One Fallout 4 Location Proves Bethesda Can Nail Starfield's Shattered Space DLC's Horror Vibe (2024)

After it was recently revealed that Starfield would be getting a little taste of horror with the upcoming Shattered Space DLC, there are questions surrounding how Bethesda will pull off this genre excursion. Known for crafting action adventure RPGs, Bethesda continued this tradition with Starfield, but Shattered Space is a surprising, and exciting, change.

As one of the staple RPG developers in the industry, some may be wondering if Bethesda has what it takes to craft a horror-themed space adventure. However, a perfect example can be found in an unlikely source: Fallout 4. Both Starfield and Fallout 4 may share the similarity of being RPGs, but the worlds of these two games are vastly different. Despite the differences, one section of Fallout 4 proves that Bethesda can create some great tension-filled moments. The Museum of Witchcraft is a unique portion of Fallout 4's map, and it's proof that the studio can nail horror in Shattered Space.

Fallout 4's Museum of Witchcraft Could Be a Horror Blueprint for Shattered Space

An Unexpected Moment in the Museum of Witchcraft

When looking at the Fallout franchise, one of the scariest aspects of each game lies in imagining trying to survive a post-apocalyptic wasteland. However, Fallout 4's Museum of Witchcraft takes one of the franchise's most daunting monsters and uses it as a tool to build some serious tension. Once the museum is found, players often enter the building like any other location with the purpose of searching for some good loot. This all changes, though, when players get deeper into the museum and quickly realize they aren't alone.

A massive Deathclaw can suddenly be heard walking around on the floor above, and it's a moment in the game that makes many players stop in their tracks. As players walk through the building, the sounds of the Deathclaw lurking about and growling fill each step with dread. Deathclaws are some of the most dangerous enemies in the Fallout franchise, and they are definitely something players want to avoid running into within close quarters.

Inspiration From an Unlikely Source

The development team behind Shattered Space has probably been researching some great horror stories set in space. Space and horror are a compelling combination, and although Fallout 4 has nothing to do with space, it still has the same themes of exploring the unknown and needing to be on guard at every turn in order to ensure survival. The Museum of Witchcraft may be a smaller portion of a much bigger game, but it sticks with many players, thanks to how surprising of a moment it is.

Shattered Space Debuts House Va'ruun

House Va'ruun has been one of Starfield's biggest mysteries, and Shattered Space is finally bringing the group out of the shadows. Based on the first look at Shattered Space, House Va'ruun is a dangerous cult that is full of some serious horror potential. Evading a dangerous cult that worships a secret deity known as the Great Serpent is something that many players probably weren't expecting based on Starfield's tone in the base game, but this subversion of expectation is deeply compelling.

Bethesda may not be a full-blown horror studio, but the developer has shown through the years that it can really bring shocking scares to life. In the past, Fallout has paid homage to iconic horror stories and tropes, and the Museum of Witchcraft is a moment in Fallout 4 that feels like it was taken straight out of a monster movie. The tense atmosphere the location builds is a fantastic moment in Fallout 4, and it will be thrilling to see just how far Bethesda takes the horror elements in Shattered Space.

Starfield

Platform(s)

PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

September 6, 2023

Developer(s)

Bethesda

Publisher(s)

Bethesda

Genre(s)

Action , RPG

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

20 Hours

X|S Enhanced

Yes

File Size Xbox Series

101 GB (September 2023)

Metascore

86

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