Fallout 5: Reviving the Charm of Drinkin’ Buddy – What Bethesda Can Learn from Fallout 4’s Unlikely Companion

Fallout 4 remains a cherished RPG in Bethesda’s portfolio, primarily due to its wealth of engaging quests. The game’s fully voiced protagonist and the narrative expansion it brought to the series made even its side missions memorable. As fans eagerly await Fallout 5, Bethesda should keep in mind the endearing charm of a particular side quest from Fallout 4.

In the bustling Goodneighbor settlement of Boston, the Hotel Rexford conceals one of the game’s unexpectedly heartwarming secrets. An NPC named Rufus Rubins, the local handyman, assigns the “Trouble Brewin'” quest, which revolves around retrieving a modified Protectron. Players embark on a journey through the Shamrock Taphouse, now overrun by raiders, to find the robot. Yet, what makes this quest exceptional is the player’s choice upon discovering the Protectron.

Activated from a hidden pod in the basement using a secret password, the Protectron reveals itself as “Drinkin’ Buddy,” a mobile brewery and beverage cooler. Dormant for centuries, Buddy is ready to complete his delivery and return to Rufus at the Hotel Rexford. The quest can conclude here, or players can choose to keep Buddy and relocate him to one of their Fallout 4 settlements.

Drinkin’ Buddy’s ability to craft superior “Ice Cold” versions of specific healing beverages, such as Nuka Cola and Gwinnett beer, adds to his value as a companion. He also entertains with a repertoire of humorous jokes on command. An update even made him invincible and improved his combat prowess, cementing his status as a beloved companion.

Looking ahead to the hypothetical Fallout 5, Bethesda should consider incorporating companions like Drinkin’ Buddy. Amidst a cast of diverse characters, Buddy stands out as a charming embodiment of the series’ retro-futuristic inspiration. While the release of Fallout 5 may still be distant, current entry Fallout 76 could introduce a similar feature. With Bethesda’s hands full as they prepare to launch Starfield, they may not return to their other franchises anytime soon. However, recognizing the appeal of well-designed non-human characters like Drinkin’ Buddy would be a welcome addition for the future of the Fallout series.