Fallout Ghouls: The Feral Monsters of the Wasteland

A deep dive into the world of Fallout ghouls, exploring their origins, characteristics, and role in the beloved action RPG series.
Fallout Ghouls: The Feral Monsters of the Wasteland

Fallout Ghouls: The Feral Monsters of the Wasteland

Since the debut of the Fallout TV show on Amazon Prime Video, everyone wants to know a little bit more about Bethesda’s beloved action RPG series - including, what are ghouls?

A ghoul, a fictional mutated human being that has been exposed to severe radiation and transformed into a feral monster.

A ghoul - or a necrotic post-human, as they’re sometimes called - is a fictional mutated human being that has been exposed to severe radiation and transformed into a feral monster. They walk slowly, like a zombie, and will attack anyone who approaches them. Their skin is severely burnt, turning either a dark green or reddish colour.

“Ghouls have appeared in every Fallout game since the original’s launch way back in 1997. They serve as one of the most recognisable elements of the video game series.”

There are types of ghouls that have not become feral and live with humans in settlements or other areas across the wastelands.

Walton Goggins as The Ghoul in the Fallout TV show.

In the Amazon Fallout TV show, The Ghoul is played by Alabama-born actor Walton Goggins, who you may recognise from the likes of Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, Ant-Man and the Wasp, The Righteous Gemstones and Tomb Raider. Goggins portrays Cooper Howard, a down-on-his-luck Hollywood actor who was affected by the nuclear blast, turning him into a ghoul. He now makes a living as a gunslinger and bounty hunter.

A ghoul in Nuka World.

Ghouls have become an iconic part of the Fallout universe, and their presence adds to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the games. Whether they’re attacking you on sight or living alongside humans, ghouls are an integral part of the Fallout experience.

A ghoul in Fallout 4.

So, there you have it - a brief look into the world of Fallout ghouls. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the series or just starting out, ghouls are an essential part of the Fallout experience.