How Many Hours is Fallout 4 Main Story? Your Wasteland Time Commitment Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re thinking about venturing into the Commonwealth, huh? Smart choice! Fallout 4 offers a sprawling post-apocalyptic adventure filled with compelling characters, intriguing quests, and enough loot to make even a Super Mutant jealous. But before you dive in, a crucial question looms: just how much time are you going to sink into this thing? The answer, as with most things in the wasteland, is… it depends.
For those laser-focused on the main objectives – following the breadcrumbs to find your son, Shaun, and resolve the conflict between the factions – you’re looking at a playthrough of roughly 27 hours. That’s a solid chunk of gameplay, but barely scratches the surface of what Fallout 4 has to offer. To experience a significant amount of side content, you’ll likely be spending around 158 Hours to obtain 100% completion.
Think of it like this: the main quest is the express train, zipping you from station to station. The side quests, exploration, and settlement building? That’s a leisurely stroll through the countryside, discovering hidden gems and unexpected dangers along the way.
Fallout 4: Time Sink or Time Well Spent?
Fallout 4 is a game that rewards exploration and player agency. The beauty of it lies in its ability to cater to different playstyles. Speedrunners can blast through the main story in a fraction of the time, while completionists can easily rack up hundreds of hours uncovering every secret and building the perfect settlement empire.
Ultimately, the time investment is up to you. Are you a “gotta see it all” kind of gamer, or are you more interested in the core narrative? No matter your preference, Fallout 4 has something to offer. And with the thriving modding community, the potential for replayability is virtually endless. Modding can truly change everything with mods, improving the survival aspects and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fallout 4’s Length
Here are some common questions players have about the time commitment involved in playing Fallout 4, ensuring you are fully equipped before you start your journey into the Commonwealth.
How long is a Fallout 4 in-game day?
An in-game hour in Fallout 4 only lasts 3 minutes. This means a full 24-hour day/night cycle passes in a mere 72 minutes of real-time. Remember though, fast travel will affect the amount of game hours passed. This accelerated time scale is crucial for the game’s mechanics, affecting things like crafting times, NPC schedules, and the availability of certain quests.
Can you 100% Fallout 4? What does that entail?
Absolutely! Achieving 100% completion in Fallout 4 is a monumental task, but certainly achievable. The base game has 50 Achievements. This generally means unlocking all achievements/trophies, completing all quests (main and side), exploring every location, and maxing out your character’s skills and perks. It also includes mastering the settlement building system and collecting all unique items. Don’t forget about the additional 6 DLCs that all add their own achievements! It’s a real test of dedication, easily pushing your playtime into the triple digits. The Games Learning Society would argue, a true understanding of the game’s systems and mechanics. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Is Fallout 4 worth playing in 2024?
Unequivocally, yes! Fallout 4 remains a highly enjoyable experience in 2024 and beyond. Thanks to a robust modding community, the game is constantly being updated and improved, with new content, features, and graphical enhancements added regularly. Plus, the core gameplay loop of exploration, combat, and character progression remains incredibly addictive. While some prefer New Vegas with it’s open story, the better graphics and customization options of Fallout 4 still make it a worthwile experience.
Why is Fallout 4 not as good as New Vegas (according to some)?
This is a hotly debated topic among Fallout fans. While Fallout 4 boasts superior graphics, combat mechanics, and customization options, New Vegas is often praised for its deeper RPG elements, more complex story, greater player choice, and more interesting factions. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference: do you prioritize action and exploration, or role-playing and narrative depth?
Can you beat Fallout 4 without killing anyone?
Believe it or not, a pacifist run in Fallout 4 is indeed possible, although extremely challenging! By focusing on dialogue options, strategic use of companions, and exploiting the game’s mechanics, you can technically reach the end credits without directly killing a single enemy. This feat requires meticulous planning, careful execution, and a healthy dose of luck. Combat stats can be monitored to keep track of kills made.
What is the hardest thing to do in Fallout 4?
Many players find the Open Season quest in the Nuka-World DLC to be the most challenging. This quest requires you to turn against the Raider gangs that control Nuka-World and wipe them out. Prepare for intense firefights and overwhelming odds!
Is there unlimited ammo in Fallout 4?
While Fallout 4 doesn’t have true unlimited ammo in the sense of never needing to reload, there are a few exceptions. The UP77 “Limitless Potential” laser carbine has a special property: it never needs to be reloaded, meaning that the magazine is limitless even though it uses ammo.
Does Fallout 4 have multiple endings?
Yes! Fallout 4 features multiple endings, determined by which faction you ultimately choose to side with: the Minutemen, the Railroad, the Brotherhood of Steel, or the Institute. Each faction offers a unique perspective on the future of the Commonwealth, and your choices will have significant consequences.
What is the scariest place in Fallout 4?
Many players consider Pickman Gallery to be the creepiest and most unsettling location in Fallout 4. The gallery is home to a serial killer named Pickman, who decorates his lair with gruesome works of art made from the remains of his victims. This quest, appropriately named Pickman’s Gift, is easily one of the creepiest and most frightening in Fallout lore.
How many Fallout 4 DLCs are there?
Fallout 4 has a total of six DLCs: Automatron, Wasteland Workshop, Far Harbor, Contraptions Workshop, Vault-Tec Workshop, and Nuka-World. Each DLC adds new quests, locations, items, and features to the game, significantly expanding the Fallout 4 experience.
Can you beat Fallout 4 without spending caps?
Absolutely! Caps are not essential for completing Fallout 4. You can acquire enough ammo, weapons, and supplies through scavenging and quest rewards to survive without spending a single cap. In fact, some players enjoy the challenge of a “caps-free” playthrough.
What is the rarest item in Fallout 4?
Several items in Fallout 4 are exceptionally rare, but the Aeternus unique Gatling Laser stands out. This weapon has the “Never Ending” legendary effect, meaning it never needs to be reloaded. Other rare items include the Prototype UP77 “Limitless Potential” and various unique pieces of armor and apparel.
Why is Fallout 4 not as good as Fallout 3 (according to some)?
Similar to the New Vegas debate, some players prefer Fallout 3 due to its stronger focus on atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and the overall sense of isolation in the post-apocalyptic world. Others criticize Fallout 4 for its simplified dialogue system and perceived departure from traditional RPG elements.
What to do when you’re bored in Fallout 4?
Boredom is a rare occurrence in Fallout 4, but if you find yourself feeling uninspired, here are a few suggestions:
- Explore unexplored areas on the map.
- Start a new settlement and build something elaborate.
- Try a new character build with different SPECIAL stats and perks.
- Install mods to change the gameplay experience.
- Challenge yourself with a difficult quest or enemy encounter.
- Go on a rampage and unleash your inner Raider.
- Romance all the companions.
Fallout 4 is a game of endless possibilities, so get out there and make your own fun!
Is Fallout 1 timed?
Interestingly, earlier versions of Fallout 1 did have a time limit of 500 days. In later patch updates to the game, this limit has been removed.
The Wasteland Awaits
Ultimately, the time you spend in Fallout 4 is up to you. Whether you’re a speedrunner aiming for a sub-30-hour completion, or a completionist determined to uncover every nook and cranny of the Commonwealth, Fallout 4 offers a captivating and rewarding experience. So, grab your Pip-Boy, load your weapon, and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the wasteland!