Where to Start · Fallout
Where to Start with Fallout
Fallout is Bethesda's post-apocalyptic RPG franchise set in an alternate history America where the 1950s aesthetic never faded and nuclear war devastated the world in 2077. The Wasteland — irradiated, dangerous, and populated by mutants, raiders, ghouls, and survivors building something new from the ruins — is one of gaming's most distinctive settings.
The series has two distinct eras: the classic top-down isometric RPGs (Fallout 1 and 2, 1997-1998) and the Bethesda first-person open world era (Fallout 3 onwards, 2008-present). Both are excellent. Both have devoted communities. Where you start depends on which format you prefer.
If you only play one Fallout game
Play Fallout: New Vegas (2010). It is the most acclaimed game in the franchise — the Mojave Desert, the conflict between the NCR, Caesar's Legion, Mr. House, and Yes Man, and a story where every faction has a coherent ideology and none is obviously correct. New Vegas has the best writing in the series, the most interesting companions, and the most satisfying role-playing with genuine consequences. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment (many of whom made the original Fallout games), New Vegas feels like a bridge between the classic era's depth and Bethesda's open world accessibility.
Fallout 3 — the reboot
Fallout 3 (2008) is where Bethesda reinvented the franchise as a first-person open world RPG — Washington DC in ruins, the Capital Wasteland, and VATS (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) as the signature combat mechanic. Fallout 3 is excellent at atmosphere and exploration — emerging from Vault 101 into the ruined Capital Wasteland is one of gaming's great opening moments. The story is less morally complex than New Vegas but the world density and discovery are exceptional. A valid starting point with no prior Fallout knowledge required.
Fallout 4 — the most accessible
Fallout 4 (2015) is the most mechanically polished Bethesda Fallout — better shooting, the settlement building system, and Boston (The Commonwealth) as a setting. The role-playing depth is reduced compared to 3 and New Vegas — dialogue options are simplified and faction choices less nuanced — but as an open world action RPG it is excellent. The most accessible entry point for players unfamiliar with RPGs. Available on PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC with a next-gen update improving visuals and performance.
The classic era
Fallout (1997) and Fallout 2 (1998) are isometric turn-based RPGs with SPECIAL stats, skill checks, and branching dialogue that the later games reference but rarely match for depth. Fallout 1 is set in Southern California and takes 20-30 hours. Fallout 2 is larger, more ambitious, and more darkly comedic. Both are on PC via Steam and GOG and are worth playing after the modern games if classic RPGs appeal. Fallout Tactics (2001) is a tactical spinoff — solid but not essential.
Fallout 76
Fallout 76 (2018) is the online multiplayer entry — West Virginia, shared world, no human NPCs at launch (added later via Wastelanders update). It had a disastrous launch but has improved significantly over five years of updates. As of 2026 it is a functional and content-rich online RPG. Not the starting point for the franchise but worth trying if the multiplayer survival format appeals, especially as it is on Xbox Game Pass.
The Amazon TV series
The Fallout TV series (2024, Amazon Prime) is set in the same universe as the games and is an excellent entry point into the world for newcomers who want the lore before playing. It references specific games — particularly New Vegas — without requiring prior knowledge. Watching the series and then playing New Vegas is a valid and increasingly common path into the franchise.
What platforms you need
Fallout New Vegas — PS3/Xbox 360/PC (no PS4/5 native version, backward compatible on Xbox Series). Fallout 3 — PS3/Xbox 360/PC (backward compatible on Xbox Series). Fallout 4 — PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC. Fallout 76 — PS4/PS5/Xbox/PC, on Game Pass. Classic Fallout 1 and 2 — PC via Steam/GOG.
Recommended order
New Vegas for the best single game. Fallout 4 for the most accessible modern entry. Fallout 3 for the Bethesda origin. Classic era (1 and 2) after the modern games for RPG depth. New Vegas Ultimate Edition includes all DLC and is the version to own.