No, you do not have to play the Fallout games in order. Each main entry presents a largely self-contained story within the shared universe.
Jumping into the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout can feel daunting with so many titles to choose from. A common question arises: do you have to play the Fallout games in order to fully enjoy them? The answer, luckily, is a reassuring no.
While there are some recurring characters and factions, each game tells its own narrative. You can easily start with Fallout 3, New Vegas, or Fallout 4 and enjoy the experience. Each offers a complete adventure without prior knowledge.
Do You Have to Play the Fallout Games in Order?
So, you’re itching to explore the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, but you’re staring at a long list of games and wondering if you need to start at the very beginning. It’s a totally valid question! The Fallout series has been around for a while, with lots of different stories, characters, and settings. The good news is, while there are connections, you don’t absolutely have to play them in chronological order to enjoy the games. Let’s dive into why this is, and what you should consider when picking your first Fallout adventure.
The Fallout Universe: A Shared World, Not a Single Story
Think of the Fallout world like a giant, shared playground. Each game is set in that same playground, but each has its own sandcastle, swings, and games going on. There are some recurring characters, groups, and events, but they mostly live within their own game. For instance, the Brotherhood of Steel, a group of tech-loving knights, appears in many games, but their story and actions are different depending on which part of the wasteland you are exploring. It’s like seeing a group of your friends in different school plays – they’re still your friends, but they are in different scenarios. This means you can usually pick up any Fallout game and understand what is happening, even without having played any previous ones.
Key Elements that Tie the Games Together
While each game has its own unique story, there are elements that consistently appear throughout the series, creating the cohesive Fallout universe we know and love. These common threads create familiarity and connection across different titles. These elements are what makes it feel like you are in the same world, even if you’re experiencing different places and eras.
- The Great War and its Aftermath: The basis for the world is the nuclear war, the ‘Great War’, which happened in 2077. This single event reshaped the planet, causing the post-apocalyptic settings for all the games. Even though each game takes place in a different location and time, the effects of this war and the resulting wasteland are fundamental to the experience.
- Vault-Tec and the Vaults: The idea of underground bunkers called “Vaults” is important. These Vaults were built before the war and were meant to protect people. However, they were often part of weird and unethical experiments, adding to the overall strangeness of the Fallout universe. Each game has its own vaults with unique stories, making them a place to explore to find unique and sometimes disturbing details about the past.
- Factions: You’ll see various factions (groups of people with shared beliefs) appear across different titles, such as the Brotherhood of Steel, the Enclave, and the Raiders. Their goals and appearances might change, but their general concepts remain the same, giving players a sense of continuity and familiarity.
- Retro-Futuristic Style: The 1950s inspired ‘retro-futuristic’ world is a staple, from the old-fashioned robots to the music and technology. It’s a distinct art style that’s consistent throughout all games. This aesthetic is a big part of the charm of the Fallout experience.
- S.P.E.C.I.A.L. System: The core character development system known as S.P.E.C.I.A.L (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, Luck) is used throughout most of the core entries in the series. This system is usually the core component of character building and progression.
Why You Don’t Need to Play in Order
Let’s talk more about why you can jump into almost any Fallout game without feeling completely lost. Each game generally starts with you as a newcomer to the specific region, having your own unique story that does not necessarily need the prior knowledge of the previous games. There are a few different important factors that enable this freedom:
Independent Storylines
The stories in each Fallout game are self-contained. You are usually a new character with your own motivations. The main narratives are typically focused on your actions and how you influence the world around you, without needing the context of the previous game’s main characters and their stories. There may be mentions of prior events, but those are often presented in the current game with sufficient background information to be understood by anyone.
Geographic Separation
The games are set in different parts of the United States. For example, Fallout 3 is set in the ruins of Washington, D.C., Fallout: New Vegas is in Nevada, and Fallout 4 is in Boston. This geographic separation means that events in one game don’t usually directly affect the others. You don’t have to know what happened in Washington, D.C. to enjoy your time exploring Boston, and vice-versa. This keeps the games feeling fresh and independent from each other.
Time Differences
Many of the games are set at different points in time after the Great War. For example, Fallout 1 and 2 take place relatively early after the war, while Fallout 3 and beyond are set hundreds of years later. This timeframe separation allows each game to explore different themes and scenarios without being tightly bound by past events, allowing each game to operate separately.
Where to Start Your Fallout Journey
So, if you don’t have to play in order, where do you begin? Here are some popular starting points and why they might be good for you:
Fallout 3: A Good Introduction
Many people consider Fallout 3 to be a great starting point. It was a major step forward for the series, transitioning into a first-person 3D perspective while maintaining many of the classic RPG elements. It has a compelling main story, a vast open world to explore, and many different things to see and do, making it ideal for anyone who wants to experience the essence of a Fallout game. This entry is also widely accessible and easy to get into.
Fallout: New Vegas: Story Focused
Fallout: New Vegas is another fan favorite often recommended to newcomers, especially those who enjoy rich narratives and complex choices. It has a huge amount of story elements, plenty of character interactions, and more nuanced factional conflict. The game’s story and characters are very captivating, and it’s generally considered to have some of the best writing in the entire series. If story is what you are looking for, this might be the best starting point for you.
Fallout 4: The Modern Experience
Fallout 4, the newest single player game in the main series, is a great place to start if you prefer newer, more modern mechanics. It includes a settlement-building element, improved shooting mechanics, and more freedom with character appearance. It can be more accessible for new players who might feel intimidated by older titles. It has more focus on action and exploration while providing a solid story experience.
Fallout 1 & 2: The Classic Roots
The original Fallout games, Fallout 1 and 2, offer a much different experience. They are isometric RPGs, which are more strategic and challenging, and they also have a slower pace than their modern counterparts. They have a lot of depth and complexity with their rules and role-playing options. If you prefer a more old-school, top down RPG experience with focus on role-playing, and you aren’t intimidated by older games, starting with these entries can be very rewarding, and would give you an incredible understanding of the origins of the entire series. However, if you’re completely new to the series and looking for something a bit less complex, then starting with other entries would be better.
Fallout 76: The Online World
Fallout 76 is an online multiplayer game set in the Fallout universe. If you prefer playing online with other people, this could be a great entry point, as it’s different from the single-player titles. However, it’s important to note that this entry has a different approach than all the other single player Fallout games, and it doesn’t have the same type of story and solo experience as the other Fallout entries.
A Table Summarizing Suggested Starting Points
To make it easier to decide, here’s a quick table summarizing some suggestions:
| Game | Why It’s a Good Starting Point | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fallout 3 | Great introduction to 3D Fallout, balanced gameplay | Open world, good story, classic feel |
| Fallout: New Vegas | Rich narrative, lots of choice | Deep story, complex choices, compelling characters |
| Fallout 4 | Modern mechanics, accessible gameplay | Modern mechanics, building, more action |
| Fallout 1 & 2 | Original experience, in-depth role playing | Isometric view, complex, strategic gameplay |
| Fallout 76 | Online multiplayer, exploration | Online world, more exploration, different gameplay |
A Few Things to Consider
While you don’t need to play them in order, there are a few small things to consider when deciding which Fallout game to start with:
- Your Preferred Playstyle: Do you like deep stories, open exploration, or building? The answer might make a difference on the entry you pick to start with. For instance, those who want to build will be happy with Fallout 4, while people who want to focus on story will like Fallout: New Vegas better.
- Modern vs. Classic Feel: Are you okay with older graphics and mechanics, or do you prefer a more modern and smooth experience? Newer titles, like Fallout 4, will offer a smoother experience while the older games will feel more old school.
- How Much Time You Have: Some of the Fallout games have a longer playtime compared to others. Fallout 4 is big, while Fallout 1 is a much more focused experience. If you have limited time, something like Fallout 1 or 2 may be a better place to begin.
The Fallout series offers a fantastic universe with numerous ways to play. You can jump into almost any game and enjoy the story, the world, and the characters without having to worry about playing in a specific order. The world of Fallout is waiting for you. Now, it’s just time for you to choose which part of that world you will want to explore first!
Which Fallout Game You Should Play First
Final Thoughts
You don’t must play the Fallout games in chronological order to enjoy them. Each title generally offers a standalone story. While some recurring factions and characters might appear, your experience isn’t heavily reliant on prior knowledge.
Therefore, if you’re curious about a particular game, jump right in. ‘do you have to play the fallout games in order?’ The simple answer is no. You’ll find great fun no matter where you begin.
