around Tower Bridge?

Also included are new and improved animations, such as climbing ladders, new weapon reloading animations, and dynamic weather changes. After all, it's a bad idea to head out into London without an umbrella.

As for the storyline, we can look forward to 53 main quests, 35 side quests, 25 new faction quests, and many more.

To wrap up and set the mood, it might be worth looking at some of the factions Team FOLON has prepared for players. The first is The Gentry – descendants of English noble families who run the entire city from behind the walls of Westminster. Naturally, they are protected by none other than the Royal Guard.

The Royal Guard? That could mean the royal family will appear in the game. And perhaps that's true. Unconfirmed information suggests we might encounter not only Queen Elizabeth but even Prince Charles. Though, in a slightly radiation-altered version. For enthusiasts of the old days of chivalry and knightly duels, the Knights of Camelot faction has been added. With swords in hand and clad in armor that isn't quite as shiny anymore, they try to fight the monsters roaming the ruins of London.

The Vagabonds, on the other hand, are more of a street gang, heavily inspired by the Peaky Blinders series. Although they are undoubtedly an organization with a not-so-philanthropic agenda, they are definitely a lesser evil than the Isle of Dogs Syndicate – the real London mafia.

A faction that functions similarly to The Minutemen from the original game is the Tommies. Their overall style is in the spirit of the British Army from the First World War. For historical enthusiasts, this faction is an excellent choice. Aside from history, there is one more group worth mentioning: The Jack Tars, an incarnation of the navy from the old days of the British Empire. In other words, if you, like me, dream of being able to stroll through the radiation-infested wasteland in an 18th-century Royal Navy uniform, you're in the right place with them.

An equivalent to the Institute from the original game should also appear. The organization, known as Angel, is shrouded in speculation and conjecture, and no one really knows for sure if it's the truth or just scary stories that Londoners tell each other for fun while sitting by a dying fire.

Fallout London undoubtedly offers much more than most common fan creations. A new story, a new environment, and a completely new perspective bring to life something that hasn't been seen in previously released Fallout games. Unfortunately, the release of this amazing mod is currently delayed by the Next-Gen update that Bethesda Softworks released some time ago.

As most of us players painfully realize, most mods that were previously available became non-functional due to this move by the developer. The same fate befell London. However, the creators are not losing heart. The entire mod is practically ready for release at this moment, and all that remains is to reprogram it so it can be fully compatible with the new update. Let's hope we see that moment soon.

If you're interested in the new weapons and cosmetic items, you have the chance to try them out in the original game in advance. Fallout London – Standalone Releaser offers players the chance to try a large portion of the outfits and weapons right now in the base game environment. Personally, it's hard to convince me that running through Boston streets in a Royal Cavalry uniform isn't worth it.

Are you intrigued by the Fallout London mod and want to learn more? Check out the YouTube channel Team FOLON, which offers not only trailers but also a detailed description of most things that will appear in the mod. And finally, what better way to say goodbye than with the traditional British God Save the King, friends.

author Kryštof Halfar