Fallout's Mysterious Stranger Keeps Getting Weirder

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Fallout's Mysterious Stranger is among the franchise's most mysterious characters. A bizarre, trench coat wearing ally who lends Fallout protagonists a hand with no known motives, the community has developed dozens of theories concerning his origins.
Today, we revisit Fallout's Mysterious Stranger and analyze the character one last time, in hopes of uncovering his origins and nature.

[@TheEpicNate315]

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[@supersand545]

How did u comment 56min ago it was just uploaded

[@masonveillon1958]

Hello Nate

[@TheEpicNate315]

@@supersand545There are ancient treaties, still honored, which predate the known internet

[@supersand545]

@@TheEpicNate315 you are a being beyond my understanding

[@Dodge_this]

WTF was that goofy ahhhh tank at 3:33

[@shawnnerenberg661]

You missed a terminal in one of the Boston police stations. A dead raider made an entry describing being saved by the mysterious stranger during a squable, and he was doing experiements trying to get the stranger to reappear (by initiating fights). Unfortunately the stranger DID appear and shot him since he was the one instigating the fight. The Pip boy does not seem to be involved in his appearance.

[@thelucca8449]

probably that's just Betesda shitting the plot

[@LunaKai01]

@@thelucca8449well they didn’t need you to use the pip boy in the original fallout games so no, that would be Bethesda doing something right, which is rare. Plus I don’t think the mysterious stranger was summoned by a pip boy to form a relationship with a woman and have a child lmao, both of these instances were written into the games by the original creators. They may or may not be linked to vault tec in one way or another, but they’re clearly not dependent on vault tec or their technology. It’s more likely that vault tecs research and greed led them to take some form of control of the eldritch entity or powers surrounding the mysterious strangers, meaning while they could be independent and live their own life, they were forced to appear whenever called upon by vault tecs technology. But even in that case, wouldn’t more vault dwellers be aware of them? It would be cool to see the story behind the mysterious strangers fleshed out more and maybe even concluded in fallout 5. I doubt they’ll make an appearance in the show unless it’s just one quick gag scene.

[@jarredefelton4165]

​@@LunaKai01 itd be great to see the Stranger make an appearance in the show. Something similar to what Nuka Break did would be hilarious

[@LunaKai01]

@@jarredefelton4165 one of the strangers could show up in the series, but I feel like if they did it would just be a quick little gag where they appear, kill someone to save the main characters, then disappear again instantly leaving the main characters just looking at each other like “what the fuck was that?”

[@simplyhuman3982]

​@@LunaKai01yes. I am patiently waiting.

[@ZeroReaver11]

Mate, you can drop a 5 hour long video ( I know it's not ideal) and we will never complain, I think I've rewatched most of your long videos at least 5 times

[@SolusEclipse]

If nate drops an 8 hour documentary id shit

[@wesss9353]

Mauler has entered the chat

[@josiahworthington3881]

Is there any substance to this video? Or is it just twenty minutes of vague theories stretched into an hour? Genuinely curious

[@imbored667]

@@josiahworthington3881 no idea i usually just fall asleep to these so i dont get trough the 20min of vague theories most of the time

[@josiahworthington3881]

@@imbored667 oh okay haha. Guess I’ll never know ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@user-cx7kg6ok9b]

In Fallout 4, there is a terminal in a raider camp that talks about the Mysterious Stranger. It may be from on of the DLCs or Creation Club mods (in which case it would probably be the Tunnel Snakes). The raider who makes the entries keeps trying to figure out how to invoke the stranger by sacrificing members of his gang. Eventually, the stranger shows up and shoots him, which is the final entry on the terminal.

[@SolarDolphin]

okay so i was not crazy i saw that same thing.

[@TheElenaFisher]

TUNNEL SNAKES RULE!

[@infernaldaedra]

​@@TheElenaFisherTunnel snakes rule 🐍🐍🐍

[@toastedt140]

​@@SolarDolphinI vaguely recall it as well. Feel like it was one of the bigger hideouts in the dense city portion of the map.

[@SolarDolphin]

@@toastedt140 yea

[@daniell.9574]

Just a thought, since Nick knows of the stranger, it's safe to assume so does the institute. What if they heard of this stranger and created a synth version that mimics the real one, now they have an agent that can follow around persons of interest with 0 suspicion. (In this case, main characters who make huge waves in the wasteland). This could account for the difference in appearance and why Valentine is aware of him.

[@infernaldaedra]

A courser synth with advanced targeting totally could explain the crit damage and teleportation of the Mysterious Stranger.

[@cadennorris960]

@@infernaldaedraI thought institute teleportation relied on a receiver of sorts like the one you spawn in when you reach the institute.

[@christianmcbrearty]

​@@cadennorris960no, you just need that because you don't have the relay chip in your pip boy. Once you've joined the institute they install it into your pip boy which basically allows you to access the institute at any time. It's also mentioned that they have different levels of “clearance” at the institute and obviously the director has the highest, but Shaun gives you the highest when you join.

[@Eevee64Lover]

this is exactly what i was thinking. nick and the mysterious stranger share a lot of similarities as well, it wouldnt be too far of a stretch to say that they even come from the same original nick valentine, id like to think that the original nick valentine had a strong will and sense of self, so that could be why both (or all versions) of nick valentines original scan have defected and now helps the commonwealth/the world in a good way. i absolutely agree with the other comment regarding the courser chip resulting in teleportation

[@SuperiorPosterior]

My headcanon for the Stranger's different appearance between 3 and 4 is actually a bit of an in universe reason: If you're 16 and just heading out of the vault, especially after what happened with the vault security and overseer, would you trust a mysterious stranger who looked old, or one who looks only a little older than you? Conversely, as an adult Nate/Nora would put more trust in a respectable looking fellow than in a green-looking kid. The Stranger appears as what the character needs, just as a Guardian Angel should. I feel that Miss Fortune looking like a Legionnaire was also supposed to play into this-she helps "evil doers" by making their enemies unlucky, while a Mysterious Stranger (potentially dressed to look NCR-adjacent) would be her goodie-two-shoe opposite. Only, they never settled on a new look, so left him as he was seen in Fallout 3.

[@NutFm-po7zq]

Im Like 69

[@DBswag_]

That's an interesting theory, I still have think they're separate entities though, just with similar abilities. Btw you got 111 likes as of now, nice 😁

[@DustinBarlow8P]

Well since they are able to sire offspring maybe it is a hereditary thing that you are able to pass down to your offspring. Maybe they literally are Angels, but you can only pass down your "angel abilities" to offspring that have lived a good life? or maybe it is Cthulhu..... lol

[@infernaldaedra]

There is also the Mistress Of Mystery so there are at least 3 similar entities in the universe

[@Suiseisexy]

This seems right. It's an einherjar, the context of it's appearance is some "likely thing". In the early Fallouts where the context is largely wandering they appear as a sort of unremarkable "ally" native to a huge random environment, in more dynamic settings where there's a character arc they're just sort of a boss-fight edge that's there at the critical moment but don't enter the dense narrative non-mechanically. A spirit is allowed to intervene in your fate but only in a particular way but you don't recognize them as a spirit or that there is any intervention.

[@mikinaakandersen1189]

I think the Mysterious Stranger is a time traveler making sure things go as they need to. That is why his age is not consistent and he is always found interacting/helping the most important character of the time and area he appears. He doesn't provide any details because as a time traveler he has to interact as little as possible while making sure everything goes as planned.

[@wasterdnb]

I agree,like a dr who type character

[@N8Dulcimer]

This is a really cool idea that forgives basically all inconsistencies.

[@demonguy5082]

Maybe the stranger is one weird organisation like Psijic Order in Elder Scroll. Teleport out of nowhere, stopping time, funny taste in attire. They are awfully similar.

[@IINC0RRECT]

I mean it's implied the fallout universe is just pre elder scrolls with the experimental plants, the existence of literal magic like dunwich borers and the haunted mansion in fallout 3

[@RancorousSea]

@@IINC0RRECT I don't think that's an implication at all. There's a Mr. Fuzzy in Doom Eternal, do you think that implies anything?

[@RickardFeiff]

You missed one other teleporting creature from Fallout 76. A cryptid. The smiling man, Indrid Cold. Looks human. But is not quite human. Claims to be seeking a seeker. If attacked he teleports away in the same manner as the Mothman.

[@david-mccoy1978]

Indrid Cold is mothman appearing in human form. I suggest looking into the real mothman lore for more on this

[@everythingpony]

​@@david-mccoy1978no? That's not mothman, stop reading the "fandom" wiki, it's full of misinformation

[@Lasershark666]

@@everythingponyI think you should drink more Benadryl™

[@ToddSweeney341]

Mysterious Stranger definitely one of the most unique characters for Fallout 😊😊

[@joshbrosh6626]

Plot twist misterious stranger is maig the liar in disquise 😂

[@ToddSweeney341]

@@joshbrosh6626 😀👍

[@redwiltshire1816]

Nah cappy is definitely the most unique and mysterious character

[@SomeRandomName460]

​@@joshbrosh6626who⁉️

[@coffeeaddict9605]

​@@SomeRandomName460A recurring character from another Bethesda property The Elder Scrolls. He's a random encounter who'll say several odd, sometimes meta things before declining to talk to you anymore.

[@gummiewizard9904]

Idk if it’s an oversight that the mysterious stranger was in the commonwealth before the player character was released. I think the mysterious stranger probably appears to help out anybody who’s lucky enough to encounter him. I think it makes more sense than him only ever helping the main character, and would explain how valentine knows of him already.

[@rannnoch]

Yes, like a chance encounter with a good samaritan, only one whom happens to pack a .44 magnum and impeccable aim.

[@carlito19934]

There is a terminal from a raider that confirms this from when the game launched in 2015 saying he was saved by the stranger he then tries to summon the sttanger again by shooting is gang mates and the stranger shows up and shoots him Why speculate on something already confirmed to be the case

[@nicolascollins-kx6px]

Imagine him appearing then disappearing and the drifter being like… “yea that’s pa for ya”

[@sulpheralchemist]

do you not find it strange that the strangers outfit is so similar to vault tech salesmans ?

[@matthewsmith7802]

Only problem the salesman is found as ghoul in the game

[@stubbington08]

He's a ghoul. You can bring him to your camp. I feel like mid 1900's attire is all trenchcoats and fedoras. So I'm not questioning too much in terms of taste.

[@alienunleashed]

Like other said, Ghoul plus wouldn’t explain why he’s in the original game. But it still is interesting maybe the salesman is a throw back to the stranger.

[@JonnDthunDer]

I just wanted to say that every single time you put out a longer video, I'm just genuinely thrilled to have like an hour or more of Fallout-related material that is well researched, well thought through, and well told. Excited every time, and this was no exception.

[@DBswag_]

As I get older, I find myself being drawn more & more to this style of longer video. I'm not entirely sure why, other than the fact I really enjoy them 😅

[@Halo-fallout-fella]

His longer videos are the best

[@Gr0g234]

Nate dropping a long fallout video when I'm stuck in an airport is a true blessing

[@TheRealSupernoah47]

Did you escape the airport?

[@zlboyle90]

As long as it is not any airport in any fallout games they should be fine

[@wingdingdmetrius8025]

hour long video about how the mysterious stranger character has no depth

[@JustT0N3]

@@zlboyle90 Call of duty MW2:

[@theYoutubeHandle]

legend has it that he's still stuck in an airport.

[@Wintertidal]

"a man in a tophat" *shows man in what's clearly a fedora*

[@Alpha23TV]

Lol 🎩

[@fighter1375]

I personally believe (for a while) that the Mysterious Stranger is a sort of ghost of the Old World, a being that can interact with the world to a limited extent, as in the case of materializing to help lucky survivors in need or in the case of New Vegas, had a swing with a lady and helped give birth to the Lonesome Drifter in Montana. Really shoddy theory I know, but in a world of aliens and mutated animals as well as the more fantastical elements of Eldritch horrors and magic, I wouldn’t put it past me. The fact some ghosts exist (as in the case of the Dunwich building in 3 or Lucy Grandchester in 4).

[@FrogitThy3rd]

You know it's a good day when nate uploads 😌

[@MultiBots]

I thought good days were when you wipe ya ass and your finger didn't poke a whole and go straight up ya jacksie

[@constantiniosif1469]

Nate releases a video just as I'm about to sit down and finish off my assignments, today is good

[@jeremyblade7561]

Indeed it is.🙂

[@WolfDragonTamer]

Scratch that, it's a great day!

[@aliciagarnica5983]

Damn right ❤❤❤

[@moltenmermaid1517]

What if it's a lineage? The Mr. and Mrs. Strangers from 2 had a child, the lonesome Drifter, and while the OG stranger was in 3, the Lonesome Drifter took over his father's mantle? I'm not the only one that recognized that both the Lonesome Drifter AND new Stranger have bushy mustaches right?

[@yungbroc]

that's exactly what I thought. It would make sense to be some sort of secretive order that was passed down from generation to generation. OP did not mention how Mysterious Medic from 76 looks identical to lonesome drifter AND the mysterious stranger from FO4. Not to mention in-game at 55:02 he is ALSO named "mysterious stranger" In total the games span 185 years which could be 3 generations of the Mysterious Strangers. kind of makes sense when you consider in FO4 the MS looks about mid 50's

[@gumbo4556]

the only thing is that FO76 takes place *before* Fallout 1, 59 years if I recall. Meaning the Lonesome Drifter can't be the Mysterious Medic or FO4's Mysterious Stranger. Still, it's a very good theory! With a little tweaking it could very certainly make sense.@@yungbroc

[@xelusultima]

The eye color changes from stranger to stranger. While possible, it's very unlikely that for example the stranger In fallout 3 has brown eyes and has a blue eyed child that goes onto become the Stanger in fallout 4. (Brown eyes + blue eyes = brown eyes in over three quarters of children born with that genetic heritage)

[@PhoenicopterusR]

​@xelusultima if it's still possible, then it being "unlikely" doesn't really say much.

[@yungbroc]

@@gumbo4556 right but im not saying that the lonesome wanderer is THE mysterious stranger, my point was that they could be related. which it seems they are since it all fits in the same timeline + the lore given in NV assuming they have a normal lifespan . for example, if my theory was somehow right (its prob not, this is just food for thought) then so far: FO74 has original MS... 59 years later FO1 has a new MS... then the 36 year gap between FO2-FO3 presents a 3rd MS.... from Fo3, to NV, then to Fo4 only 10 years have passed; so it could still be the same Mysterious Stranger that is canonically from Fo3 even though they look different. Since in Fo4 (the latest in timeline) the MS appears to be older, and has a striking resemblance to the Lonesome Wanderer from NV who is searching for his father (who is likely to be a MS based on lore) this all kinda lines up.

[@cstains5543]

With all the Zeta technology that the Enclave was researching before the Vault projects got started, I've always thought that the Mysterious Stranger was either a single person or a group that were researching an item of Zeta tech that UNSTUCK him or them in time. Meaning that the stranger is moving around randomly in time with short periods of time spent in select areas. Which would explain why all the various things happen and why there might be a pack of Grey Tortoises in Nate and Nora's house. He's been moving around in time for decades potentially before the Great War.

[@TheTolnoc]

The idea of Mysterious Stranger being an actual guardian angel, as part of the plot, is interesting. Doubly interesting the idea that the Stranger isn't just helping us; someone, anyone, can get this guys help, if the situation is right.

[@Dragonoid9810]

Just a personal thought that occurred to me during the comparison between the MS and Nick, but what if the Mysterious Stranger is a being of elevated power that's trapped within the sands of time itself? And whenever the PC goes into VATS, it inadvertently creates a temporary pocket in time just long enough for the Stranger to carry out justice against those that wish to harm the one that gave him another breath of freedom?

[@gryaznygreeb]

That's a cool idea, I like it.

[@ghoulgamestalker4265]

Awesome idea

[@xaikken]

Sweet Write a fan fiction about it lol That’s actually a trippy idea

[@realzachfluke1]

That is fascinating, I'd love to explore that idea further.

[@Dragonoid9810]

@@xaikken Y'all do it, I'm a terrible writer lmao

[@rory251]

I remember when Nate disappeared for like a year. Im always thankful now to see his new vids haha

[@theonecalleddoc]

Stoned and imagining badly hand written missing posters with his profile pic and username going up in towns across the world for a year.

[@BungieStudios]

I was afraid he was murdered to death by the Enclave or whisked away by the Dwemer.

[@HansBelphegor]

​@@theonecalleddoc fr and same

[@Sevensilversuns]

He is blessed by atom!

[@fantasymadness7635]

I may be stretching but I feel like the emissary seems to "disappear" in the same look that institute teleportation happens.

[@Number19sProductions]

It's pretty obvious that the Mysterious Stranger is just Number 5 from the Umberlla Academy.

[@ryanseijuro5279]

I haven't watch this video but im 99% sure that by the end of this video, we wouldn't even come close to discovering the mysterious stranger's identity

[@Bawska]

This just in, Man labeled as "mysterious" is still extremely mysterious. Jokes aside, glad you exist, Nate. Solid work, as always!

[@aswano3359]

I dont even play fallout but nates videos are litterally always amazing, something about his voice and video format makes his videos perfect for litterally anything. Falling asleep, background audio for studying, genuine attention dedication, hats off to this man!!

[@That_Technician_Guy]

The mysterious stranger is just Todd Howard making sure you’ve boughten a copy of Skyrim for every platform that exists.

[@georgelovell1240]

On behalf of all of us, thank you for the massive projects you work on. They’re truly appreciated

[@villings]

"on behalf of all of us" jeez, relax

[@GDKF0238]

Nah, on behalf of all of us. If you disagree, then you aren’t a part of, “us”! Hope this helped you understand the concept

[@Joeseph_Mamamoa]

I don't recall electing you, you don't speak for everyone, you speak for yourself

[@Seattletyy93]

Hey this guy doesn't speak for us. But I fully agree with him 😂

[@Jibb3rs]

There really are some self important dickheads on this planet.

[@DelinquentChibi]

I think the magazine "The Man Who Could Stop Time" is more in reference to Valentine's identity than the Stranger's but the potential other connections are interesting. Could the Mysterious Stranger be related in some way to the original Nick? Probably just a fever dream, but we're not quite sure what's possible in the Fallout universe. Edit: Continuing on the Pipboy angle, it would be interesting if the Strangers are a sort of "ghost in the machine" situation, where there's just something *wrong* with the coding or internals of the Pipboys, either by design, some eldritch influence, or the latent radiation since the war.

[@andeturner6498]

Takes me a bit to get around to long videos but i would NEVER want you to stop them, longer form content from you is some of the best, proper attention is payed to details and as a lore lover its chefs kiss!

[@BulletsTheBlazing]

My theory is the mysterious stranger is one being that finds some form of amusement in being chased and helping others in combat. Lady fortune and the savior are followers/apprentices to the being.

[@DouglasWinslow-dt6ww]

The first synth corser you fight in the game(the one you can shut down with mama mirphy's help) can actully use V.A.T.S on you, hitting one of the player limbs with higher rate of fire, slightly higher damage , almost allways cribles said limb and never misses the player unless something is between the player and said corser

[@infernaldaedra]

I think it being a courser or a agent with stealth boys is most probable. It just makes sense in the most grounded explanation or like someone else said that maybe he's a like a time cop.

[@spencer3986]

Cribles

[@D0NU75]

i'd like to think the Mysterious Stranger is kind of title rather than an identity and that each Mysterious Stranger was or could have been their own protagonist on their stories hence the outlandish abilities. They are people who can smell the change in the air and when something's about to come down they tail the player offering help as little as they can without steering the players from their own story at least assuring some degree of success for the player.

[@infernaldaedra]

That's my interpretation they are never implied to be one person

[@joking_oregon1]

I've been watching your videos for years, don't feel the need to shorten them it's great just seeing you go all out I love the documentary style you use

[@banditvinchenzo347]

I remember the original video and I'm so excited you continued this mystery. You hadnt popped up on my feed for a good while so I'm ecstatic to see you delve back into a juicy one. Keep being epic!

[@MrCarnyfex]

I´ve wondered about the cigarettes myself BUT the Sole Survivors comment about the cigarettes has to be more on the cheeky side of things because the family has a cigarette stick in their pantry (the closet in their hallway, right next to their laundry room).

[@chadharger9323]

My take is that MS is an agent of Lady Luck. Lady Luck is often mentioned as if she is a real entity. Those had the greatest luck and believed in her were blessed by her into becoming her agents who assist other who have great luck like Falllout's main character.

[@xaikken]

Lady Luck is the oblivion statue the night mother is hidden beneath Coincidence?!?! Probably

[@hamstercow6219]

I think he was already in the commonwealth because even though it had not happened yet, he KNEW that the character would appear there and be important. It is rather mysterious that each of the protags of the game were in close contact with the stranger, and as far as we know from valentines notes he wasnt active in more than one location at once. So it seems like he knows when important figures/events in history will happen, and chooses to help the catalyst of those events (you). Perhaps future sight is a given if he can control time

[@D.Honey.Badger]

Thank you so much for the amazing content!! Is so beautiful to see someone who loves this franchise as much as we do❤

[@brotherarmox605]

Sunday night + new Nate video + warm blanket and cold outside. Can a man probably want more? Yes, but for now is enough. Thank you, Nate ❤

[@cr33d4]

You forgot hot cocoa or coffee.

[@crypt_yt9328]

Man 😂its 83 where I am rn😂 gimme your weather

[@cr33d4]

@@crypt_yt9328 Gimme a couple of months, when it is 10 or so below zero and you can have it.

[@brotherarmox605]

@@crypt_yt9328man I’m in south Europe 😂 it’s not cold as every year in the beginning of fall, but it’s chilly outside. There are exactly 14 celisius grades 😂

[@dblundz]

imma go make some and do the same!@@cr33d4

[@RayvenTheNight]

I think the fact that they keep him as such a mystery is cause if we knew everything about him then he wouldnt really be "mysterious" anymore.

[@mufasafalldown8401]

Yep. Fun video but a little self-indulgent to do such a deep dive into such an obviously shallow character. It's a fun character attached to a useful gameplay feature.

[@RancorousSea]

@@mufasafalldown8401 NEW SECRET REVEALED : rehashes known lore Bro is trying to make money, not make sense

[@KimBongUn]

Just subscribed, as someone who has only recently got into the fallout franchise these videos are amazing and made me realise these games are waaaaaay deeper than i thought, safe to say your videos have got me hooked on fallout and im amazed ive never played these games until around mid last year

[@klas156]

Thanks nate for the long video. I have watched all your videos several times and when a long one comes out I am always excited. You give me a much needed break while watching these.

[@yungbroc]

It would make sense to be some sort of secretive order that was passed down from generation to generation. OP did not mention how Mysterious Medic from 76 looks identical to lonesome drifter AND the mysterious stranger from FO4 (just older). Not to mention in-game at 55:05 he is ALSO named "mysterious stranger". I think the mustaches are important. In total the games span 185 years which could be 3 generations of the Mysterious Strangers. kind of makes sense especially when you consider in FO4 the MS looks about mid 50's. Also, Lonesome Drifter from NV looks about 30 so the timeline checks out if he actually is the son of the MS from FO4.

[@flim_flam4762]

Fallout 76 takes place in 2102, and the lonesome drifter is found in 2281. So while time travel could be an explanation, there isn’t really anything to suggest the lonesome drifter got his dads powers.

[@MrWesleyDP]

Honestly, I gotta say tying Vault-Tec to Eldritch Horror/Cthulhu makes the behavior of Vault-Tec more sensible to me overall. The whole Enclave, human experimentation for space exploration thing always struck me as unlikely. But torture in the guise of experimentation to appease/feed/awaken some eldritch horror seems plausible.

[@beardedgeek973]

I think we have both: Vault Tech upper management is probably tied to Eldritch Horrors, but I also believe they were hired by the "Illuminati" part of the US government to help with securing the future of the US of A (aka the Enclave). I think fewer people than we think in the government was tied directly to the old one(s), they just put their eggs in a basket that was even more evil than they were.

[@RivLabs]

Cabin In The Woods type vibe and I am HERE for it

[@jeremiahthepisces5493]

someone else said this years ago makes sense as someone commented cabin in the woods type shit

[@punkisdead5309]

My head canon is that the Mysterious Stranger is wearing Miss Fortune’s getup underneath his trench coat and suit

[@omgheytherewow]

I love how Nick Valentine in Fallout 4 is actually trying to solve the mystery that is The Mysterious Stranger. When he shows up during a fight and then vanishes Nick is like "There he is! Where did he go???" lol

[@otterblau5253]

My headcannon is that the mysterious stranger(s) were, like, time-lost. Or at least out of sync with our reality in a kinda Quantum Leap kinda way. Always just outside, looking for a way back Maybe they help the player because they know they are important in some way, or maybe the player is just one of a handful of people special enough to be able to glimpse them outside of reality/the timestream/etc. This could mean the stranger(s) could have had a normal life (have a family) then have some unfortunate event (science/eldritch) hurl them through time and space at random or some cosmic whim.

[@michelphilippe193]

What stands out the most to me is how none of the playable characters react/comment on this guy who just one shotted an Alpha Deathclaw in the glowing sea.

[@RayRaeTV]

I've been watching your videos for years and I've never been disappointed. I'm soo happy you still make Fallout videos, they're my favorite ones!

[@double_a8875]

I didn’t hesitate to watch this the second it dropped. Thank you for all the hard work you put into entertaining us. (And educating us in a gaming sense)

[@evilbron666]

Am surprised there is no mention of the 'Mistress of Mystery' quests from 76. Its been a while since I played it, but at the time I remember thinking that the Order of Mystery (or whatever it was called) was responsible for the whole lot of vigilantes, both the Mysterious Strangers and Lady Luck. Also sort of remember thinking it was pretty obvious. Maybe just me. Thanks for the vid. edit: upon further recolection, Kent Connolly who gives you the Silver Shroud quest in FO4, also appears (through notes/terminals) in 76, connected to the 'Order of Mystery' quests, is dressed very similarly to the MS, and the Silver shroud costume is also very similar. My thoughts are the Order of Myster and the Mysterious Stranger are def intertwined somehow.

[@savethezombies]

I think that is the origin of the Mysterious Stranger. When you complete that quest you're given a legendary 44 and the ability to make special stealth boys that disorient all those nearby. I think there's a bunch of mysterious strangers out there and maybe they don't all go through the Mistress of Mystery quest like your character can in 76 (as we see in Vegas, weapons and tech can be handed down) but I think they all trace back to that Mansion.

[@evilbron666]

@@savethezombies Had forgotten about the special stealth boys, cheers for the reminder.

[@felipe12444]

His other video about the Stranger mentions this quest in 76.

[@evilbron666]

@@felipe12444 cheers for the reminder, will have to rewatch. been a while :)

[@0meat]

Have you heard about the Mysterious Stranger showing up in Starfield yet? Really weird place too.

[@LaFoxxii]

Afaik there isn't a mysterious stranger in starfield? Googling it didn't come up with anything either

[@imd2565]

The fallout 76 Emissary is what made me think of starfield

[@jamesewing1685]

The longer your videos the more likely I’m to watch because I can listen while doing deliveries at my part time job love this!

[@ElderonAnalas]

I will also note, I think also, that Nick's case file, also makes reference to fallout 1 & 2. With that note about using various weapons and such, before more recently switching to more conventional firearms. To me, hinting at the "spawns with random equipment" caveat in the isometric installments.

[@RedWolfWindgear]

We can hope when Fallout 5 comes they finally answer this question with a vault experiment related to time travel. They did freeze experiments so something related to time would not be too farfetched.

[@maclura]

gonna need time travel just to see the release of fallout 5, it'll probably come out by 2036

[@RedWolfWindgear]

@@maclura About right at this rate on how long we will have to wait.

[@Biiinzzy]

Nate your videos is like one of my relaxers I need your long videos. I will always watch them. Thanks for making these vids g.

[@Micheal123mil]

EpicNate , the longer your videos are the more i will watch. Your always consistently entertaining. I usually watch your videos in full when they come out but then I will be replying that video for a week or two when I'm going to sleep. Take as much time as ypu need making videos because they always gold. Keep doing what your doing !

[@CrystalBrightz]

Lucky cigarette: The last one in the pack.

[@patrickiamonfire965]

Love your vids man. I know you put so much effort and time to make a 1 hour video with transition, asset placement, scripting, research and etc. No doubt research took most of the time than the script. I remember when you made that minecraft troll video than seeing your first top 10 skyrim video uploaded. I remember how you got more confident along the way as new videos were being uploaded. Keep it up and enjoy it also don’t burn out if you want to take long breaks or any breaks just take it. Don’t worry about us.

[@huntercripe1940]

I just really appreciate how in depth and informational this video is!!

[@marco0445]

I appreciate the little summary before the conclusion. I always forget a lot of things after a few months so that allows me to catch up on older vids again lol

[@ethanwagner]

I’ve always had such a soft spot for this channel. There is something about how loosely you tie things up, it feels like you’re really a detective and not just telling a story. Not everything matters and you routinely make a point to say “… or maybe it was just Bethesda having a lazy day at the office” and it makes the things that seem factual feel even more mind blowing. Hope for much more to come and maybe even a starfield vid if there even is any lore there

[@hayatojin2886]

the lore is there, its just boring as hell

[@coleeckerman1390]

That is strange with the pack of cigarettes, never noticed that. Nate and Nora don’t seem like smokers, especially with a newborn baby, and if one of them DID suddenly pick up smoking, they wouldn’t leave a pack right out in the open for the other to see. Plus, I don’t think smoking is considered safe by most reasonable people in pre-war Fallout, it’s been around long enough by that point for people to realize it’s unsafe.

[@da420wizard6]

Nate was a veteran tho and most soldiers smoke atleast while there deployed

[@edmartin875]

@@da420wizard6 I started smoking in Boot Camp in the spring of 1968. Being born in 1948, I grew up when smoking was very common.

[@xeriesdark9988]

Hey Nate, loved the vid!! Side note, the Stranger can absolutely teleport, with seemingly no limits. It’s possible to get him to appear in VATS in every 3&NV DLC, many of which take place in extremely remote areas. He can even appear on Mothership Zeta, which is obviously in Space. Notably inaccessible areas or completely locked rooms are no obstacle to him. The fact he can teleport to space raises some very interesting questions. Anyways, can’t wait for the next vid!!

[@liamwaddleton]

Was browsing KZbin just now and saw the notification for this video. It was perfect timing, and I can't wait to see it. The previous mysterious stranger video is one of my faves on the channel, I'm glad we got a follow-up/update to it

[@Giibbz]

Just think of how many of us are all watching together right now lol

[@bubzthetroll]

I have a hypothesis that the FO4 Stranger may actually be based on the real Nick Valentine's actual appearance. I have absolutely no evidence for this but I wonder if during the early development of Nick Valentines follower quest they briefly considered doing flashbacks to the original Valentine's investigation into Eddie Winter, similar to other flashback events like the one at the bottom of the Dunwich Borers quarry. Perhaps the artists working on character models made the character before the flashback idea was scrapped and it was decided to just use the model as the Mysterious stranger. Somewhat more plausible is that it was just an internal design to give the writers an idea of what the real Nick Valentine might have looked like with no intention to use it with his questline and the asset was subsequently reused as the Stranger.

[@owmylehg7811]

I'm surprised you never talked about Oswald the Outrageous from the Fallout 4 Nuka World DLC. He has magical abilities as well, being able to revive feral ghouls as well as teleporting around. He even goes into some detail about how he got them, saying that it came from the radiation from the bombs. It's possible that all of the various mysterious strangers in the fallout universe got their powers in a similar way, although they didn't turn out as ghoulish as Oswald. But it could explain why the one in 76 seems to be the same person as the one in NV and 3, since he would've technically been a ghoul and would've been able to live that long.

[@BWTF_Ben]

Thanks for another great video! I was surprised that you did not mention Frederick Rivers and The Order of Mysteries at all given its prominence in the previous Mysterious Stranger video. Either way, super fun speculating. Keep up the great work!

[@DevilBirdProductions]

I wonder if the Lonesome Drifter became the Mysterious Stranger in FO4. Same moustache, maybe same eye color? And a man can lose a lot of hair in a few years lol

[@soopy2345]

Actually not that bad of a theory

[@DevilBirdProductions]

@@soopy2345 But that's just a theory! a game th- *chokes on blood*

[@Narofox1]

My mate Nate comes through once again. Thank you for your efforts in digging into so much lore and helping me enjoy these games so much more ❤

[@TRC_MEDIA]

he keeps finding more lore, he cant be stopped lmao

[@adamusprime403]

40:00 omg I'm glad you brought this terminal up, I thought I was going crazy because like so few amount of people were talking about it's existence, and I remembered reading that terminal entry when I was doing my first playthrough of Fallout 4

[@jonlan8077]

Honestly surprised I watched this entire video. You do a great job of having an engaging voice that makes what you are talking about interesting, I can just tell you have enjoyed the work put into this video! Keep it up!

[@dallasmiller471]

I *GENUINELY* thought the twist at the end of Fallout 4 was that the player character was going to be a synth. It seems like they toyed with that, so I don't feel as crazy now

[@Dramghrul]

Loves these videos! I look forward to every upload and honestly when I see a new one I can’t help but feel that bit of dopamine.

[@Juggalo42240]

Love your videos dude. I've recently gotten back into fallout fever, so hearing all of your lore and facts about the series really helps throughout the work day haha 😎

[@Just_Terrance]

I appreciate the time and effort you put into all your video's, this brought so much life to a character I honestly never really thought of much. This is S tier content, thank you for the enlightenment.

[@MontyTFreek-gr6tf]

Dude, I'm so glad you're back. Hope all is well. Always looking forward to your projects .

[@burningpapersun1]

I always eagerly wait for a new videos from you. I love the lore of the mysterious strangers and I'm glad I get information regarding 76.

[@IFiestyTacoZ]

Thanks Nate, love the vids and time you put into them! ❤

[@collincutler4992]

1st time I came upon Swan....VERY unprepared, the Stranger smoked him for me...hes a badass

[@mattcrazy7070]

I absolutely love your videos! So well done, and so relaxing

[@mommiesaurus]

Here I am again on my own. Walking down the only road I will ever know. Signed the Stranger.

[@Arvel_The_Swit]

I love these longer videos, they're so entertaining and well done! But I did notice a few factual errors in the video and thought I might as well correct them here: The magazine in Vault 114 is actually not found in the cell where Nick is being held, but I'm pretty sure there is a bobblehead in there, so maybe that's what you were thinking of. And I still think that the magazine being in the same vault as Nick could mean something! Also, about Nick only being able to change into the Creation Club Courser outfit: I'm thinking that the outfit the courser wears must be a reskin of the 'Faded Trenchcoat' clothing item in the base game. The trenchcoat looks the same as the one Nick wears and it is given to the player after completing the quest 'Unlikely Valentine', for some reason this clothing item is the only one in the game that Nick will wear. Weirdly enough it actually fixes his damaged hand too, which I find quite interesting! Other than those small things this video is awesome! These videos must take so long to research, edit and record!

[@sera4893]

can never get tired of hearing Nate's lore videos.

[@j4ce4201]

I f***ing love everything about fallout from vegas to 4. Only because i never played 1-3 or 76 but this lore keeps me up to date on what ive missed. Great content dude!

[@Nameworthy_]

Big thanks Mr. Nate, your videos made me go back to play Fallout! ❤

[@Anyone00TZ]

Also in 76: Indrid Cold will bamf out like a Mothman when attacked. I know many people don't like this idea but if FO5 takes place further out in the timeline and is sufficiently disconnected from the events of FO4 I would like to see Nick Valentine (the synth companion one) as the Mysterious Stranger.

[@Underqualified_Gunman]

Could it be the stranger functions the way he does in fo1 and 2 due to not having aquired the institute teleport tech yet? Might be something to consider if you want a terrestrial explanation.

[@taylordiamond]

The original mysterious stranger was meant to represent not just a single person, but the idea that just anyone could show up at an opportune time to lend you aid. It was Bethesda's idea to turn it into one specific entity and then just give him a bunch of cryptic stuff and no back story to be a literal mysterious stranger. As for the Institute PC entry, it was removed because it was a reflection on the player (Time slowing, stopping, VATS) and leaned too heavily into the notion that the player could actually be a type of android instead of leaving it open ended like it is with Deckard in Blade Runner.

[@picturethis2296]

I love these videos, the joy on my face when I check notifications and find an essay

[@stevenkoppelkam643]

The mysterious stranger didn't necessarily father anyone, they could have just been an adopted father figure

[@kokowoch]

imagine being so epic, bethesda named the main male protagonist of fallout 4 after you

[@AJUniverse]

Dima did NOT have Nick's consciousness. He was just another model of the same kind of Synth that they put Nick into.

[@Darklovefly]

Long videos are hard work but I love them so I appreciate when creators put them out❤️

[@collincutler4992]

I think the Stranger is more than 1 guy....a superhero type "legend", donned by more than 1 badass man... but the Institute got hold of one and based a few synths off of the captured Stranger.

[@evilhulk9580]

im looking forward to more videos on starfield mysteries and easter eggs im very interested in the alien evidence and perhaps the ghosts of haunted ships