Where Does the Fallout Take Place?
The Fallout series is a beloved collection of post-apocalyptic role-playing games set in a fictional world that explores the consequences of nuclear war, alternate histories, and the struggles of a new world. But where, exactly, does the Fallout take place? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Fallout and explore the different eras, locations, and civilizations that make up this vast universe.
The Wasteland of the United States
The Fallout series takes place in a post-apocalyptic United States, devastated by a nuclear war known as the Great War, which occurred on October 23, 2077. The war resulted in the destruction of most of North America, including the United States, as well as significant parts of South America, Europe, and Asia.
A Brief History of the Fallout Universe
Prior to the Great War, the United States had become a fragmented and unstable region, with the government and many corporations struggling for power. In response to the threat of nuclear war, many factions and organizations began working on alternative energy sources and projects to preserve humanity.
As the war broke out, the global nuclear arsenals were employed, causing widespread destruction and radiation. The bombs fell on September 30, 2077, resulting in the immediate and near-term deaths of an estimated 200-300 million people. The war finally ended on October 23, 2077, with the United States being wiped off the map.
The Present Day
The Fallout series spans across various eras of time, each with its own unique environments, characters, and storylines. We’ll explore the different timeframes and locations in more detail below:
- Era of the Vault Era (2077-2081): The early years following the Great War, where survivors hide in underground Vaults, hoping to rebuild their lives.
- The Post-War Era (2081-2251): As the Vaults open up, people begin to rebuild and recreate society, but the remnants of war still linger.
- The NCR Era (2241-2281): The New California Republic begins to expand, seeking to take control of the Wasteland, while other factions fight for survival and supremacy.
- Brotherhood Era (2241-2280): The Brotherhood of Steel, a technologically advanced organization, searches for advanced technology to help the inhabitants of the Wasteland. This era overlaps with the NCR Era, as the Brotherhood and NCR go to war.
- The Capital Wasteland (2277-2280s): The Fallout 3 era takes place in the ruins of Washington D.C., where the player becomes embroiled in a conflict over the control of the city.
- The Pip-Boy Era (2245-2281): The 2245-2281 era, covered in Fallout 4 and some spin-offs, takes place in pre-war Boston and the surrounding region, where the player must rebuild a pre-war community.
- The New California Era (2251-2288): The New California Republic tries to rebuild the region, including the original Vault-Tec Vaults.
Regional Breakdown of Locations
While the Fallout series takes place within the United States, it spans many regions, including:
| Region | Coverage |
|---|---|
| West Coast (California, Nevada, Oregon) | Post-War Era, NCR Era, Brotherhood Era |
| Eastern Seaboard (D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina) | Capital Wasteland, Brotherhood Era |
| Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin) | Vault Era, Post-War Era |
| South (Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana) | Post-War Era, Brotherhood Era |
| The Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico) | Vault Era, Post-War Era |
| The Pacific Northwest (Idaho, Washington, Montana) | NCR Era, Brotherhood Era |
| The Great Plains (Kansas, Oklahoma) | Post-War Era, Brotherhood Era |
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Fallout world:
Q: What is the significance of Vaults in the Fallout universe?
A: Vaults are underground bunkers built by Vault-Tec in the 1950s to protect human life during a nuclear war. Only a few Vaults were designed to survive nuclear war, while others were built with more sinister purposes.
Q: Are the events of Fallout occurring in our timeline?
A: No, the events of Fallout take place in an alternate universe. The game’s concept of time travel and alternate endings allows for multiple story branches and timelines.
Q: Can humans survive outside the Vaults?
A: Yes, humans can survive in the Wasteland, but they have to adapt to the harsh environment and radiation-filled world. Radroaches, mutated creatures, and other dangers exist in the Wasteland, making survival challenging.
Q: Which factions dominate the Wasteland in different eras?
A: Different factions dominate during different eras:
- Era of the Vault Era: Vault factions and individual survivors
- Post-War Era: Caesar’s Legion, New California Republic, Brotherhood of Steel
- NCR Era: New California Republic, Brotherhood of Steel, Caesar’s Legion
- Bethesda/Elder Scrolls Era: Brotherhood of Steel, Super Mutants
Q: Are the events of the different Fallout games connected?
A: While the Fallout games are set in a shared universe, the events of the different games are not directly connected. Some games, like Fallout 3, Brotherhood of Steel, and Fallout New Vegas, share some connections, but not all.
Q: Who is the main protagonist in the Fallout universe?
A: There are multiple protagonists throughout the Fallout series, such as the Vault Dweller, the NCR Courier, and the Sole Survivor. Each protagonist has their own unique journey and story.
Q: Can technology be restored in the Fallout universe?
A: Yes, technology is available in the Fallout universe, but many devices are malfunctioning or damaged from the nuclear war. Players may find functional pre-war technology in the Wasteland, although it often requires repair or scavenging for resources.
Q: Does the Fallout universe have a universal timeline?
A: The Fallout universe has multiple timelines due to the use of time travel, which creates branching story paths. This means that events in the game can unfold differently depending on player choices.
Conclusion
The Fallout universe is a rich and complex world, where the consequences of nuclear war and technology have reshaped the landscape, society, and the human psyche. From the early Vault Era to the late Brotherhood Era, the Fallout games explore different eras of this post-apocalyptic world, each with their own unique characters, storylines, and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or a curious explorer, the Wasteland awaits, full of danger, wonder, and endless opportunities for adventure.