Is Preston Garvey a Synth in Fallout 4?
PhR0ST is right that the question was likely asked to elicit a response, but the answer to this query is not entirely clear-cut. This mystery adds an intriguing layer to the game Fallout 4, making it even more engaging for players.
Preliminary Information on Preston Garvey
When players first encounter Preston Garvey at the start of the game, he appears as a human. However, Preston Garvey can also manifest in another form, resembling the real Preston, by the time you reach Sanctuary Hills. This alternate Preston is described as a scam artist. The game's wiki suggests that his scam involves misleading people into believing he is the true Preston Garvey, Fallout 4, in an attempt to earn quick caps.
Suspicions and Evidence
Whilst such a scam may seem plausible, it might not be the most effective strategy. Engaging in the game’s wasteland often offers more lucrative alternatives. The suspicion arises that this alternate Preston might be a
Theory: Preston Garvey as a Synth
One theory revolves around the possibility that the alternate Preston, encountered in the Commonwealth, might indeed be a synth. The Institute, a powerful faction in the game, often deploys synths to replace key individuals or infiltrate settlements. The idea is that the synth would proceed to Sanctuary Hills, completing its mission and eventually becoming the real Preston Garvey.
Once Preston reaches his destination, he becomes an essential character, and the game mechanics prevent the player from killing him. This theory aligns with the in-game behavior and the significance of Preston Garvey as a leader in the game.
Counter-Argument
However, as PhR0ST pointed out, if Preston is killed under certain conditions or otherwise made non-essential, he does not drop a synth component. Typically, synths in the game do drop synth components upon death. Examples include Paladin Danse and members of settlements where the Institute has replaced the population with synths. Their synth components are distinct and identifiable.
Conclusion
Given the lack of definitive proof and the complexity of in-game mechanics, the question of whether Preston Garvey is a synth remains open. The game’s lore and mechanics offer multiple interpretations, making it a fascinating topic for discussion among Fallout 4 enthusiasts.