When the player returns, they will be allowed to create a Settlement by interacting with a Work Bench, and construct new housing, defenses, and sustainable resources to entice settlers to live in Sanctuary. At the start of the game, the player can briefly explore their own house and parts of the cul-de-sac before being forced out of the area. Sanctuary is an important location, as it is the site of the game's beginning, both pre-war and post-war. Despite the slightly-demolished state, the site's natural moat and one bridge make it a prime location for building a settlement. The site hosts 14 buildings (many have collapsed in the aftermath of the Great War). Sanctuary resembles the common 1950's suburban cul-de-sac, isolated from most of the wasteland.