Where Does the Show Fallout Take Place?
The Fallout franchise has long been a staple of the gaming and sci-fi communities, with its post-apocalyptic world and rich lore captivating millions of fans worldwide. But have you ever stopped to think about where exactly the show takes place?
The answer is not as simple as pointing to a specific location on a map. Fallout takes place in a world that is both familiar and yet utterly alien, with a unique blend of historical and futuristic elements. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Fallout and explore the geography of the franchise.
The Post-Nuclear Wasteland
In the Fallout universe, the story takes place in a post-nuclear America, where a catastrophic war has destroyed much of the country. The year is set in the year 2077, or in some cases, much further in the future. The war, known as the "Great War," was triggered by a global nuclear conflict that wiped out nearly 99% of the world’s population.
The Fallout games are set in a world where the remaining human settlements are scattered and fragmented, fighting for survival in a harsh environment. Radiation has become a constant threat, with mutated creatures and mutated humans emerging as a result of the nuclear fallout. Water is scarce, and food is in short supply, making every inch of land and every drop of water precious.
The Four Playable Regions
Throughout the various Fallout games, players can explore different regions, each with its own unique culture, factions, and storylines. The games are divided into four main regions, known as the Capital Wasteland, the Mojave Wasteland, the New Vegas Wasteland, and the Commonwealth.
Capital Wasteland (Fallout 3)
The Capital Wasteland, introduced in Fallout 3, is a post-nuclear Washington D.C. where the player takes on the role of the "Chosen One." This region is home to various settlements, including the Enclave and the Brotherhood of Steel, as well as infamous locations like the ruins of the Smithsonian Institute and the Capitol Building.
Mojave Wasteland (Fallout: New Vegas)
The Mojave Wasteland, featured in Fallout: New Vegas, takes place in a post-nuclear Southern California and Nevada. The game is set in the city of New Vegas, a futuristic casino resort that is home to various factions vying for power. The region is known for its sandstorms, cacti-filled landscapes, and abandoned casinos and theme parks.
New Vegas Wasteland (Fallout: New Vegas)
Commonwealth (Fallout 4)
The Commonwealth, introduced in Fallout 4, is a post-nuclear Boston and the surrounding area, also known as the "Hub" zone. The game takes place in 2077, 200 years after the Great War, and follows the story of a survivor seeking to find their missing son.
Geographical Significance
While the Fallout games may be set in a post-apocalyptic world, many of the locations are actually drawn from real-life places in America. The Capital Wasteland’s Washington D.C. is modeled after the real-life city, complete with landmarks like the White House and the Mall. The Mojave Wasteland’s Las Vegas is a parody of the real-life city, with its neon signs and casinos.
The geography of Fallout is also significant, with locations like the ruins of California’s cities, the Colorado River, and the Great Plains forming part of the game’s landscape.
Fallout’s Unique Blend
Fallout’s world is unique due to its blend of historical and futuristic elements, with abandoned buildings, radiation-ridden landscapes, and mutated creatures existing alongside hints of pre-war culture, abandoned technology, and even futuristic infrastructure. It’s a world where you’ll find ancient ruins, nuclear power plants, and abandoned theme parks existing side by side.
Conclusion
Where does the show Fallout take place? Well, it’s not a straightforward answer. The Fallout franchise takes place in a post-nuclear America, where fragments of the old world still remain but are now scarred and broken. The geography of the games, inspired by real-life locations, provides a familiar yet alien backdrop for the adventures of the Chosen One or the Sole Survivor.
FAQs and Answers
Q: Is the Fallout world based on real locations?
A: Yes, many locations in Fallout are inspired by real-life places in America.
Q: What is the timeline for the Fallout games?
A: The first Fallout game takes place in 2161, while Fallout 3 and 4 occur in 2277, 216 years after the Great War.
Q: Which region is the largest in Fallout 4?
A: The Commonwealth region, which includes Boston and the surrounding area.
Q: What is the Great War mentioned in the Fallout games?
A: It is a global nuclear conflict that caused the devastation in the Fallout world.
Q: Can I explore other countries in the Fallout games?
A: The main games focus on America, although some spin-offs and DLCs expand to other regions.
Q: Who is the Chosen One mentioned in Fallout 3?
A: The Chosen One refers to the player character, who is prophesied to save the world from the Enclave.
Q: Can you find any historical landmarks in Fallout games?
A: Yes, landmarks like the White House, the Mall, the Hoover Dam, and the California Desert are all present in the game, often in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Q: Is Fallout based on actual historical events?
A: The core concept of the Fallout world, including nuclear war and the post-apocalyptic landscape, draws inspiration from real-life historical events.