When Fallout 4 came out, players were shocked at the things Codsworth could say, but what he can’t say is just as surprising. Codworth is the player character’s faithful robot butler both before and after the nukes fall, and one of Fallout 4‘s 16 companions. In a fun addition that isn’t typical for games that allow players to choose their names, Codsworth actually has an extensive list of names that he can say when speaking to the player. This means many players can hear the game calling them by their real names, instead of vaguely referring to them or using an assigned surname like Mass Effect’s Shepherd.
Although this is a fun addition for many players, not everyone was able to fully enjoy Codsworth’s voice lines. Despite having some common names, certain players found that they had been left off the list of things Codsworth was able to say. This wouldn’t be too shocking if it weren’t for some of the wild names that Codsworth can call the player in Fallout 4.
Codsworth Can’t Say Common Names Like Fred
Codsworth’s Name List Isn’t As Comprehensive As One Might Think
Despite an extensive list of potential names Codsworth can say, Fallout 4 did miss some common ones. As pointed out in a Reddit thread by RebelRouserSchnauzer around the time of the game’s release, Codsworth wasn’t able to say his name: Fred. Other users chimed in, adding their own names to the list of common names Codsworth couldn’t say, including Kyle and Rachel.
Perhaps one of the strangest exclusions from the list is the name Shaun, which is also the name of the player character’s in-game baby. Codworth says the name when referring to the character Shaun, but the name was strangely not included on the list of names he could call the player character. Funnily enough, the Fallout Wiki claims that the traditional Irish spelling – Sean – was later patched in, but Codsworth still doesn’t recognize Shaun.
This Is Shocking Given Some Of The Things Codsworth CAN Say
Codsworth Can Swear And Make Pop Culture References
On its own, the fact that some names didn’t make it onto Codsworth’s list isn’t too surprising. After all, there had to be some kind of limit, and choices had to be made. However, the fact that common names were left off the list is made stranger by some of the names Codsworth CAN say.
Among some of the less common names on the list are Zenith, Unbreakable, and Toecutter. Some less common names that Codsworth can say were clearly chosen because they are pop culture references. For instance, players can name themselves Springsteen. Though these references are fun, it probably is a little disappointing for all the Freds and Rachels out there that Furiosa made the list, and their names didn’t.
Even stranger than the pop culture references are the names that are just straight-up profanity. While they won’t be listed here, a quick trip to the F section of the list of names Codsworth can say will give a good idea of the types of names that beat out the much more innocent four-letter F-word, Fred. Of course, these more humorous names aren’t without merit, especially if players go long stretches of gameplay without seeing Codsworth and forget the jokey name they gave themselves. Getting hit with a profanity-laden insult as a “welcome home” from Codswroth can be pretty entertaining.
Why Can’t Codsworth Say Some Of The Most Common Names?
Codsworth’s Name List Was Likely A Promotional Choice
Although this issue hasn’t been directly addressed by Bethesda, the reason why certain names were left off the list is likely a logistical one. After all, Codsworth is voiced by a real voice actor, so there was always going to be a limit to the number of names he would be able to say. In an interview with YouTuber Skycaptin5, Codsworth’s voice actor, Stephen Russell, mentioned multiple sessions of saying “all those names.” With Russell also voicing every Mr. Handy in the game and Nick Valentine, there had to be a limit on the number of names in Fallout 4.
Why Bethesda would choose to include some outlandish names but not common ones maybe isn’t too big a mystery either. They likely knew players would get a kick out of hearing Codsworth call them dirty names, and flock to social media to show off the outlandish things the robot could say. While this meant some players missed out on a more personalized experience, Fallout 4 was likely able to generate some positive word of mouth for itself through this choice.
Sources: Fallout Wiki, YouTube/Skycaptin5, u/RebelRouserSchnauzer/Reddit
Bethesda’s action RPG Fallout 4 puts players into the vault suit of the Lone Survivor, a pre-war soldier from an alternate future cryogenically frozen inside Vault 111. After their infant son is kidnapped, they venture out into the irradiated wasteland of the Commonwealth to scour the ruins of Boston for any sign of him. In doing so, they encounter various factions and companions and use an array of skills and abilities to navigate the apocalyptic remnants of society.
- Released
- November 10, 2015
- Engine
- Creation
- ESRB
- M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS
