What Order to Play Fallout Games: A Journey Through Time and Chaos

What Order to Play Fallout Games: A Journey Through Time and Chaos

The Fallout series, developed by Bethesda Softworks and previously by Interplay Entertainment, is a cornerstone of the post-apocalyptic RPG genre. With its rich lore, complex characters, and immersive worlds, deciding the order in which to play these games can be as daunting as surviving the Wasteland itself. Whether you’re a seasoned Vault Dweller or a fresh-faced newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the radioactive ruins of the Fallout universe.

1. Release Order: The Classic Approach

Playing the Fallout games in the order they were released is the most straightforward method. This allows you to experience the evolution of the series, from its isometric roots to its modern open-world iterations.

  • Fallout (1997): The original game that started it all. Set in 2161, it introduces you to the world of Vaults, Super Mutants, and the Brotherhood of Steel. The turn-based combat and isometric view might feel dated, but the storytelling and world-building are timeless.

  • Fallout 2 (1998): A direct sequel to the first game, set 80 years later. It expands on the lore and introduces new factions like the New California Republic (NCR). The game is more complex and offers a deeper role-playing experience.

  • Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001): A spin-off that focuses more on tactical combat than storytelling. It’s set in the same universe but doesn’t contribute significantly to the main narrative.

  • Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004): Another spin-off, this time for consoles. It’s often considered the black sheep of the series due to its action-oriented gameplay and lack of depth.

  • Fallout 3 (2008): The game that brought the series into the 3D open-world era. Set in the Capital Wasteland, it introduces the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) and a more cinematic approach to storytelling.

  • Fallout: New Vegas (2010): Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this game is a fan favorite. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, it offers a more hardcore RPG experience with multiple factions and endings.

  • Fallout 4 (2015): The latest main entry in the series, set in the Commonwealth. It introduces settlement building and a more action-oriented gameplay style, while still retaining the core RPG elements.

  • Fallout 76 (2018): An online multiplayer game set in West Virginia. It’s a departure from the single-player focus of previous games and has received mixed reviews.

2. Chronological Order: A Historical Perspective

For those who want to experience the Fallout universe in chronological order, this approach offers a unique perspective on the timeline of events.

  • Fallout 76 (2102): Set just 25 years after the Great War, it’s the earliest in the timeline. The world is still fresh with the scars of nuclear devastation, and you’ll encounter the earliest forms of many factions.

  • Fallout (2161): The original game, set in a world that’s had more time to recover but is still struggling with the aftermath of the war.

  • Fallout 2 (2241): Set 80 years after the first game, it shows a world that’s beginning to rebuild, with the NCR emerging as a major power.

  • Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197-2208): This game’s timeline is a bit murky, but it’s generally set between Fallout and Fallout 2.

  • Fallout 3 (2277): Set in the Capital Wasteland, it’s a world that’s still dangerous but has seen some progress in terms of civilization.

  • Fallout: New Vegas (2281): Set four years after Fallout 3, it’s a world where the NCR and Caesar’s Legion are vying for control.

  • Fallout 4 (2287): Set in the Commonwealth, it’s a world that’s still struggling with the same issues as previous games, but with new threats and opportunities.

3. Thematic Order: A Narrative Journey

If you’re more interested in the themes and stories of the Fallout universe, this approach groups games based on their narrative focus.

  • The Origins of the Wasteland (Fallout 76, Fallout): Start with the earliest games to understand the roots of the Wasteland and the initial struggles of survival.

  • The Rise of Civilization (Fallout 2, Fallout: New Vegas): These games focus on the emergence of new societies and the conflicts that arise as different factions vie for power.

  • The Struggle for Survival (Fallout 3, Fallout 4): These games emphasize the ongoing struggle to survive in a world that’s still recovering from nuclear devastation.

4. Gameplay Evolution: From Turn-Based to Open World

For those interested in the evolution of gameplay mechanics, this order allows you to experience the transition from turn-based combat to open-world exploration.

  • Turn-Based Classics (Fallout, Fallout 2): Start with the original games to experience the roots of the series’ RPG mechanics.

  • Tactical Spin-Offs (Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel): These games offer a different take on the Fallout formula, focusing more on tactical combat.

  • Open-World Revolution (Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, Fallout 4): These games bring the series into the modern era with open-world exploration and more action-oriented gameplay.

  • Multiplayer Experiment (Fallout 76): The latest entry in the series, it’s a departure from the single-player focus of previous games.

5. Personal Preference: The Ultimate Guide

Ultimately, the best order to play the Fallout games is the one that suits your personal preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the classic RPG elements, the open-world exploration, or the rich lore, there’s a path through the Wasteland that’s perfect for you.

Q: Can I play Fallout: New Vegas without playing Fallout 3? A: Yes, Fallout: New Vegas is a standalone story with its own unique setting and characters. While it shares some lore with Fallout 3, it’s not necessary to play one to understand the other.

Q: Is Fallout 76 worth playing if I prefer single-player games? A: Fallout 76 is primarily a multiplayer game, but it does offer some single-player content. However, if you’re looking for a traditional single-player experience, you might want to stick with the other entries in the series.

Q: Which Fallout game has the best story? A: This is subjective, but many fans consider Fallout: New Vegas to have the best story due to its complex factions, multiple endings, and deep role-playing elements.

Q: Are the older Fallout games still worth playing? A: Absolutely. While the graphics and gameplay mechanics of the older games may feel dated, their storytelling and world-building are still top-notch and offer a unique experience that’s different from the modern entries.

Q: What’s the best order for a newcomer to the series? A: For newcomers, starting with Fallout 3 or Fallout 4 is often recommended. These games offer a more accessible entry point with modern graphics and gameplay, while still providing a rich introduction to the Fallout universe.