The Fallout universe, with its sprawling wastelands, irradiated creatures, and desperate survivors, is not just a setting—it’s a battleground for competing ideologies. Amidst the chaos, two of the most iconic factions rise to prominence: the Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave. Both claim to hold the key to humanity’s survival, yet their philosophies, methods, and motivations are strikingly different.
So, which faction truly represents humanity’s future? Is it the Brotherhood, with their disciplined mission to safeguard technology, or the Enclave, driven to restore pre-war America at any cost? Let’s break down both sides of the argument and explore why neither path is without its flaws.
The Brotherhood of Steel: Protectors or Hoarders?
Founded in the aftermath of the Great War of 2077, the Brotherhood of Steel (BoS) emerged from remnants of the U.S. military stationed at Mariposa Military Base. Led by Captain Roger Maxson, the BoS became dedicated to one mission: the preservation and control of advanced technology.
For the Brotherhood, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a responsibility. They view unchecked technological progress as the catalyst for the world’s destruction, and they are determined to ensure it never happens again. However, their zeal for safeguarding technology raises questions about their true motives and the consequences of their actions.
The Brotherhood’s Philosophy
The Brotherhood of Steel operates under strict military hierarchy, maintaining an almost monastic reverence for technology. They believe technology is too dangerous to fall into unworthy or uneducated hands. To the BoS, every piece of pre-war tech is a double-edged sword—a potential miracle or a future disaster.
For this reason, they hoard technology, often at the expense of others. Whether it’s salvaging Power Armor, confiscating energy weapons, or taking control of advanced systems, the Brotherhood prioritizes their own control over widespread progress.
The Pros of the Brotherhood of Steel
- Fighting Major Threats
The Wasteland is rife with dangers—super mutants, feral ghouls, raiders, and mutated wildlife. The Brotherhood actively combats these threats, providing some level of security to the Wasteland. Their Power Armor-clad knights are a symbol of strength and protection. - Preservation of Knowledge
In a world where much of humanity’s knowledge has been lost, the BoS ensures that critical advancements in science and technology are preserved. Their efforts to recover and study pre-war artifacts prevent humanity from sliding further into ignorance. - Superior Technology
The Brotherhood’s access to Power Armor, energy weapons, and advanced robotics makes them one of the most formidable forces in the Wasteland. In their eyes, this strength ensures they can protect technology from falling into the wrong hands.
The Cons of the Brotherhood of Steel
- Technological Hoarding
While the Brotherhood claims to protect humanity from its own mistakes, their refusal to share technology often stifles progress. Settlements struggling with disease, hunger, and threats could benefit immensely from advanced technology, but the BoS rarely allows it. - Authoritarian Tendencies
The Brotherhood’s strict hierarchy and “might makes right” philosophy can alienate other communities. Their tendency to impose their will on others often breeds resentment rather than cooperation. - Isolationism
In some iterations, such as Fallout: New Vegas, the Brotherhood comes across as isolationist and out of touch. Their refusal to collaborate with other factions or settle disputes diplomatically limits their ability to foster long-term change.
Are They Humanity’s Saviors?
The Brotherhood of Steel walks a fine line between protectors and hoarders. Their desire to prevent another Great War is noble, but their methods often undermine their potential to become true saviors of humanity. By hoarding technology and enforcing strict control, they may inadvertently slow humanity’s recovery rather than accelerating it.
To some, they are noble knights protecting the last remnants of progress. To others, they are tyrants with a shiny coat of Power Armor. This duality is what makes the Brotherhood so compelling—and so controversial.
The Enclave: Order or Oppression?
If the Brotherhood of Steel represents guardians of the past, the Enclave represents a vision for a new future—albeit a brutal one. The Enclave is the self-proclaimed successor to the pre-war U.S. government, comprised of high-ranking military officers, scientists, and politicians who survived the Great War. They believe it is their destiny to rebuild America in their image.
Unlike the Brotherhood, the Enclave does not view technology as a threat. Instead, they see it as the key to restoring order and progress. However, their vision for humanity’s future comes at an enormous cost, both morally and ethically.
The Enclave’s Philosophy
The Enclave operates under a doctrine of superiority. They consider themselves the last “true Americans” and see the Wasteland’s mutated inhabitants—whether ghouls, super mutants, or even irradiated humans—as inferior. In their eyes, the Wasteland is a mess that only they have the power and right to fix.
Their approach to rebuilding civilization is ruthless and authoritarian. Genetic purity is at the core of their philosophy, and they are willing to commit genocide to achieve their goals. While their access to advanced technology gives them the means to succeed, their methods make them one of the most morally ambiguous factions in the Fallout universe.
The Pros of the Enclave
- Access to Advanced Technology
The Enclave possesses some of the most advanced technology in the Wasteland, including Vertibirds, plasma weapons, and military-grade Power Armor. This technological advantage gives them the capability to rebuild civilization efficiently. - A Structured Vision for Order
The Enclave’s organized military structure and centralized leadership offer a sense of stability in a chaotic world. For those tired of Wasteland anarchy, the Enclave’s promise of order can be appealing. - Restoration of Pre-War Civilization
The Enclave aims to restore America to its former glory. For all their flaws, they are one of the few factions with the ambition and resources to rebuild on a grand scale.
The Cons of the Enclave
- Genetic Purity and Genocide
The Enclave’s obsession with genetic purity makes them one of the most dangerous factions in the Wasteland. Their willingness to exterminate mutants, ghouls, and even irradiated humans is a horrifying reflection of their extreme ideology. - Brutality and Authoritarianism
The Enclave enforces its rule with an iron fist. Civilians are seen as expendable, and dissent is crushed without hesitation. Their version of order comes at the cost of freedom. - Moral Ambiguity
While the Enclave’s goals may sound appealing, their methods often overshadow their potential. Their vision of rebuilding civilization is rooted in elitism and exclusion, leaving little room for cooperation or compromise.
Benevolent Leaders or Ruthless Tyrants?
The Enclave’s vision for humanity is ambitious but morally bankrupt. While their advanced technology and structured leadership could genuinely rebuild civilization, their disregard for human life and obsession with genetic purity make them a deeply flawed faction. In many ways, they represent the very hubris and arrogance that led to the Great War.
To some, they are humanity’s best hope for order and progress. To others, they are a dangerous reminder of pre-war corruption and elitism.
A Clash of Ideals: Who Is Right?
When comparing the Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave, the debate comes down to ideals versus execution:
- The Brotherhood of Steel seeks to prevent humanity from repeating its mistakes, but their unwillingness to share technology raises questions about their motives. Are they protectors, or are they simply hoarding power for themselves?
- The Enclave, on the other hand, promises progress and order but at an unbearable moral cost. Their authoritarian rule and exclusionary vision leave little room for the diversity and resilience that define humanity.
The Verdict: The People of the Wasteland
While the Brotherhood and the Enclave represent two extremes of ideology, neither faction offers a perfect solution. Fallout’s world thrives on moral ambiguity, and the answer to humanity’s future may not lie with either group.
Perhaps the real hope for the Wasteland lies with the settlers, traders, and survivors—the ordinary people who work to rebuild society without grand ideologies or authoritarian control. These everyday heroes remind us that humanity’s resilience and adaptability are its greatest strengths.
Join the Debate
Who do you think holds the key to humanity’s future—the Brotherhood of Steel or the Enclave? Or do you believe the Wasteland’s fate rests with its survivors? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let the debate rage on!
