Summary
Fallout 4is still remembered as one of Bethesda’s strongest modern RPGs, and the massive amount of quests throughout the game world is a huge part of the title’s lasting impact. Following the success ofFallout 3andNew Vegasalike,Fallout 4elevated the franchise through the expansion of its narrative experience. With a fully voiced protagonist for the first time, even side objectives across the Commonwealth became more immersive than ever.Fallout 5may not be slated to come any time soon, but Bethesda should remember the charm of one side quest in particular going into the next Fallout.
An unassuming location in theGoodneighbor settlement of Boston, the Hotel Rexford holds one ofFallout 4’s most surprisingly wholesome secrets. If the player talks to an NPC named Rufus Rubins, the local handyman, he can give out the Trouble Brewin’ quest that involves retrieving a modified Protectron for him. Finding the robot requires battling through the Shamrock Taphouse, a pre-war establishment that has been taken over by raiders. Once it’s discovered, however, the quest actually offers the player a choice.
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Drinkin' Buddy Brings Fun to Fallout 4
Activated from inside a pod within the basement after finding a secret password, the Protectron is revealed as Drinkin’ Buddy, a walking brewery and beverage cooler. Apparently having been dormant for hundreds of years, Buddy is prepared to complete his delivery and return to Rufus at the Hotel Rexford. The quest can come to an end this way, or the player can choose to keep Buddy and send him to any of their ownFallout 4settlements.
Able to create improved “Ice Cold” versions of certain beverage healing items, Drinkin’ Buddy can be a worthy companion if kept around. He can only have this effect onNuka Colaand the seemingly rare Gwinnett brand beer, but more varieties of recipes from this brand can be found throughout the world to complete the collection. Buddy used to be able to die during his slow trips to the next location, but an update toFallout 4made him invincible and bolstered his combat capabilities. Mechanically solid, Drinkin’ Buddy is also remembered for being able to tell many different corny jokes on command.
Why Drinkin' Buddy’s Return is Important to Fallout 5
Just part of a small side-quest in the world ofFallout 4, Drinkin’ Buddy’s genuine utility as a companion has endeared him to many players. Looking into the future of Bethesda withFallout 5, having Buddy, or at least something of the Just part of a small side-quest in the world, Drinkin’ Buddy’s genuine utility as aFallout 4companionhas endeared him to many players.
Looking into the future of Bethesda withFallout 5, having Buddy, or at least something of the same style, could continue to bring a lot of charm to the franchise. Among a cast including Ghouls, Synths, and even other Protectrons, Drinkin’ Buddy stands out as a charming reminder of the series’ retro-futuristic inspiration. AsFallout 5is likely still nowhere near, however, current-entryFallout 76has yet to add a similar feature.
Considering Bethesda has a full plate withStarfieldlaunching just next month, new entries in their other franchises are realistically years away.The Elder Scrolls 6has only been announced so far,andFallout 5will probably come following that far-away prospect. Regardless of its focus on other IPs, the prolific RPG studio would benefit from recognizing the love many players have for non-human characters done right like Drinkin’ Buddy.
Fallout 4is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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