Do You Have to Play Fallout Games in Order?
The Fallout series has been a beloved favorite among gamers for decades, with its post-apocalyptic world, engaging storylines, and addictive gameplay. With the latest installment, Fallout 76, releasing in 2018, new players might be wondering if they need to play the previous games in the series to understand the story. In this article, we’ll dive into whether you have to play the Fallout games in order and explore the pros and cons of doing so.
Do You Have to Play Fallout in Order?
In short, no, you don’t necessarily have to play the Fallout games in order to understand the story or enjoy the gameplay. While the series does share a common universe and some characters appear across games, each installment has its own unique story and setting.
Here’s a breakdown of the Fallout games and their respective storylines:
| Game | Storyline |
|---|---|
| Fallout | The game takes place in the year 2161, 84 years after a nuclear war that devastated the world. The story follows the Vault Dweller as they venture out into the wasteland to save their tribe. |
| Fallout 2 | Set 80 years after the first game, Fallout 2 follows the Child of the Atom as they attempt to save their village from the remnants of the Enclave. |
| Fallout 3 | Taking place 200 years after the nuclear war, Fallout 3 follows the Lone Wanderer as they search for their father and uncover the secrets of the ruins of Washington D.C. |
| Fallout: New Vegas | Set in a post-war world, New Vegas follows the Courier as they attempt to bring peace to the Mojave Wasteland. |
| Fallout 4 | The game takes place in 2077, just before the nuclear war, and follows the Sole Survivor as they search for their missing son. |
| Fallout 76 | Set in the year 2102, 25 years after the Great War, Fallout 76 follows the survivor of Vault 76 as they rebuild society in Appalachia. |
As you can see, each game has its own distinct story and setting, making it possible to play them in any order without feeling lost.
Pros and Cons of Playing the Fallout Games in Order
While it’s not necessary to play the Fallout games in order, there are some benefits to doing so:
Pros:
- Cohesive storyline: Playing the games in order will give you a deeper understanding of the Fallout universe and its history.
- Character connections: You’ll get to see characters appear across multiple games, which can add to the emotional impact of the story.
- Increased lore: Playing the games in order will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of the Fallout lore and its many intricacies.
- Better game mechanics: Each game builds upon the mechanics and systems of the previous ones, making for a more refined and polished gaming experience.
Cons:
- Time commitment: Playing the games in order requires a significant time commitment, which can be a barrier for some players.
- Outdated gameplay: The older games in the series may have outdated graphics and gameplay mechanics compared to newer releases.
- Difficulty adjustments: The games in the series may have different difficulty levels, which can make for a more challenging experience if you play them out of order.
Other Considerations
If you’re new to the series or unsure about which game to play first, here are some tips to consider:
- Start with the latest game: Fallout 4 is a good starting point, as it has more modern graphics and gameplay mechanics.
- Focus on a specific era: If you’re interested in a particular time period or setting, you can focus on games that take place in that era. For example, Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas both take place in the post-war world.
- Try a spin-off: If you’re unsure about committing to the main series, you can try a spin-off like Fallout Tactics or Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, which offer unique gameplay mechanics and stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some additional FAQs to help you decide whether to play the Fallout games in order:
Q: Do I need to play Fallout 1 and 2 to understand the story of Fallout 3?
A: No, Fallout 3 is a standalone game with its own unique story. While there are some connections to the earlier games, you don’t need to play them to understand the story.
Q: Can I play Fallout 76 without playing the previous games?
A: Yes, Fallout 76 is designed to be a standalone game with its own story and setting. You can jump right in without playing the previous games.
Q: Are the games in the series interconnected?
A: Yes, the games in the series are connected through a shared universe and some characters. However, each game has its own distinct story and setting, making it possible to play them in any order.
Q: Will playing the games in order affect my experience with later games?
A: No, playing the games in order won’t affect your experience with later games. Each game has its own unique story and setting, so you can play them in any order without feeling lost.
Q: Are the older games in the series worth playing?
A: Yes, the older games in the series are still worth playing, even if they have outdated graphics and gameplay mechanics. They offer a unique gaming experience and a glimpse into the series’ history.
Q: Can I play the games in reverse order?
A: Yes, you can play the games in reverse order. While this might make it harder to understand the lore and character connections, it’s still possible to enjoy the games without playing them in order.
Q: Are the games in the series similar in terms of gameplay?
A: Yes, the games in the series share similar gameplay mechanics, such as exploration, combat, and character customization. However, each game has its own unique twist and gameplay features.
Q: Can I play the games on different platforms?
A: Yes, the games in the series are available on multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. You can play the games on the platform that suits you best.
In conclusion, while playing the Fallout games in order can provide a deeper understanding of the series’ lore and history, it’s not necessary to do so. Each game has its own unique story and setting, making it possible to play them in any order without feeling lost. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned veteran, there’s something for everyone in the Fallout series.