Fallout London Project Lead "Prilladog" opens up about Easter Eggs, the importance of narrative, and more (Exclusive)

Fallout London exclusive
We spoke to Fallout London Project Lead Prilladog about their huge, upcoming DLC for Fallout 4 (Image via Team Folon)

As a long-time fan of the franchise, I’m incredibly excited for Fallout London. One of the things I feel the series of RPGs has been missing out on for decades is exploring places that aren’t America or, at the very least, the continental United States.

So when I saw this project was not only well on the way to launching but had an actual release date? I had to reach out to see if I could chat with the developers about what was on the way. Thankfully, I heard back from Dean “Prilladog” Carter, who answered all my questions about the upcoming mod for Fallout 4.

April 2024 cannot possibly get here soon enough. We spoke to Prilladog about a number of things connected to Fallout London, such as the timeline, the technology used, and so much more. It was a pleasure to talk to him, and it only increased my levels of excitement for what’s to come.


Fallout London’s Prilladog on the timeline, easter eggs, and much more

Q. First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us about Fallout London! This massive DLC mod for Fallout 4 takes place in 2237, neatly between the first two games. Were there any particular lore events for this franchise that inspired that timeline location?

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Prilladog: By setting Fallout: London in 2237, we aimed to provide a unique experience that didn't rely on Fallout 4 events. Choosing the timeline of 2237 allowed us the creative freedom to explore a period between the first two Fallout games, offering a fresh perspective on the Fallout universe. This timeline also allowed us to explore the backstory of a young Tenpenny. All of this was basically done to emphasize the mods' standalone nature away from the vanilla Fallout 4 - and it’d offer the players a fresh perspective on the Fallout universe.


Q. I read back in 2022 that a few of the developers of this mod were hired away by Bethesda. Did that cause any major delays or ill feelings on the remaining members of the team?

Prilladog: While it's true that some of our developers were hired by Bethesda, we view it as a testament to the talent and dedication of our team. Rather than causing major delays or ill feelings, this transition has actually been a positive experience for us! It allowed the remaining members of the team to step up and bring fresh perspectives to the project. We have a resilient and passionate group, and the collaboration with Bethesda has even enhanced our understanding of game development.


Q. Since companies like Vault-Tec do not have a presence in Fallout London, what's the tech level look like in 2200s London? Can we still expect Power Armor, fancy lasers, and other cool armaments - melee or ranged? Or will things be a little more low-tech?

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Prilladog: In Fallout: London, the tech level in the 2200s maintains the iconic blend of retro-futuristic aesthetics that fans of the Fallout series have come to love. While entities like Vault-Tec may not have a presence, you can still expect a diverse array of advanced weaponry, such as laser weapons and other cool armaments. However, they are certainly more ramshackle than those in the base game!


Q. While Fallout 4 was a visually beautiful game, its main story suffered from a variety of issues, and ultimately, let down a number of fans. Did the writers of the main story quests learn any lessons from the games that came before it in the series?

Prilladog: Absolutely. The writers of Fallout London approached the main story quests with a keen awareness of the feedback from Fallout 4. Learning from the issues faced by its predecessor, our team took inspiration from the strengths of earlier games in the series and the Fallout community's insights.

We prioritized a compelling narrative with well-developed characters, branching choices, and meaningful consequences. By building on the lessons learned from past titles, we aimed to deliver a more satisfying and immersive storytelling experience in Fallout London, addressing the concerns raised by fans and creating a narrative that resonates with the rich legacy of the Fallout series.


Q. While players will be required to start a new save file and will not have any of their followers/content from previous playthroughs, will there be new Followers to journey with?

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Prilladog: Players will need to start a new save file and won't bring followers from previous playthroughs. Fallout London introduces a fresh set of companions for players to journey with. These new followers are intricately woven into the narrative, each offering unique stories, skills, and perspectives to enhance the player's experience.


Q. Are there going to be any bits of lore you've constructed that will connect Fallout: London to the rest of the greater Fallout universe - whether as Easter Eggs or intended plot points for the playerbase?

Prilladog: Yes! Fallout London is rich with bits of lore that connect it to the broader Fallout universe. Players can expect Easter Eggs, hidden references, and carefully crafted plot points that tie into the established Fallout lore. These elements serve not only as nods to longtime fans but also as integral components of the narrative, offering a sense of continuity and connection to the larger Fallout universe.

Exploring these lore details will provide players with a deeper appreciation of the world they inhabit in Fallout: London.


Q. Were any of the major landmarks or areas particularly challenging to put together with the tools that were available to you? Did the team have to make any of their own modding tools to work on Fallout: London?

Prilladog: Designing major landmarks and areas certainly posed its challenges, but our team utilized available assets from the base game cleverly - as well as made a large portion of our own. I feel people downplay how customizable you can get within the Creation Kit, it really is a wonderful tool.


Q. As a Fallout fan, I've wondered for years what happened to the world outside of the United States, so I'm incredibly excited for London. Were there any other locales you considered, or was London always the goal?

Prilladog: The decision to set Fallout London in the UK was intentional from the beginning. London stood out as an iconic and compelling choice, given its rich history, diverse geography, and the ease of compatibility with the rest of the series. I think there is actually a desire for a lot of people to explore the Fallout universe beyond the United States, so choosing London provides people with the opportunity to delve into the unseen side of the series, fulfilling that exploration craving, I suppose.


Q. One of the major features from Fallout 4 was the ability to construct and build your own bases/communities. Will that stay on as a major, important feature in London?

Prilladog: The settlement system is 100% in Fallout London, with seven settlements to choose from! Players can expect to engage in base building and fortifying their positions in London just as you’d expect in the base game!


Q. One of our favorite parts of the trailer had to be the makeshift Trebuchet. It's such a fantastic idea. Will weapons like this be used in any kind of siege-based warfare? Perhaps between some of these new factions?

Prilladog: Absolutely! The makeshift Trebuchet featured in the trailer is just a glimpse of the creative weaponry players will encounter. Siege-based warfare is indeed a part of the experience, introducing new and exciting dynamics to confrontations between factions.


Q. On the topic of factions, will any of the ones chosen be connected to lore, such as the Fallout Bible, or any of the early games?

Prilladog: Yes, Fallout London will have connections to the established Fallout lore; there isn’t much to draw from, but we’ve tried drawing inspiration from sources such as the Fallout Bible and the earlier “Avant Garde” games, like Brotherhood of Steel, Tactics and Van Buren - even though these are now considered Non-Canon. In general, our players will encounter factions with rich histories and motivations, adding depth to the overall narrative.


Q. Are there any plans for post-release content/updates?

Prilladog: While specific plans for post-release content and updates can vary, our team is actively considering ways to enhance and expand the Fallout London experience based on player feedback and evolving interests. I’d imagine, like all studios, there will be a period of tweaks and patches. But for the future itself? Who knows.


Q. Have any brand-new game mechanics been designed for Fallout London? If so, would you like to see any of it get used in a potential future canon game by Bethesda?

Prilladog: Fallout London introduces several new game mechanics, which you can see in our recent video on our Youtube. While we can't reveal specific details, as we hope that players will discover how they fit into the world when they are actually in the game. We hope these mechanics contribute to an enriching gameplay experience. If Bethesda finds merit in any of our innovations, we'd be honored to see them incorporated into future canon games! Just credit us!


Q. How long would you say Fallout 4 London is when it comes to completing the main story versus a completionist playthrough?

Though in ruins, Fallout London is still gorgeous (Image via Team Folon)
Though in ruins, Fallout London is still gorgeous (Image via Team Folon)

Prilladog: The playtime for Fallout 4 London will vary depending on individual playstyles, so it’s hard to give an estimate really, but it’s about what you’d expect of a standard Bethesda game. Completing the main story will offer a substantial experience, while a completionist playthrough involving side quests and exploration will naturally extend the overall playtime. Just be prepared to have an immersive journey in both scenarios!


Fallout London will be released on April 23, 2024, and requires players to have Fallout 4 and all of the DLC for the mod to function properly. The DLC-sized mod is being designed by Team Folon and boasts something truly special for fans of the franchise. You can follow them on X.com, join their Discord, or follow them on YouTube.

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