What Fallout Game Should I Play First

For a first experience with the series, you should play Fallout 3 first.

So, you’re curious about venturing into the wasteland, but you are asking yourself “what fallout game should i play first”? It’s a great question, as the series has evolved over time. Starting in the right place makes a huge difference.

Fallout 3 serves as an excellent entry point for new players. It provides a good blend of exploration, story and role-playing, and its gameplay is a bit more accessible than some of the earlier titles.

What Fallout Game Should I Play First?

So, you’re ready to step into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, huh? That’s awesome! But with so many games in the series, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the wasteland and help you pick the perfect Fallout game to jump into first. Each game offers a unique experience, and your best starting point really depends on what you’re looking for in your post-nuclear adventure.

Understanding the Fallout Universe

Before we dive into specific games, let’s talk a little about what makes the Fallout world so special. The games are set in a future where nuclear war has turned the world into a radioactive wasteland. Imagine everything we know today, but after a big disaster! You’ll encounter strange mutated creatures, explore ruined cities, and meet all sorts of interesting characters – some friendly, some not so much. You play as a survivor, making your own way and choices. The games are known for their blend of action, role-playing, and storytelling, and for giving you a lot of freedom to explore.

Key Features of Fallout Games

Most of the Fallout games share some common features:

The Vault: Many games begin in a secure underground bunker called a Vault, where people lived before the bombs fell. Leaving the Vault is often the start of your adventure.
S.P.E.C.I.A.L.: This is a character system with seven basic traits: Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck. These impact everything from combat to talking with characters.
V.A.T.S.: The Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System lets you pause combat to target specific parts of an enemy’s body. It’s a strategic way to fight.
Moral Choices: Many of your decisions in the game affect the world around you, and the story unfolds based on the paths you choose.
Open World: You are free to explore most of the world, finding new locations, quests, and enemies as you go.

Fallout: The Classic Era (Fallout 1 & 2)

These are the games that started it all. Fallout (1997) and Fallout 2 (1998) are classic isometric RPGs. This means you see your character from a slightly above angle, not directly behind them like in later games. These games have very deep stories and lots of role-playing options. However, they can be a bit tough for newer players to get into due to their older graphics, complex gameplay mechanics, and slower pacing compared to modern games.

Why You Might Choose Fallout 1 or 2

Rich Storytelling: If you love a very involved story with lots of dialogue and tough choices, these are great choices.
Classic RPG Experience: These games offer a very pure, old-school RPG experience with many ways to build your character.
Historical Significance: These are the foundations of the entire Fallout series. Playing them gives you an appreciation for the series’ history.

Why You Might Skip Fallout 1 or 2

Outdated Graphics: The graphics are quite old compared to today’s games. Some players may find them hard to look at.
Difficult Gameplay: The gameplay can be very difficult and unforgiving for new players. It might take some time to learn the mechanics.
Slower Pace: The pace of these games is slower, with lots of reading and planning. Some modern gamers may find this boring.

Fallout 3: The First 3D Adventure

Fallout 3 (2008) marked a big change for the series. It moved from a top-down view to a fully 3D, first-person perspective. This made the wasteland feel very immersive and brought players much closer to the action. You play as a Vault dweller who ventures out to find your missing father in the ruins of Washington D.C. Fallout 3 was a hit for its story, open-world exploration, and blend of RPG and shooter mechanics.

Why Fallout 3 Could Be a Great First Game

Introduction to Modern Fallout: If you want a taste of the modern style, Fallout 3 is a perfect starting point. It has a good balance of action and RPG elements.
Engaging Story: The main story of finding your father is really compelling and has some memorable moments.
Vibrant World: The ruins of D.C. are very interesting to explore. There are lots of hidden places and items to find.

Potential Drawbacks of Starting with Fallout 3

Somewhat Clunky Gameplay: While the game was revolutionary when it was released, some of its gameplay mechanics can feel a bit clunky by today’s standards.
Less Polished Than Later Titles: Fallout 3, while a classic, is not as refined as some of the newer games in the series.
Limited Graphics Compared to Later Games: It may not be as visually impressive as the later Fallout games.

Fallout: New Vegas: The Fan-Favorite

Fallout: New Vegas (2010) is a spin-off game developed by Obsidian Entertainment. It’s often considered a favorite among many fans due to its deep and branching story, memorable characters, and incredible role-playing freedom. Set in the Mojave Desert around Las Vegas, you play as a courier who is seeking revenge on those who attacked you. This game has an exceptional focus on player choice, with your decisions having a significant impact on the story and the world around you.

Why Fallout: New Vegas is a Good Starting Point

Best Role-Playing: New Vegas offers the most freedom in character creation and choices. It’s great if you want a lot of control over your story.
Deep Story and Characters: This game’s story is very well-written, with lots of compelling characters and factions to interact with.
Branching Storyline: Your choices make a huge difference. It has many different endings and a lot of replay value.

Potential Downsides to Starting with Fallout: New Vegas

Can Be Less Forgiving: New Vegas has some difficult combat. It might be tricky for newcomers to master the game’s mechanics.
Some Technical Issues: The game is known for having some bugs and glitches. You might run into some unexpected problems.
Graphics Can Feel Dated: The visuals are similar to Fallout 3 and may not be as appealing as the graphics in later installments.

Fallout 4: The Modern Iteration

Fallout 4 (2015) is the most recent single-player title. It introduces new features like base building and a more detailed crafting system. Set in Boston, Massachusetts, you play as a survivor who searches for your missing child. Fallout 4 is notable for its improved graphics and streamlined gameplay, making it a user-friendly starting point for new players.

Why Fallout 4 Could Be Your First Game

Most Polished Gameplay: Fallout 4 has smoother controls and a more approachable feel than the previous titles.
Improved Graphics: The game looks fantastic, with detailed environments and characters.
Settlement Building: This is a fun feature that lets you build your own bases and settlements in the wasteland.

Reasons Why Fallout 4 Might Not Be the Best Starting Point

Simplified RPG Elements: Some fans think Fallout 4 has less role-playing depth compared to New Vegas.
Less Impactful Choices: The story choices in Fallout 4 may not have as much impact on the world as in New Vegas.
Focus on Action: There’s more focus on combat and building than storytelling compared to previous games.

Fallout 76: The Online Multiplayer Experience

Fallout 76 (2018) is the online multiplayer game in the series. It’s set in West Virginia and allows you to play with other players in a shared world. While it is part of the Fallout series, it offers a very different experience focused on cooperative gameplay and base building. Due to its online nature and emphasis on cooperative play, it is usually not recommended as a first experience for a new player exploring the single player games of the series.

Why Fallout 76 Might Appeal to Some

Multiplayer Gameplay: If you enjoy playing with friends, Fallout 76 is a good way to experience the Fallout world.
Living World: The online world is constantly changing with new events, updates, and quests.
Base Building: The base building system in Fallout 76 is extensive and allows for creative construction.

Why Fallout 76 Is Not a Good First Game

Different Experience: It’s very different from other Fallout games. It focuses on multiplayer, not the single-player RPG experience.
Not Story-Focused: The story is weaker than in most other Fallout games. It’s mostly focused on action and exploration with other players.
Requires Online Connection: You always need an internet connection to play, unlike the others.

Summary: Which Game Should You Play First?

Let’s recap the best options based on your preferences:

For a classic RPG experience: Start with Fallout 1 or Fallout 2 (if you can handle older graphics and gameplay).
For a taste of modern Fallout: Begin with Fallout 3. It’s a good all-rounder that balances action and RPG elements.
For the best story and role-playing: Fallout: New Vegas is the perfect starting point. If you are fine with the older graphics.
For a modern, user-friendly experience: Jump into Fallout 4 for the most polished gameplay, building aspect and good graphics.
For an online multiplayer experience: Try Fallout 76, but be aware it’s very different from the other games.

Ultimately, there’s no single correct answer. Your best choice depends on your personal preference. Consider what you value most in a game – story, gameplay, role-playing, or graphics – and you’ll find the perfect Fallout starting point.

No matter which game you pick, prepare to spend many hours exploring, discovering, and surviving the post-nuclear world. You’ll have an amazing time in the wasteland!

Which Fallout Game You Should Play First

Final Thoughts

Fallout 3 provides a good entry point due to its engaging story and introduction to the series’ core mechanics. New Vegas has more complex systems, but its narrative depth appeals to many. Fallout 4’s base building and improved combat feel modern.

So, what fallout game should i play first? Fallout 3 is the ideal starting point for new players. This game offers an excellent balance. Its world feels immersive and it’s less daunting than New Vegas or Fallout 4.