Which Fallout Game is the Longest? A Deep Dive into Post-Apocalyptic Playtimes
The answer to which Fallout game boasts the longest playtime is a bit nuanced and depends on what exactly you mean by “longest.” Strictly speaking in terms of the main storyline, Fallout 76 clocks in at an estimated 34 hours. However, playtime can vary wildly depending on play style, completionist tendencies, and whether you’re factoring in DLC or enhanced editions. Therefore, while Fallout 76 might have the edge in a straight story comparison, other titles provide substantially more content and hours of gameplay.
Diving Deeper: Main Story vs. Completionist Runs
When considering sheer time investment, many would argue for Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition. While its main story might only take around 27 hours, the GOTY edition, packed with all its DLCs, can easily push playtime upwards of 124 hours or more for players exploring every nook and cranny of the Commonwealth. This includes immersing themselves in the stories of Far Harbor, Nuka-World, and Automatron.
On the other hand, while Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel is listed as the second-longest story at 31 hours, its isometric tactical gameplay and structure mean it may not appeal to every fan of the series. What constitutes “long” is intrinsically tied to enjoyment, so it is critical to keep in mind your specific taste in the Fallout franchise.
The Factor of Open-World Exploration
The Fallout series thrives on its open-world exploration. While some entries have shorter main quests, their sprawling landscapes, filled with side quests, hidden locations, and random encounters, significantly extend the overall gameplay experience. Fallout: New Vegas, with its compelling narrative and branching storylines, offers a robust experience that often rivals Fallout 4 in total playtime, despite having a shorter main quest. Fallout 2 has many side quests that can extend your playtime past 50+ hours.
Therefore, truly determining the “longest” Fallout game involves considering factors beyond just the completion of the central quest. Some of the main factors are how much is there to do outside of the main quest. Another factor is how much the players enjoy side activities, like exploring or building.
15 FAQs: Unraveling Fallout Playtime
1. How long does it take to beat all the Fallout games in order?
The estimate is around 125 hours to beat just the main storylines of all the major Fallout games back-to-back. However, this is a wildly unrealistic scenario, as most players invest far more time exploring and engaging with side content.
2. What makes Fallout 76’s main story longer than other Fallout games?
Fallout 76’s main quest is longer due to its shift toward a more persistent online world. The game features numerous questlines, events, and challenges designed to keep players engaged over extended periods. It is an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game).
3. Is Fallout: New Vegas shorter than Fallout 4?
In terms of the main storyline, Fallout: New Vegas (27.5 hours) is slightly longer than Fallout 4 (27 hours). However, both games offer substantial side content that can significantly extend playtime.
4. How long does it take to 100% Fallout 4?
Achieving 100% completion in Fallout 4, including all achievements, DLC content, and side quests, typically takes around 158 hours.
5. Which Fallout game has the biggest map?
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel reportedly has the largest map area at 304,585 square miles. However, Fallout 76 is estimated to have a more expansive and detailed world space for exploration at around 16 square miles.
6. Which Fallout game is considered the “best” overall?
The “best” Fallout game is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 3 are consistently ranked among the top titles by critics and fans. Each of the titles has its own appeal, depending on what a player is looking for.
7. Is Fallout 4 worth playing with all the DLCs?
Absolutely! The Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition, including DLCs like Far Harbor and Nuka-World, significantly enhances the game with new locations, quests, and storylines.
8. Why is Fallout 76 considered a weaker entry in the series by some?
Fallout 76 faced harsh initial reception due to technical issues, gameplay changes, and a departure from the traditional single-player Fallout experience. However, it has improved over time with updates and expansions.
9. What makes Fallout: New Vegas so highly regarded?
Fallout: New Vegas is praised for its compelling narrative, moral ambiguity, well-developed factions, and player choice-driven gameplay. It has many choices that will affect the game.
10. How does Fallout Shelter fit into the timeline of the Fallout games?
Fallout Shelter is a mobile and PC game that allows players to manage a Vault and its inhabitants. It doesn’t directly connect to the narratives of other Fallout games but shares the same post-apocalyptic setting and lore.
11. What is the darkest Fallout game in terms of themes?
Fallout: New Vegas is often considered the darkest due to its exploration of moral gray areas, political intrigue, and the grim realities of survival in the post-apocalyptic Mojave Wasteland.
12. Which Fallout game is the easiest for new players?
Fallout 4 is generally considered the easiest for newcomers due to its streamlined gameplay mechanics, improved combat, and a more accessible crafting system.
13. How far into the future is Fallout 4 set?
Fallout 4 takes place in the year 2287, 210 years after the Great War that triggered the nuclear holocaust in 2077.
14. Are there any time limits in the original Fallout?
The original Fallout had a 500-day time limit to find a water chip, but this was removed in later patches. There is a 13-year limit, but that is almost never reached.
15. Why was the original Fallout banned in some countries?
Fallout was banned in some regions due to its depiction of heavy drug use, addiction, and graphic violence.
Fallout and Education: The Games Learning Society
While Fallout may seem like pure entertainment, it is important to understand that video games often contain elements that could be useful for education. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be integrated into education, which provides a fascinating perspective on the intersection of gaming and learning. You can see many of the benefits of gaming at the Games Learning Society website.
The Enduring Appeal of the Wasteland
The Fallout series remains a beloved franchise for its immersive worlds, compelling stories, and the freedom it provides players to forge their own paths in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Whether you seek a sprawling story, endless exploration, or a challenging survival experience, there is a Fallout game to suit your tastes. The length of each entry becomes a matter of personal engagement and how deeply you choose to immerse yourself in the wasteland. And always remember the advice of Vault-Tec: “We’ll Be There!”.