What are all the vaults in Fallout?
The Fallout universe is filled with mysterious underground Vaults, sealed away from the ravages of a nuclear war. These Vaults serve as a sanctuary for the human species, designed to preserve humanity and allow life to thrive in a post-apocalyptic world. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Fallout and explore all the Vaults that exist throughout the series.
The Original Fallout Vaults
The original Fallout vaults were designed and built during the 1950s and 1960s by the United States government in secret. These Vaults were intended to act as a safe haven for a small percentage of the population, with approximately 1,000 individuals chosen at random to inhabit each Vault.
In the Fallout universe, there were initially 12 Vaults built, each identified by a unique number (1-11, and 13). These Vaults varied in design and purpose, with each one serving a specific function within the larger Vault system.
VAULT 1: Los AngelesVault 1 was built in 2017 and is located below the city of Los Angeles, its purpose was to house 875 people.
VAULT 1 Specifics:
• Occupants: 875
• Entry: 1962 (original), 1998 (renovation)
• Notes: Vault 1 was selected for its proximity to the national government and strategic military presence.
VAULT 10: Oakland
VAULT 10 was built in 2010 and is located beneath the city of Oakland, California. It was chosen for its proximity to the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
VAULT 10 Specifics:
• Occupants: 875
• Entry: 1980
• Notes: Vault 10 underwent significant renovations in 1980, improving living conditions and infrastructure.
VAULT 13: None
VAULT 13 remains a mystery, as it was believed to be destroyed during the pre-war era. Its lack of existence has led to conflicting theories and speculation within the Fallout fandom.
The Vaults in Vault-Tec Marketing Materials (Bugsy’s VAULT-Tec Tour 2008)
Later in the Fallout series, the inclusion of Vault-Tec marketing materials hinted at the existence of over 1,000 Vaults. A 2008 brochure, courtesy of Bugsy’s Vault-Tec Tour, revealed designs for various Vaults, including:
| Vault # | Vault Name | Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Vault 11 | New York State | Lake Placid, Oswego, Watertown |
| Vault 12 | Virginia | Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach |
| Vault 26 | Rhode Island | Providence, Cumberland, Newport |
| Vault 35 | New Jersey | Trenton, Camden, Atlantic City |
| Vault 87 | Florida |
Vaults in Fallout Spin-Offs
Other Fallout-related media, such as novels and documentaries, have introduced additional Vaults to the expanding universe. Some notable examples include:
bloodlines and tactics, two spin-offs of the Fallout franchise, involve Vaults 81 and Vault 95, respectively*
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Vaults in Fallout?
The Vaults’ primary purpose is to serve as safe havens for humanity, containing a select group of individuals while the surface world suffers from radioactive fallout.
Are all Vault-Tec Vaults the same?
No, each Vault in the Fallout universe has its own unique design, purpose, and traits, reflecting the diverse geographic locations and the specific criteria used for selecting inhabitants.
Will I find Vaults in modern-day Fallout games?
Depending on the game, you may encounter one or more Vaults. For instance, Fallout 3’s Vault 101 and Vault 106 serve as an introduction to the Vault system for new players.
What distinguishes Vault 13’s unique design?
Vault 13’s design was specifically conceived to house a small group of scientists for an extended period, focusing on long-term sustainability and research applications.
Can I explore ALL Vaults in Fallout?
Within the Fallout universe, you typically have access to only a specific subset of Vaults, with those remaining hidden or destroyed due to various circumstances.
Can I affect the fate of Vaults?
Sometimes, your choices and actions in the games can influence the outcome of Vaults’ stories, such as the fate of its inhabitants or the fate of the overall Vault system.
Are THERE MORE Vaults in Fallout: New Vegas?
Fallout: New Vegas mentions 22 Vaults in the region, and some are even accessible to the player-character.