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The Definitive Guide to Fallout DLC: Which One Reigns Supreme?

So, you’re diving back into the wasteland? Excellent choice, Vault Dweller! But with so many Fallout DLCs across the franchise, picking the right one to start or prioritize can feel like sifting through radioactive rubble. Let’s cut through the noise and get straight to the point:

For the absolute best Fallout DLC experience, the crown goes to Fallout: New Vegas – Old World Blues.

Yes, I said it. While Far Harbor from Fallout 4 gets a lot of love (and deservedly so), Old World Blues delivers an unparalleled blend of compelling narrative, unforgettable characters, unique gameplay mechanics, and a darkly humorous tone that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Fallout universe.

Why Old World Blues is the King

Several factors contribute to Old World Blues‘s supremacy:

The Story: You, the Courier, are kidnapped and your brain, spine, and heart are removed! You must team up with a think tank of pre-War scientists, now brains in jars residing in the Big MT research facility, to stop a rogue scientist from unleashing a wave of mutated creatures upon the Mojave Wasteland. It’s bizarre, imaginative, and deeply engaging from start to finish.
The Characters: Dr. Klein, Dr. Dala, Dr. Mobius – the Think Tank are some of the most memorable and quotable characters in the entire Fallout franchise. Their personalities clash hilariously, and their scientific eccentricities provide endless amusement.
The Setting: Big MT is a sprawling, visually distinct environment filled with mad science experiments gone awry. From robo-scorpions to cyberdogs, the enemies are as creative as they are challenging. Exploring its dilapidated labs and forgotten research facilities is a constant delight.
The Gameplay: Old World Blues introduces new weapons, perks, and gear tailored to the unique environment and enemies of Big MT. The Sonic Emitter, Stealth Suit Mk II, and the Lobotomite perks add a layer of customization and tactical depth to your character build.
The Tone: Dark humor is a staple of Fallout, and Old World Blues embraces it wholeheartedly. The dialogue is witty, the situations are absurd, and the overall experience is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Ranking Other Notable Fallout DLCs

While Old World Blues takes the top spot, let’s acknowledge some other standouts:

Fallout 4 – Far Harbor: A close second. Far Harbor offers a captivating mystery, a morally ambiguous storyline, and a beautifully realized island setting. The atmosphere is thick with dread and uncertainty, and the choices you make have lasting consequences.
Fallout: New Vegas – Lonesome Road: A challenging and introspective journey that delves into the Courier’s past and their connection to Ulysses, the enigmatic antagonist. Lonesome Road provides a powerful conclusion to the New Vegas storyline.
Fallout 3 – Broken Steel: Extends the main storyline of Fallout 3 and allows you to continue playing after the original ending. Broken Steel also raises the level cap and introduces new enemies and challenges.
Fallout: New Vegas – Honest Hearts: A more straightforward adventure that takes you to Zion National Park, where you become embroiled in a conflict between different tribes. Honest Hearts offers a beautiful setting and a compelling story about faith, tradition, and survival.
Fallout 3 – Point Lookout: A spooky and atmospheric DLC set in a swampy coastal region. Point Lookout is known for its challenging enemies and its focus on exploration and survival.
Fallout 4 – Nuka-World: Allows you to embrace your inner villain and become the Overboss of a raider gang. Nuka-World offers a unique gameplay experience, but it can also be controversial due to its morally questionable content.
Fallout 3 – The Pitt: A morally grey exploration of a raider society. The Pitt gives players some unique choices.

The Importance of Context: Your Mileage May Vary

It’s crucial to remember that “best” is subjective. Your preferred Fallout DLC will depend on your personal tastes and playstyle. Do you prioritize story, gameplay, setting, or challenge? Understanding your own preferences will help you make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fallout DLCs

1. Which Fallout DLC should I play first in New Vegas?

Start with Honest Hearts. It’s relatively straightforward, doesn’t require a high level, and provides a good introduction to the DLC formula in New Vegas. Old World Blues, Lonesome Road, and especially Dead Money are best saved for later, as they require a more experienced character.

2. Which Fallout 4 DLC is the best to start with?

Far Harbor is the most recommended because of its engaging story, characters, environment and unique weapons. It’s an excellent choice, regardless of your level. Automatron is also a decent choice.

3. What makes Dead Money the hardest Fallout DLC?

Dead Money strips you of your gear, throws you into a toxic environment, and forces you to rely on limited resources. The Ghost People enemies are relentless, and the overall atmosphere is oppressive. Having a hardcore mode enabled makes the DLC even harder.

4. Is Nuka-World a difficult DLC?

Yes, Nuka-World can be quite challenging, especially if you arrive at a lower level (around 30). The enemies are tough, and the different zones (Galactic Zone, Kiddie Kingdom, Bottling Plant) each present unique obstacles.

5. Is Far Harbor DLC canon?

Whether or not it’s considered canon is debatable, but Fallout 4’s DLCs generally have minimal long-term impact on the overarching Fallout storyline. They’re more like self-contained side stories involving the Sole Survivor.

6. Do I need all the Fallout 4 DLCs?

If you plan on modding Fallout 4, then yes, owning all the DLCs is highly recommended, as many mods require them. If you are just playing through the game once, then no.

7. Should I play Fallout 3 before Fallout 4?

Not necessarily. Each Fallout game tells an independent story within the same universe. While playing Fallout 3 might enhance your appreciation for the lore, it’s not essential to understanding Fallout 4.

8. Why do some people think Fallout 4 is inferior to New Vegas?

Common criticisms of Fallout 4 include a greater focus on gunplay over RPG mechanics, a less compelling story, and less engaging DLCs compared to New Vegas.

9. Does Fallout 3 have worthwhile DLCs?

Yes! Broken Steel and Point Lookout are considered must-haves for their content and world-building. The Pitt also has a good story, but can be divisive due to its darker themes.

10. What level should I be before tackling Lonesome Road?

Lonesome Road recommends a level of 25 to 30, but a higher level is helpful.

11. What is the best ending to Fallout 4?

The “best” ending is subjective, but the Institute ending offers a bit more plot-wise than the other endings.

12. Is it okay to start with Fallout: New Vegas?

Absolutely! New Vegas is a fantastic starting point. It’s story is largely self-contained and introduces you to the world with great characters and quests.

13. How important are settlement building DLCs in Fallout 4?

The settlement building DLCs in Fallout 4, like Wasteland Workshop and Contraptions Workshop, are primarily for players who enjoy the settlement building aspect of the game.

14. What makes Old World Blues so funny?

The over-the-top characters, absurd science experiments, and witty dialogue, all contribute to the humour in Old World Blues.

15. How can games like Fallout help us learn and explore complex themes?

Games like Fallout, with their rich narratives and challenging choices, can be valuable tools for learning and exploring complex themes like morality, ethics, and the consequences of our actions. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org actively research and promote the use of games for educational purposes, demonstrating their potential to engage players and foster critical thinking.

Which Fallout DLC is best?