The static crackled on the radio, a distorted voice whispering about reclaiming “America’s future.” A chill ran down my spine. That was the first time I heard whispers of the Enclave, a group shrouded in secrecy and armed with terrifying power. It’s one of the few factions in the Fallout universe that seems unequivocally evil, and, judging from the latest developments in Fallout Season 2, it’s ready to take center stage.
Even without those distinctive insectoid helmets making an appearance, Season 1 offered glimpses of the Enclave’s machinations on the West Coast. But with Episode 6, it’s clear this faction is positioned to be the main antagonist of Season 2. So, let’s get you up to speed. Here’s what you need to know about the Enclave.
The Enclave: America’s Shadow Government
Think of any shadowy organization operating just beyond public view. Now, amplify that by a factor of ten and set it in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The Enclave is like a splinter of the old U.S. government, a hidden group pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
As the games reveal, the Enclave was formed by members of the pre-war United States government, with the President at its head. High-ranking officials retreated to fortified underground facilities before the nuclear bombs fell, planning to reclaim the wasteland. They essentially abandoned the population, shielding themselves from the fallout. Think of it as a bunker mentality on a national scale.
Although long the subject of conspiracy theories, the Enclave’s existence was publicly revealed just before the bombs dropped. They had been quietly amassing resources, often through corporate projects like Vault-Tec’s Vaults. These Vaults, ostensibly built to save lives, were often equipped with surveillance tools, allowing the Enclave to monitor the inhabitants. The Enclave secured a future while the world burned.
Initially, the Enclave aimed to restore pre-war America. However, they soon morphed into a fascist organization with the goal of eradicating anyone exposed to radiation. Humans, mutants, and ghouls were all considered “impure” and targeted for elimination. The Enclave became a relentless, genocidal force. Its vision was a purified America, cleansed of all that they deemed tainted.
The Enclave was the main villain in Fallout 2 and Fallout 3, with players working to foil their schemes. Yet, their military strength and fanatical ideology continue to haunt the wasteland, making them a faction feared by all.
What are the Enclave’s motives?
The Enclave believes the post-war world is a corrupted version of America and that only they, the “pure” descendants of the pre-war government, can restore it to its former glory. Their motives, shrouded in a twisted sense of patriotism, are based on control and purification. For the Enclave, power isn’t just about survival, it’s about reshaping the world in their image.
Season 2: The Enclave Rising
Ever feel like someone is watching you? Fallout Season 2 is amplifying that sensation. Episode 6 implies the Enclave is the “other player” Mr. House is worried about. Barbara’s conversation with Dr. Wilzig (who fled the Enclave in Season 1) suggests Vault-Tec didn’t intend to drop the bombs, and the Enclave forced their hand. While the question of who initiated the apocalypse is still unclear, the show is beginning to point toward this secretive organization. The Enclave is like a loaded weapon, waiting for the right moment to fire.
Then, there’s the Super Mutant’s warning to the Ghoul about an upcoming conflict with the Enclave. Given their hatred for mutants and ghouls, if the Enclave is still around in significant numbers, they will try to exterminate these “abominations.” So, expect the Enclave to appear in the final episodes or become the main villains of Season 3.
Why does the Enclave hate mutants and ghouls?
The Enclave considers mutants and ghouls “impure” because they have been exposed to radiation, altering their DNA. This perceived contamination clashes with the Enclave’s belief in preserving the “pure” human genome, which they see as the key to rebuilding America. To the Enclave, mutants and ghouls are not just different, they’re a threat to their vision of a perfect future. This ideological purity fuels their genocidal intentions. Their vision is a world free from the “taint” of mutation.
These assumptions are speculative, and the Enclave’s influence might be limited. However, their presence looms large over the events unfolding.
Will the Enclave be the main villains in future Fallout seasons?
While their exact role remains to be seen, the groundwork is certainly being laid for the Enclave to become major antagonists in future seasons. Their established presence, coupled with their ideological extremism and military might, makes them a perfect fit for the “big bad” role. The writers would be remiss if they didn’t capitalize on the potential for conflict the Enclave represents. Whether they become the main villains depends on how the writers choose to develop their storyline.
So, what role do you believe the Enclave will play as the Fallout series unfolds?