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

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

The Fallout series, developed by Bethesda Softworks and earlier by Interplay Entertainment, is a cornerstone of the post-apocalyptic RPG genre. With its rich lore, complex characters, and morally ambiguous choices, the series has captivated gamers for decades. But with multiple entries spanning different timelines and gameplay styles, the question arises: What order should you play the Fallout games? And more importantly, does the order even matter when the wasteland is always unpredictable?

1. Release Order: The Classic Approach

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

  • Fallout (1997): The game that started it all. Set in 2161, it introduces players to the Vaults, the Brotherhood of Steel, and the iconic Pip-Boy. The turn-based combat and isometric view may feel dated, but the storytelling and world-building are timeless.

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

  • Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001): A spin-off focusing on tactical combat rather than traditional RPG elements. It’s not essential to the main storyline but offers a different perspective on the Brotherhood of Steel.

  • Fallout 3 (2008): The first 3D entry in the series, set in the Capital Wasteland. It introduces real-time combat and a more immersive open world. The game’s story revolves around the Lone Wanderer’s search for their father and the fate of Project Purity.

  • Fallout: New Vegas (2010): Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this entry is often considered the best in the series. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, it offers a more nuanced story with multiple factions vying for control of New Vegas.

  • Fallout 4 (2015): The latest mainline entry, set in the Commonwealth (formerly Boston). It introduces settlement building and a more action-oriented gameplay style. The story focuses on the Sole Survivor’s search for their kidnapped son.

  • Fallout 76 (2018): An online multiplayer game set in West Virginia, 25 years after the Great War. 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 interested in the timeline of the Fallout universe, playing the games in chronological order can provide a deeper understanding of the world’s history.

  • Fallout 76 (2102): Set just 25 years after the bombs fell, it’s the earliest in the timeline. The game explores the early days of the wasteland and the formation of factions like the Responders and the Brotherhood of Steel.

  • Fallout (2161): The original game, set over a century after the Great War. It introduces the player to the Vaults and the struggle for survival in the post-apocalyptic world.

  • Fallout 2 (2241): Set 80 years after the first game, it shows how the world has evolved and introduces new threats like the Enclave.

  • Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197-2208): While not strictly canonical, it provides insight into the Brotherhood of Steel’s early years.

  • Fallout 3 (2277): Set in the Capital Wasteland, it explores the aftermath of the Great War and the struggle for clean water.

  • Fallout: New Vegas (2281): Set four years after Fallout 3, it focuses on the power struggle in the Mojave Wasteland.

  • Fallout 4 (2287): The latest in the timeline, set in the Commonwealth. It explores themes of synthetic life and the ethics of scientific experimentation.

3. Thematic Order: A Narrative Journey

If you’re more interested in the themes and storytelling of the Fallout series, you might consider playing the games based on their narrative focus.

  • Fallout 3: Start with the Lone Wanderer’s personal journey and the struggle for survival in the Capital Wasteland. This game sets the tone for the series’ exploration of morality and the consequences of human actions.

  • Fallout: New Vegas: Dive into the political intrigue and faction warfare of the Mojave Wasteland. This game offers a more complex narrative with multiple endings, depending on your choices.

  • Fallout 4: Explore the ethical dilemmas of synthetic life and the impact of technology on humanity. The game’s settlement building also adds a layer of strategy and resource management.

  • Fallout 76: Experience the early days of the wasteland and the formation of the first post-apocalyptic communities. The multiplayer aspect adds a new dimension to the series’ exploration of human cooperation and conflict.

  • Fallout and Fallout 2: Finally, go back to the roots of the series with the original games. These entries provide a deeper understanding of the world’s history and the origins of key factions like the Brotherhood of Steel and the NCR.

4. Gameplay Order: From Classic to Modern

If you’re more concerned with gameplay mechanics than story, you might want to start with the more modern entries and work your way back to the classics.

  • Fallout 4: With its refined combat system, settlement building, and open-world exploration, Fallout 4 is the most accessible entry for new players.

  • Fallout: New Vegas: While it shares many gameplay elements with Fallout 3, New Vegas offers a more refined experience with better writing and more meaningful choices.

  • Fallout 3: The first 3D entry in the series, Fallout 3 introduces the open-world gameplay that defines the modern Fallout games.

  • Fallout 76: As an online multiplayer game, Fallout 76 offers a different experience from the single-player entries. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for something different.

  • Fallout and Fallout 2: These classic entries are more challenging, with turn-based combat and isometric views. They’re best suited for players who enjoy deep role-playing and complex narratives.

5. The Chaos Order: Embrace the Madness

For those who thrive on unpredictability, why not play the games in a completely random order? Start with Fallout 76, then jump to Fallout 2, followed by Fallout 4, and so on. This approach will keep you on your toes and make each game feel fresh and unexpected.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to play the Fallout games in order to understand the story? A: Not necessarily. Each game is largely self-contained, with its own story and characters. However, playing in order can provide a deeper understanding of the world and its history.

Q: Which Fallout game is the best for beginners? A: Fallout 4 is the most beginner-friendly, with its modern gameplay mechanics and accessible story. Fallout: New Vegas is also a good choice for its engaging narrative and role-playing elements.

Q: Is Fallout 76 worth playing? A: Fallout 76 has improved significantly since its launch, with new content and updates. If you enjoy multiplayer games and exploring a vast open world, it’s worth giving a try.

Q: Can I skip the older Fallout games? A: While the older games are more challenging, they offer a rich narrative experience that’s worth exploring if you’re a fan of the series. However, if you prefer modern gameplay, you can start with the more recent entries.

Q: What’s the best order to play the Fallout games for the full experience? A: The best order depends on your preferences. If you want to experience the evolution of the series, play in release order. If you’re interested in the timeline, go chronological. For a thematic journey, follow the narrative focus. And if you’re feeling adventurous, embrace the chaos order!