Where do the Fallout games take place?
The Fallout series is a beloved franchise of post-apocalyptic role-playing games that has captivated gamers worldwide. One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is its setting, which is based on a fictional universe that has been ravaged by nuclear war. In this article, we’ll delve into the locations where the Fallout games take place, exploring the geography, history, and culture of these post-apocalyptic worlds.
The Basics
The Fallout series is set in an alternate history of the United States, where a global nuclear war known as the "Great War" occurred in 2077. The war devastated the country, causing widespread destruction, radiation poisoning, and the collapse of society. The games follow the stories of characters who emerge from the ruins of civilization to navigate this harsh new world.
West Virginia and the Appalachian Region
The first Fallout game, released in 1997, takes place in the state of West Virginia and the surrounding Appalachian region. The game’s setting is inspired by the real-life Appalachian Mountains, which stretch from Canada to Alabama. The in-game world is divided into several regions, including:
- The Capital Wasteland: A post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. and its surrounding areas.
- The Appalachian Region: A rural area covering parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky.
- The Ohio River Valley: A region along the Ohio River, which forms the border between West Virginia and Ohio.
California and the Mojave Desert
Fallout 3, released in 2008, takes place in a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas, as well as in the state of California. The game’s setting is inspired by the real-life Mojave Desert, which covers parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona. The in-game world is divided into several regions, including:
- The Capital Wasteland: A post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. and its surrounding areas.
- The Mojave Desert: A vast desert region covering parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.
- New California Republic: A region inspired by the real-life state of California, including the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The Commonwealth and the Northeast
Fallout 4, released in 2015, takes place in a post-apocalyptic Massachusetts and the surrounding areas, including parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The game’s setting is inspired by the real-life New England region. The in-game world is divided into several regions, including:
- The Commonwealth: A post-apocalyptic Massachusetts and its surrounding areas.
- The Northeast: A region covering parts of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.
New Vegas and the Southwest
Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010, takes place in a post-apocalyptic Nevada and the surrounding areas, including parts of Arizona and California. The game’s setting is inspired by the real-life Mojave Desert and the Las Vegas Strip. The in-game world is divided into several regions, including:
- The Mojave Wasteland: A post-apocalyptic Nevada and its surrounding areas.
- The New Vegas Strip: A region inspired by the real-life Las Vegas Strip.
- California: A region covering parts of California, including the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The New River Valley
Fallout 76, released in 2018, takes place in a post-apocalyptic West Virginia and the surrounding areas, including parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The game’s setting is inspired by the real-life Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River Valley. The in-game world is divided into several regions, including:
- The New River Valley: A post-apocalyptic West Virginia and its surrounding areas.
- The Appalachian Region: A rural area covering parts of West Virginia, Virginia, and Kentucky.
- The Ohio River Valley: A region along the Ohio River, which forms the border between West Virginia and Ohio.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fallout series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that is divided into several regions, each with its own unique geography, history, and culture. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Mojave Desert, the series explores the devastating effects of nuclear war on society and the human condition. Whether you’re exploring the ruins of Washington D.C. or the streets of Las Vegas, the Fallout series offers a thrilling and immersive gaming experience that is not to be missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 collapse of society.
Q: What is the Capital Wasteland?
A: The Capital Wasteland is a post-apocalyptic Washington D.C. and its surrounding areas, which is the setting for Fallout 3.
Q: What is the New California Republic?
A: The New California Republic is a region inspired by the real-life state of California, which is the setting for Fallout: New Vegas.
Q: What is the Commonwealth?
A: The Commonwealth is a post-apocalyptic Massachusetts and its surrounding areas, which is the setting for Fallout 4.
Q: What is the Mojave Wasteland?
A: The Mojave Wasteland is a post-apocalyptic Nevada and its surrounding areas, which is the setting for Fallout: New Vegas.
Q: What is the New River Valley?
A: The New River Valley is a post-apocalyptic West Virginia and its surrounding areas, which is the setting for Fallout 76.
Q: Can I play the Fallout games in any order?
A: No, the Fallout games are designed to be played in a specific order, with each game building on the events of the previous one.
Q: Are the Fallout games set in a specific timeline?
A: Yes, the Fallout games are set in a specific timeline, which is based on the events of the Great War and the subsequent collapse of society.
Q: Can I play the Fallout games without playing the previous ones?
A: Yes, each Fallout game is designed to be playable as a standalone game, although playing the previous games can enhance your understanding of the world and its characters.