While Fallout news has been dominated by the newly-announced Fallout 76, the older games in the series did receive a little attention at E3. Among several major Fallout projects being undertaken by independent groups is “Fallout: The Frontier“. This huge overhaul mod for Fallout: New Vegas boasts a new setting and much more, and the development team released a new trailer to showcase their work during E3.
Fallout: The Frontier
Like Fallout: New California, Fallout: The Frontier uses the engine and assets of Fallout: New Vegas as the building blocks for a huge amount of new content. The Frontier is a total conversion mod for New Vegas, transforming that game’s desert landscape into the frigid wastes of The Frontier, somewhere in the northwest of America. The region is dominated by an ongoing conflict between the NCR and Caesar’s Legion, both factions which appeared in New Vegas. The mod’s website describes the premise as follows:
“Displeased with the NCR brass’s lackadaisical approach, Blackthorne called them out – first privately, then publicly. Concern over the impending Legion assault soon grew into a panic – and spread like wildfire. Held captive by their fear, the public majority cried out to support Blackthorne and his proposals. Spurred on by the widespread popularity, The General seized this moment and called for Kimball’s resignation. Feeling pressured, Kimball took the coward’s way out, and sent Blackthorne and his ilk into exile- north to a harsh, frozen wasteland known only as- The Frontier. Out of sight and out of mind, Blackthorne struggled against not only The Frontier, but also relentless Legion attacks.”
A New Map and New Mechanics
The Frontier’s map spans 16 km by 16 km. The ice and snow isn’t purely for the aesthetic either; the mod introduces a new mechanic called Chill Factor which makes travelling through the wastes a great deal harder. In addition to that mechanic, The Frontier adds a host of new winter-themed FX, including a dynamic weather system. The developers state that these FX are high-quality but have relatively low impact on FPS; improving upon the graphics present in the original game.
When the mod releases, anyone who owns Fallout: New Vegas will be able to download and play it. (Although, you’ll also need to own all four official DLC expansions.) The development team have yet to announce a release date, but their website states that the project is 80% complete. It states that they are pushing for a “max end of 2018 release”.