
The Fallout series, developed by Bethesda Softworks and originally created by Interplay Entertainment, is a beloved franchise that has captivated gamers for decades. With its rich lore, intricate world-building, and morally complex narratives, the series offers a unique blend of post-apocalyptic survival and role-playing elements. However, for newcomers, the question of “what order to play Fallout games” can be as perplexing as navigating the Wasteland itself. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the optimal order in which to experience the Fallout universe, while also delving into some tangential discussions that might spark your curiosity.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
The most straightforward way to experience the Fallout series is to play the games in the order they were released. This approach allows you to witness the evolution of the franchise, from its humble beginnings to its current state of graphical and narrative sophistication.
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Fallout (1997): The original game that started it all. Set in the year 2161, it introduces players to the Vault Dweller, who must venture out into the Wasteland to find a replacement water chip for Vault 13. The game’s isometric perspective and turn-based combat may feel dated, but its storytelling and world-building are timeless.
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Fallout 2 (1998): A direct sequel to the original, Fallout 2 takes place 80 years later and follows the descendant of the Vault Dweller. The game expands on the lore and introduces new factions, locations, and moral dilemmas. It’s a deeper, more complex experience than its predecessor.
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Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001): A spin-off that focuses more on tactical combat than role-playing. While it doesn’t contribute significantly to the main storyline, it offers a different perspective on the Brotherhood of Steel and the Wasteland.
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Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004): Another spin-off, this time an action RPG for consoles. It’s often considered the black sheep of the series due to its departure from the core gameplay mechanics and tone of the mainline games.
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Fallout 3 (2008): A reboot of sorts, Fallout 3 brought the series into the 3D era with a first-person perspective. Set in the Capital Wasteland, it follows the Lone Wanderer as they search for their missing father. The game’s open-world design and moral choices set a new standard for the franchise.
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Fallout: New Vegas (2010): Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this installment is often hailed as the best in the series. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, it follows the Courier, who is left for dead and seeks revenge. The game’s branching narrative and deep role-playing elements make it a fan favorite.
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Fallout 4 (2015): The latest mainline entry, Fallout 4 is set in the Commonwealth (post-apocalyptic Boston). It introduces settlement building and a more action-oriented combat system. While it received mixed reviews for its simplified RPG elements, it remains a visually stunning and expansive game.
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Fallout 76 (2018): An online multiplayer game set in West Virginia, Fallout 76 was initially met with criticism but has since improved with updates. It explores the early days of the Wasteland and offers a unique, if controversial, experience.
2. Chronological Order: A Historical Perspective
For those interested in experiencing the Fallout universe in chronological order, the timeline is as follows:
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Fallout 76 (2102): Set just 25 years after the Great War, Fallout 76 is the earliest in the timeline. It provides a glimpse into the early days of the Wasteland, when the world was still reeling from nuclear devastation.
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Fallout (2161): The original game takes place 59 years after Fallout 76. It introduces the Vault Dweller and the struggle for survival in a world where resources are scarce.
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Fallout 2 (2241): Set 80 years after the original, Fallout 2 explores a more developed Wasteland, with new factions and technologies emerging.
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Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197-2208): Although not strictly canonical, Fallout Tactics is set between the original and Fallout 2. It focuses on the Brotherhood of Steel’s efforts to maintain order in the Midwest.
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Fallout 3 (2277): Set 36 years after Fallout 2, Fallout 3 takes place in the Capital Wasteland. It introduces the Lone Wanderer and explores themes of family and survival.
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Fallout: New Vegas (2281): Just four years after Fallout 3, New Vegas is set in the Mojave Wasteland. It delves into the power struggle between various factions, including the New California Republic and Caesar’s Legion.
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Fallout 4 (2287): The latest mainline entry, Fallout 4 is set six years after New Vegas. It explores the Commonwealth and introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as settlement building.
3. Thematic Order: A Narrative Journey
For those who prefer a more thematic approach, the Fallout games can be grouped based on their central themes and narrative arcs:
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Survival and Exploration (Fallout, Fallout 3, Fallout 4): These games focus on the struggle for survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world. They emphasize exploration, resource management, and the moral dilemmas of a world where the old rules no longer apply.
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Faction Politics and Moral Complexity (Fallout 2, Fallout: New Vegas): These games delve into the political landscape of the Wasteland, with multiple factions vying for power. They offer complex moral choices and branching narratives that challenge the player’s sense of right and wrong.
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Tactical Combat and Brotherhood of Steel (Fallout Tactics, Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel): These spin-offs focus more on tactical combat and the exploits of the Brotherhood of Steel. While they may not contribute significantly to the main storyline, they offer a different perspective on the Wasteland.
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Early Days of the Wasteland (Fallout 76): This game explores the early days of the Wasteland, when the world was still in chaos. It offers a unique perspective on the origins of the Fallout universe and the struggles of the first survivors.
4. Personal Preference: The Ultimate Guide
Ultimately, the best order to play the Fallout games depends on your personal preferences. If you’re a fan of classic RPGs and don’t mind dated graphics, starting with the original Fallout and working your way up might be the most rewarding experience. If you prefer more modern, action-oriented gameplay, jumping straight into Fallout 3 or Fallout 4 might be more your speed. And if you’re interested in the early days of the Wasteland, Fallout 76 offers a unique, if controversial, perspective.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I play Fallout: New Vegas without playing the previous games? A: Yes, Fallout: New Vegas is a standalone story that doesn’t require knowledge of the previous games. However, playing the earlier games will give you a deeper understanding of the lore and world-building.
Q: Is Fallout 76 worth playing in 2023? A: Fallout 76 has improved significantly since its rocky launch, with numerous updates and expansions. If you’re interested in the early days of the Wasteland and enjoy multiplayer experiences, it might be worth a try.
Q: What is the best Fallout game for beginners? A: Fallout 3 is often recommended for beginners due to its more accessible gameplay and straightforward narrative. It serves as a good introduction to the series’ mechanics and themes.
Q: Are the Fallout spin-offs necessary to understand the main storyline? A: No, the spin-offs like Fallout Tactics and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel are not necessary to understand the main storyline. They offer additional content and perspectives but are not essential to the core narrative.
Q: How long does it take to complete all the Fallout games? A: The time it takes to complete all the Fallout games varies depending on your playstyle. On average, each mainline game takes around 30-50 hours to complete, while the spin-offs may take less time. Overall, you could be looking at several hundred hours to experience the entire series.