How to Play Fallout in Chronological Order
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Playing the Fallout series in chronological order offers a unique perspective on the unfolding history of the post-apocalyptic world. While the games aren’t always released in the order they take place, experiencing them by in-game timeline allows players to witness the progression of the wasteland, understand how factions rise and fall, and fully grasp the lore’s depth. Here’s a guide on how to navigate the Fallout universe in the correct chronological order:
The correct way to play Fallout in chronological order is:
- Fallout 76 (2102): This prequel takes place a mere 25 years after the Great War and explores the initial stages of rebuilding and the emergence of new factions in Appalachia.
- Fallout (1997) (2161): The game that started it all, placing you as a Vault Dweller tasked with finding a water chip for your vault.
- Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197-2198): This focuses on the activities of the Brotherhood of Steel in the Midwest, offering a unique tactical squad-based experience.
- Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2208): This controversial entry takes place in the South and presents a different, more action-oriented approach to the Fallout formula.
- Fallout 2 (2241): Set 80 years after the original, you play as the Chosen One, a descendant of the Vault Dweller, facing new threats.
- Fallout 3 (2277): Taking place in the Capital Wasteland, this is where the series shifted to a modern 3D RPG experience, putting you in the shoes of the Lone Wanderer.
- Fallout: New Vegas (2281): Set in the Mojave Wasteland, you play as a courier caught up in a power struggle between factions.
- Fallout 4 (2287): You play as the Sole Survivor in the Commonwealth, searching for your kidnapped son and uncovering a new synthetic threat.
This order immerses you into the history and allows the narrative to flow more naturally, even if game mechanics will vary significantly between titles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Playing Fallout Chronologically
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide further insight into the Fallout universe and how to experience it chronologically:
Is it necessary to play Fallout in chronological order?
It’s not necessary, but it’s definitely beneficial if you want to truly understand the overarching narrative. Playing in release order is perfectly fine, but chronological order provides a richer experience as you witness the world evolving and the lore unfolding step-by-step. It helps in understanding the motivations and origins of groups, factions and technologies.
How are the Fallout games connected?
All the core Fallout games are connected by sharing the same universe, set in a post-apocalyptic United States devastated by nuclear war in 2077. Each game features different locations, characters, and time periods, contributing to the overall history. The pre-war retro-futuristic aesthetics, technology, and lore are common threads that run throughout the franchise.
How long after Fallout 3 is Fallout 4?
Fallout 4 takes place in the year 2287, ten years after the events of Fallout 3 (2277). This decade gap sees the further emergence of wasteland societies and new technological advancements.
Is Fallout 3 directly connected to 4?
Yes, Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 are connected within the same timeline and share narrative threads. While you play as a different protagonist, Fallout 4 does make references to the Capital Wasteland and the events of Fallout 3, such as the existence of the Railroad.
Is Fallout 3 harder than Fallout 4?
Generally speaking, Fallout 3 is considered harder at the beginning due to its less forgiving combat mechanics and resource management. Fallout 4, in contrast, tends to be easier at the start but becomes more challenging in the late game as enemies become tougher and require more damage to defeat.
What gender can you play in Fallout 1?
In Fallout (1997), you can choose to play as either a male or female character. Your gender doesn’t drastically alter the story, but it does affect how some characters interact with you, including potential romantic encounters with NPCs.
Is Fallout 5 a thing?
Yes, Fallout 5 is confirmed to be in development. Bethesda has indicated that it will be their next project after The Elder Scrolls 6. However, no specific release date or timeframe is currently available.
Do I need to play Fallout in order?
While it’s beneficial to play chronologically for a full grasp of the storyline, you can play the games in any order and still understand their individual narratives. However, jumping from Fallout 4 back to the earlier titles like Fallout 1 or 2 may feel clunky in terms of gameplay mechanics. It’s recommended to start with modern entries like Fallout 3 or New Vegas if you are new to the series.
Which Fallout game should I play first?
It depends on your preference:
* For Old-School CRPG fans: Start with Fallout 1 to experience the classic origins.
* For Open-World RPG enthusiasts: Start with Fallout: New Vegas for its rich narrative and faction system.
* For Action-Focused Gameplay: Start with Fallout 4 for a more modern gaming experience.
Is Fallout 76 before or after Fallout 4?
Fallout 76 is a prequel, taking place in 2102, before the events of any other main series title. It’s set 25 years after the nuclear war. Therefore it comes before Fallout 4 and all of the other games in the series.
What Fallout game comes first in the timeline?
The first game in the Fallout timeline is Fallout 76, set in 2102, detailing the early struggles of survivors in Appalachia.
Can I start with Fallout 4?
Yes, you can start with Fallout 4. While it introduces a different gameplay style than previous entries, it’s still an accessible entry point into the franchise. However, if you want to fully appreciate the lore and see the timeline unfold naturally, starting with Fallout 76 and playing chronologically is more effective.
How long is the main story for Fallout 1?
The main story of Fallout 1 takes about 16 hours to complete. Completionists who explore all aspects of the game can spend up to 32.5 hours in total.
Why was Fallout banned in some countries?
The Fallout series was banned in some countries due to its graphic depictions of drug use, addiction, and extreme violence. The use of “chems,” in particular, led to restrictions in certain regions.
Is Fallout a scary game?
While not a traditional horror game, Fallout can create a tense and atmospheric experience, filled with paranoia, existential dread, and occasionally jump scares. The post-apocalyptic setting and mutated creatures contribute to a sense of unease, and the survival mechanics can add to this pressure.
By following this chronological order and considering the frequently asked questions, you’ll be well-equipped to fully enjoy and understand the expansive and engaging world of the Fallout series. Happy gaming!