The Ultimate Guide to Playing Fallout in Chronological Order

The Fallout franchise has spent over two decades establishing one of the richest settings in video games. Envisioning an alternate-universe, retro-futuristic apocalypse teeming with mutated monsters, soldiers in hulking power armor, and sinister human experiments disguised as bomb shelters, the series has captivated millions.

With Season 2 of the Fallout TV series now streaming on Prime Video, there has never been a better time to strap a Pip-Boy to your wrist and reacquaint yourself with this nuclear hellscape. But for newcomers and returning fans alike, the question remains: where is the best place to start?

This guide runs through the franchise’s entire chronological history, offering a clear path through the wasteland. It also provides advice on where to embark on your first-ever Fallout adventure, whether you prefer a linear narrative or the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The scope of the Fallout universe is extensive. In total, there are nine main Fallout games available across various platforms. Eight of these titles are playable on home consoles, while two were developed specifically for mobile devices.

Beyond the main entries, the series is supported by a substantial library of downloadable content. There are thirteen major expansions spread across the beloved titles Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4. These expansions add significant narrative depth and new areas to explore within the wasteland.

The franchise remains a core pillar for its current steward, Bethesda, which continues to provide support for the series. This enduring legacy ensures that the world of Fallout is constantly evolving, offering new stories and experiences for players to discover.

• Nine main games across console and mobile platforms
• Thirteen major expansions for core console titles
• A continuous timeline of support from Bethesda
• Over two decades of established lore and history

Understanding the history of the franchise requires looking at two different timelines: the order in which games were released and the order in which events occur within the game's universe. The series began with Fallout (1997), developed by Interplay Productions, followed by its sequel Fallout 2 (1998). Over the years, the franchise expanded with titles like Fallout Tactics (2001), Fallout 3 (2008), and the critically acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas (2010).

However, for a narrative-focused experience, the chronological timeline offers a different perspective. It is important to note that not all games are counted in this official canon. Bethesda has confirmed that Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel takes place in its own separate chronology and is not considered part of the main storyline.

Similarly, the mobile vault management simulator Fallout Shelter is excluded from the chronological timeline. Although the game follows the lore of the vaults, it features characters and items hundreds of years before they appear in the main storyline, making it non-canon. Fallout Tactics is included despite some retconned elements, as certain events from its narrative have been referenced in future games, granting it semi-canonical status.

For those seeking to experience the Fallout saga as it unfolds in the post-apocalyptic world, the chronological order begins with the most recent release. This path allows players to witness the immediate aftermath of the Great War and follow the evolution of the wasteland through the centuries.

The journey starts with Fallout 76, set in 2102, just 25 years after nuclear war eviscerated the world. As one of the first vault dwellers to emerge, the player explores Appalachia in search of a missing overseer, encountering mutated monstrosities and zombie-like Ghouls. This online experience was Bethesda’s first attempt at a fully multiplayer Fallout, allowing players to build bases and reestablish a community among the ruins.

Next, the timeline moves to 2161 with the original Fallout. Here, a Vault 13 dweller is tasked with finding a new water chip to save their home. The mission escalates when the player encounters an army of mutated Super Mutants and their leader, the Master, threatening the entire wasteland. This foundational title was a deep CRPG with turn-based combat, establishing the series' heavy focus on player choice.

The saga continues with Fallout Tactics in 2197, where players lead a squad for the Brotherhood of Steel, and Fallout 2 in 2241, following a descendant of the original Vault Dweller known as the Chosen One. The timeline then progresses to the events of Fallout 3 in 2277, Fallout: New Vegas in 2281, and finally Fallout 4 in 2287, completing the main narrative arc.

With the chronological history laid out, the question of where to start remains. For players who value narrative continuity above all else, beginning with Fallout 76 offers a unique, albeit unconventional, entry point. As a multiplayer-focused title, its story has evolved significantly since launch, with major updates like Wastelanders and Steel Reign adding crucial NPCs and new questlines that enrich the experience.

However, many veterans recommend starting with Fallout 3 or Fallout 4. These Bethesda-developed titles represent the modern era of the franchise and offer a more traditional, single-player role-playing experience. They serve as excellent introductions to the core mechanics, atmosphere, and moral choices that define the series. Fallout: New Vegas is also frequently praised for its intricate storytelling and player freedom.

Ultimately, the best starting point depends on personal preference. If you are drawn to the lore and want to see how the world began, the original Fallout (1997) is a classic. For a more modern, polished experience with expansive worlds to explore, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, or Fallout: New Vegas are ideal choices. Each game stands on its own, ensuring a rich and rewarding journey regardless of where you choose to step into the wasteland.

The Fallout franchise offers a vast and compelling universe with a history spanning over two decades. Whether you choose to follow the chronological timeline or explore the games in their original release order, each title provides a unique window into this retro-futuristic apocalypse.

Remember that the core experience is found in the main console titles, with Fallout 76 marking the chronological beginning and Fallout 4 representing the latest chapter in the main storyline. With the continued support from Bethesda and the popularity of the TV series, the world of Fallout is more accessible than ever. Your journey into the wasteland awaits.