What Order to Play Fallout Games: A Journey Through Time, Chaos, and Mutated Cows

The Fallout series is a beloved franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. With its rich lore, complex characters, and post-apocalyptic setting, it’s no wonder that fans often debate the best order to play the games. Should you follow the chronological release order, or is there a better way to experience the wasteland? Let’s dive into the chaos and explore the various perspectives on this topic.
1. Release Order: The Classic Approach
Playing the Fallout games in the order they were released is the most straightforward method. This approach allows you to experience the evolution of the series, from its humble beginnings to its modern iterations.
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Fallout (1997): The game that started it all. This isometric RPG introduced players to the bleak, radioactive world of Fallout. While the graphics may feel dated, the storytelling and gameplay mechanics are timeless.
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Fallout 2 (1998): A direct sequel to the original, Fallout 2 expands on the lore and introduces new characters, locations, and gameplay improvements. It’s a must-play for fans of the series.
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Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001): This spin-off focuses more on tactical combat than storytelling. While it’s not essential to the main narrative, it offers a unique perspective on the Brotherhood of Steel.
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Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004): A controversial entry in the series, this action RPG deviates significantly from the traditional Fallout formula. It’s often considered the black sheep of the franchise.
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Fallout 3 (2008): The game that brought Fallout into the 3D era. Fallout 3 is a masterpiece that combines the series’ signature dark humor with a vast open world to explore.
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Fallout: New Vegas (2010): Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, New Vegas is often hailed as one of the best entries in the series. It offers a more nuanced story and a greater emphasis on player choice.
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Fallout 4 (2015): The latest mainline entry, Fallout 4 introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as base building and a more refined combat system. While it received mixed reviews, it’s still a solid addition to the series.
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Fallout 76 (2018): A multiplayer-focused entry, Fallout 76 was met with criticism upon release but has since improved with updates and expansions. It’s worth checking out if you’re interested in exploring the wasteland with friends.
2. Chronological Order: A Historical Perspective
For those who want to experience the Fallout universe in chronological order, starting with the earliest events in the timeline might be the way to go.
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Fallout 76 (2102): Set just 25 years after the Great War, Fallout 76 is the earliest game in the timeline. It offers a unique look at the early days of the wasteland, before the rise of major factions like the Brotherhood of Steel.
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Fallout (2161): The original Fallout takes place 84 years after the bombs fell. It introduces players to the core elements of the series, including the Vaults, the Brotherhood of Steel, and the Super Mutants.
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Fallout 2 (2241): Set 80 years after the first game, Fallout 2 explores the aftermath of the original’s events and introduces new threats, such as the Enclave.
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Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197-2208): This game takes place between Fallout and Fallout 2, focusing on the Brotherhood of Steel’s efforts to expand their influence.
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Fallout 3 (2277): Set 36 years after Fallout 2, Fallout 3 takes players to the Capital Wasteland, where they must navigate the remnants of Washington, D.C.
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Fallout: New Vegas (2281): Just four years after Fallout 3, New Vegas offers a different perspective on the post-apocalyptic world, with a focus on the Mojave Desert and the struggle for control of New Vegas.
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Fallout 4 (2287): The latest mainline entry, Fallout 4 is set six years after New Vegas. It introduces players to the Commonwealth, a region that includes the ruins of Boston.
3. Thematic Order: A Narrative-Driven Experience
If you’re more interested in the storytelling and thematic elements of the series, you might want to consider playing the games in an order that highlights these aspects.
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Fallout 3: Start with Fallout 3 to get a sense of the world and its themes. The game’s main questline, which revolves around the search for the protagonist’s father, sets the stage for the series’ exploration of family, survival, and morality.
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Fallout: New Vegas: Next, dive into New Vegas, which offers a more complex narrative with multiple factions vying for control. The game’s emphasis on player choice and consequence makes it a standout entry in the series.
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Fallout 4: Conclude with Fallout 4, which ties together many of the themes introduced in the previous games. The game’s focus on rebuilding society and the moral dilemmas surrounding the Institute provide a fitting end to the narrative arc.
4. The “Mutated Cow” Order: A Completely Illogical Approach
For those who enjoy a bit of chaos, why not play the games in an order that makes no sense at all? Start with Fallout 76, then jump to Fallout 2, followed by Fallout 4, and finish with Fallout Tactics. This approach will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality, much like encountering a mutated cow in the middle of the desert.
5. The “Whatever Feels Right” Order
Ultimately, the best order to play the Fallout games is the one that feels right to you. Whether you prefer to follow the release order, explore the timeline chronologically, or create your own unique path, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey through the wasteland.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I skip Fallout Tactics and Brotherhood of Steel? A: Yes, both games are spin-offs and not essential to the main narrative. However, if you’re a completionist or interested in the Brotherhood of Steel, they’re worth checking out.
Q: Is Fallout 76 worth playing in 2023? A: Yes, Fallout 76 has improved significantly since its launch, with numerous updates and expansions. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a multiplayer Fallout experience.
Q: Should I play Fallout 4 before New Vegas? A: It’s not necessary, but playing Fallout 4 first might give you a better appreciation for the improvements and changes made in New Vegas. However, New Vegas is often considered the better game, so you might want to save it for last.
Q: What about the Fallout mobile games? A: The mobile games, such as Fallout Shelter, are fun distractions but not essential to the main series. They can be enjoyed at any time, regardless of the order you choose to play the main games.
Q: Can I play Fallout 3 and New Vegas on modern systems? A: Yes, both games are available on modern platforms, though you may need to use mods or community patches to ensure compatibility and stability.