Fallout: New Vegas - 9 Things Nobody Admits It Did Better Than 4

3. Hardcore Mode Is Better Than Survival Mode

fallout new vegas
Bethesda

When Bethesda released Fallout 4, the developers missed a trick by not including any kind of hardcore mode. Featured in New Vegas, the optional way to play made the harsh post-apocalyptic wasteland even more deadly, forcing you to balance food, water and sleep meters while introducing subtle penalties like stimpacks that heal over time, rather than instantly.

It was the definitive way to play through Obsidian's title, and added a much-needed tactical edge to gameplay which was becoming increasingly action focused. Too late, Bethesda realised the appeal of this methodical style of play and released their own "survival mode" for Fallout 4, however that lacked the balance of New Vegas' counterpart.

Far more punishing than simply requiring players to keep an eye on a few more meters, the survival mode was only for the most die-hard fans. It was still enjoyable in its own right, and encouraged a substantially different approach to gameplay, but it lacked the balance that made hardcore not only a viable mode, but arguably better than the base experience.

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Josh has over 11 years of experience as a published writer, having worked nine of those years as a full-time content producer at WhatCulture. In that period he has created hundreds of articles, videos and podcast episodes for multiple WhatCulture channels, specialising in gaming, horror and film & TV. He now primarily works as a senior content producer and presenter on WhatCulture Gaming where he co-hosts the WhatCulture Gaming Podcast, a top 3 UK most listened to gaming podcast that he co-created in 2018. Over the years he has reviewed several high-profile gaming releases, covered industry events with on-site reporting, opined on breaking news, and even kicked off his interviewing career by chatting to childhood hero, Tommy Wiseau.