Fallout Fans Spot Clue to Cooper Howard’s Ghoul Origin

Fallout’s second season has kicked off with a bang, and sharp-eyed viewers are already piecing together what might have happened to Cooper Howard and his family. The first episode drops a subtle nod to a city that, for long-time fans, rings a few bells—Bakersfield. This detail has sparked plenty of chatter among the community, with some punters convinced it holds the answer to how Cooper ended up as a Ghoul.

Vault 12 and the Bakersfield Connection

One theory doing the rounds goes like this:

“Cooper references Bakersfield in episode 1, season 2. Is this how he became a ghoul? Are his ex and daughter also ghoulified? The vault door was intentionally faulty in Vault 12, which is located in Bakersfield.”

For those who’ve played the original game, Vault 12 is infamous. Marketed by Vault-Tec as a top-tier shelter, it was actually a trap. The door was designed to fail, leaving everyone inside exposed to radiation and, over time, turning them into Ghouls. It’s a grim bit of history that fits neatly with Cooper’s journey, especially since he and his daughter Janey are seen heading to Bakersfield after learning Barb, his wife, might be caught up in the chaos.

Barb, Janey, and the Management Vaults

But there’s a twist. Barb isn’t just any survivor—she’s a high-up at Vault-Tec, and she mentions having access to the management vaults. These exclusive shelters are built for the company’s top brass and their families, offering the best protection money can buy. It stands to reason that Barb and Janey would end up there, safe from the worst of the fallout.

If that’s the case, it leaves Cooper in a tough spot. When the bombs dropped, it’s likely Barb and Janey made it to safety, while Cooper was left outside, copping the brunt of the radiation. That would explain why he’s the one who’s been transformed, while his family might have avoided the same fate.

Unanswered Questions and Hints for the Future

Despite all the speculation, there’s still plenty we don’t know. The Ghoul seems to hold out hope that Barb and Janey are alive and, crucially, not Ghouls themselves. If they did make it to a management vault, there’s every chance they dodged the worst of it. But with the way things go in this universe, nothing’s ever that simple.

As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely for more clues. Theories are flying, and every new episode is sure to add fuel to the fire. For those keen to dig deeper, there’s plenty to unpack in the latest review, a stack of Easter eggs to spot, and a timeline that’s only getting more tangled.