What is the Story Behind Fallout?
Fallout is a popular post-apocalyptic role-playing game (RPG) series developed by Bethesda Softworks. The game’s story is a complex and intricate web of events, characters, and plot twists that span decades. In this article, we’ll delve into the story behind Fallout and explore the key events, characters, and themes that have made the series so beloved.
The Setting
The Fallout series is set in a post-apocalyptic world, specifically in the United States, where a nuclear war known as the "Great War" occurred in 2077. The war was sparked by a global conflict between the United States and China, which resulted in the destruction of the world as we know it. The game’s world is a harsh and unforgiving environment, where radiation has ravaged the land, and mutated creatures roam the ruins of civilization.
The Vault-Tec Era
Before the Great War, a company called Vault-Tec was established to develop a network of underground shelters known as "vaults." These vaults were designed to protect a select few from the impending nuclear war, by sealing them away for 200 years. The vaults were equipped with advanced technology, food, and medical supplies to sustain the inhabitants for generations.
The Vaults’ Purpose
The primary purpose of the vaults was to preserve human life and allow society to recover from the devastation of the Great War. However, the vaults were also designed to be used as a means of social control, as the inhabitants were subjected to strict rules and regulations. The vaults were meant to be self-sustaining communities, where the inhabitants would live in isolation from the outside world.
The Vault Dwellers
The inhabitants of the vaults were known as "vault dwellers." They were chosen based on various criteria, such as social class, profession, and genetic makeup. The vault dwellers were given a new identity, known as a "birth certificate," which determined their social status and role within the vault.
The Great War
On October 23, 2077, the Great War broke out, and the world was devastated by nuclear war. The vaults were sealed, and the inhabitants were left to live in isolation for 200 years. The war had a profound impact on the world, causing widespread destruction, radiation poisoning, and the mutation of animals and humans.
The Fallout
After the war, the world was left in ruins, and the survivors were forced to adapt to a harsh new environment. The game’s story follows the adventures of the survivors, who must navigate the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, including mutated creatures, raiders, and other hostile factions.
The Main Characters
The main characters in the Fallout series are the Vault Dweller, the Chosen One, and the Lone Wanderer. The Vault Dweller is the protagonist of the first game, who is tasked with finding a water chip to save their vault. The Chosen One is the protagonist of Fallout 2, who is destined to save the world from an impending catastrophe. The Lone Wanderer is the protagonist of Fallout 3, who sets out to find their father and uncover the secrets of the post-apocalyptic world.
The Themes
The Fallout series explores several themes, including:
• Survival: The struggle to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
• Identity: The search for one’s identity and purpose in a post-apocalyptic world.
• Morality: The gray areas between right and wrong, and the consequences of one’s actions.
• History: The impact of historical events on the present and future.
The Legacy
The Fallout series has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, influencing other RPGs and post-apocalyptic games. The series has also spawned a dedicated community of fans, who have created their own mods, art, and fiction based on the game’s world and characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main plot of Fallout?
A: The main plot of Fallout is the story of the Vault Dweller, who is tasked with finding a water chip to save their vault.
Q: What is the Great War?
A: The Great War is a global nuclear war that occurred in 2077, which devastated the world and led to the formation of the post-apocalyptic world.
Q: What is the purpose of the vaults?
A: The primary purpose of the vaults is to preserve human life and allow society to recover from the devastation of the Great War.
Q: Who is the Chosen One?
A: The Chosen One is the protagonist of Fallout 2, who is destined to save the world from an impending catastrophe.
Q: What is the Lone Wanderer?
A: The Lone Wanderer is the protagonist of Fallout 3, who sets out to find their father and uncover the secrets of the post-apocalyptic world.
Q: What are the themes of Fallout?
A: The themes of Fallout include survival, identity, morality, and history.
Q: What is the legacy of Fallout?
A: The Fallout series has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, influencing other RPGs and post-apocalyptic games, and spawning a dedicated community of fans.
Q: What is the setting of Fallout?
A: The setting of Fallout is a post-apocalyptic world, specifically in the United States, where a nuclear war known as the "Great War" occurred in 2077.
Q: What is Vault-Tec?
A: Vault-Tec is a company that developed a network of underground shelters known as "vaults" to protect a select few from the impending nuclear war.
Table: Vault-Tec Vaults
| Vault Number | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Vault 101 | Washington D.C. | Control Vault |
| Vault 112 | Maryland | Agricultural Vault |
| Vault 114 | California | Industrial Vault |
I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of the story behind Fallout. The game’s complex and intricate world is full of interesting characters, plot twists, and themes that have made it a beloved series among gamers.