Fallout Video Game Series
A series of RPG games set in a post-apocalyptic universe. Fallout is considered one of the most important brands created by Interplay and Black Isle Studios. Since 2004, Bethesda Softworks and Bethesda Game Studios have been overseeing the development of the series.
A brief history of the Fallout series
The "fathers" of the series are Tim Cain, Leonard Boyarsky and Christopher Taylor. The first part of the series, titled simply Fallout, was released in 1997 and was almost immediately hailed as the spiritual heir to the project Wasteland. The title won acclaim among gamers, so the developers at Black Isle Studios immediately began work on a sequel.
Fallout 2 was released almost exactly one year after the release of the first game. Despite the numerous technical errors resulting from haste, the game repeated the success of the original. There were plans for the third game, but the publisher's financial troubles caused the project to be repeatedly postponed. Instead, in 2001 gamers got a turn-based strategy game called Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, developed by Micro Forté studio. Interplay's latest approach to the Fallout brand turned out to be a console action RPG released in 2004, titled Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel.
A new chapter in the history of the series was opened by Bethesda Softworks, which took over the rights to the brand. Released in 2008, Fallout 3 brought a completely new 3D visuals, generated by the Gamebryo engine (also used in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion) and revised gameplay mechanics. The title turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2008. Two years later, we got another game in the franchise. Fallout: New Vegas - created by Obsidian Entertainment, a studio founded by former employees of Black Isle Studios.
Bethesda returned to the role of developer in 2015, creating Fallout 4. The same year we also got the first mobile installment - Fallout Shelter - which was closer to economic simulators. In November 2018, we got Fallout 76, another spin-off, this time in the nature of a survival sandbox focused on multiplayer.
The plot and world of the games in the Fallout series
The plot of all games in the Fallout series takes place in a post-apocalyptic universe. As a result of a nuclear conflict that took place in the middle of an alternative, retrofuturistic version of the 20th century, the world was almost completely destroyed. Several generations later people live in small, scattered groups, inhabiting nuclear shelters, desert encampments or ruined cities. In the course of the game, the player directs the actions of one of the survivors, who tries to ensure their and th loved ones survival.
Gameplay in the games of the Fallout series
The first games of the series were distinguished by a tactical, turn-based combat system and an isometric view, characteristic of RPGs of the 1990s. With Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, the graphics switched to 3D. Fallout 3 brought not only a new visual quality and FPP/TPP perspective, but also a number of changes in mechanics, including many elements characteristic of action games (including real-time combat). Fallout 4 expanded the crafting system, which in time became the basis and hallmark for Fallout 76.
Most Fallout games focus on single-player modes. The exceptions are Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, that also had multiplayer mode, as well as Fallout 76 and Fallout Shelter Online, developed entirely with multiplayer in mind.
Adaptations of the Fallout series
The Fallout series is so popular that it got "tabletop" games based on it (Fallout: Warfare, Exodus, Fallout and Fallout: Wasteland Warfare). In 2024, we got a TV series thanks to a collaboration between Bethesda and Amazon, which was a great artistic and commercial success.
Fallout Series Evolution
2020
Fallout Shelter Online
2018
Fallout 76
2017
Fallout 4 VR
2015
Fallout 4
2015
Fallout Pip-Boy
2015
Fallout Shelter
2010
Fallout: New Vegas
2008
Fallout 3
2004
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
2001
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
1998
Fallout 2
1997
Fallout
Fallout 5
TBA
RPG, FPP, Post-apocalypse, Sandbox, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, TPP.
Fallout 5 is the fifth installment of a popular series of post-apocalyptic RPGs. Once again we can create our own character and set off to explore the wasteland, completing quests, gaining allies, leveling up and finding various loot & equipment.
Fallout Shelter Online
June 1, 2020
Strategy, 2D, Economic, RPG Elements, Internet, MMO, Post-apocalypse, Side-scroll, Free-to-play.
Online version of the free strategy game Fallout Shelter. Although the gameplay mechanics remain the same and the player still focuses on expanding his own crypt and taking care of the needs of its inhabitants, this time the game also includes multiplayer functions.
Fallout 76
November 14, 2018
RPG, Crafting, FPP, Games as a Service, Internet, Co-op, MMO, Multiplayer, PC Game Pass, Post-apocalypse, PS Plus Extra, PS Plus Premium, Role-playing Shooter, Sandbox, TPP, Xbox Game Pass Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Game Pass Essential.
A spin-off of the cult post-apocalyptic RPG series, and an online open-world survival game. You cooperate with other players or compete against them, trying to rebuild West Virginia decades after a nuclear disaster. Fallout 76 features many elements from Fallout 4, but the plot is less relevant and the game focuses on building outposts.
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Fallout 4 VR
December 12, 2017
RPG, FPP, Post-apocalypse, Action RPG, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, SteamVR, VR.
A special version of Fallout 4 developed by Bethesda Softworks with VR headsets in mind. Content-wise, the game doesn’t significantly deviate from the original, although the systems of combat, crafting, and building were altered in order to work with VR devices. The title is still an extensive RPG that takes us to an open post-apocalyptic world. Apart from the main storyline, there is a number of side missions for the player to perform – the developers’ intention was to offer absolute freedom so it is only up to the players where they decide to go and how their actions influence the course of the story. Aside from characteristic features of the series, such as the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character attribute system and the V.A.T.S. aiming system, Fallout 4 VR offers extensive crafting options that let us not only create and enhance various furnishings but also to construct buildings that serve as shelters for the protagonist and his/her companions.
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Fallout 4
November 10, 2015
RPG, Crafting, FPP, PC Game Pass, Post-apocalypse, PS Plus Extra, PS Plus Premium, Role-playing Shooter, Sandbox, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, TPP, Xbox Game Pass Essential, Xbox Game Pass Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The fourth major installment in the post-apocalyptic RPG series launched in 1997 by Black Isle Studios and Interplay. Starting from the third part, released in 2008, Bethesda acquired the rights to the franchise and took the reins of the subsequent production set in the cult post-apocalyptic universe. The game’s style is reminiscent of its two predecessors, in which – unlike in the first parts of the cycle – we experience the events from first-person perspective. The plot takes us back to the nuclear wasteland, where the survivors are forced to constantly fight for their lives. Fallout 4 features various new locations and characters, and a whole variety of plot quests and challenging opponents.
Gamepressure
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- Fallout 4: Automatron March 22, 2016
- Fallout 4: Wasteland Workshop April 12, 2016
- Fallout 4: Far Harbor May 19, 2016
- Fallout 4: Contraptions Workshop June 21, 2016
- Fallout 4: Vault-Tec Workshop July 26, 2016
- Fallout 4: Nuka World August 30, 2016
- Fallout: London July 25, 2024
Fallout Pip-Boy
November 4, 2015
RPG, Companion App, Post-apocalypse, Singleplayer, Free-to-play.
A mobile app accompanying the fourth major installment in the cult post-apocalyptic series - Fallout - created in the late 1990s, which later switched owners and since 2008 has been developed by Bethesda Softworks. Fallout Pip-Boy is designed to accompany either the PC or the console versions (PlayStation 4 and Xbox One) of Fallout 4, letting you view your character’s statistics, their equipment, perks, map, and even listen to the radio as you play – all on your own mobile device. The app allows for extra immersion when paired with the special Pip-Boy replica, included in the Collector’s Edition of Fallout 4. An extra feature of Fallout Pip-Boy is a mini-game called Atomic Command, in which you control a huge cannon trying to shoot down incoming nuclear bombs.
Users
Fallout Shelter
June 15, 2015
Strategy, 2D, Economic, Post-apocalypse, Singleplayer, Free-to-play.
A mobile spin-off to the post-apocalyptic Fallout franchise, accompanying the fourth major installment. In contrast to the main-stream Fallout games this one is a simulation strategy, in which you take on a role of a vault overseer and have to look after its inhabitants. The game has you expand the vault by new rooms, including living quarters, and public facilities, to provide for all needs of your dwellers. You also have to gather supplies, which requires you to send expeditions outside the vault, having previously equipped (or not) your men with weapons and protective gear. Each vault dweller has their own statistics and gains experience, thus unlocking new abilities and equipment.
OpenCritic
Steam
Users
Fallout: New Vegas
October 19, 2010
RPG, FPP, Post-apocalypse, PS Plus Premium, Role-playing Shooter, Sandbox, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, TPP, Xbox Game Pass Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
Fallout: New Vegas is a spin-off to the famous post-apocalyptic cRPG series. The game was developed by Obsidian Entertainment, studio founded by ex-employees of Black Isle Studios (the creators of Fallout and Fallout 2). The story in Fallout: New Vegas focuses on a conflict between two factions: New California Republic and Caesar’s Legion, with the mysterious Mr. House and the citizens of New Vegas in the middle. The player takes on the role of a courier that saved from imminent death by a friendly robot named Victor. In terms of gameplay mechanics, the game copies the solutions from Fallout 3. Depending on your preferences, you can play either in first or third person perspective. Moreover, a well-proven combat system called V.A.T.S. comes back, letting you pause the game and select a part of enemy body you want to aim at. The visuals are powered by a modified version of Gamebryo Engine, previously used e.g. in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- Fallout: New Vegas - Dead Money December 21, 2010
- Fallout: New Vegas - Honest Hearts May 17, 2011
- Fallout: New Vegas - Old World Blues July 19, 2011
- Fallout: New Vegas - Lonesome Road September 20, 2011
Fallout 3
October 28, 2008
RPG, FPP, FPS, Post-apocalypse, PS Plus Premium, Role-playing Shooter, Sandbox, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, TPP, TPS, Xbox Game Pass Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
The third installment in the popular series of post-apocalyptic cRPGs. Bethesda Softworks, best known for The Elder Scrolls series, took the reins of the production. The main story arc focuses on the search for our character’s father. During the journey, the main protagonist, called the Lone Wanderer, learns of Project Purity, which could provide water for the inhabitants of the Wasteland. The developers have designed several variants of the main campaign's end, depending on the choices made by the player. They remained faithful to the extensive system of character’s attributes, S.P.E.C.I.A.L., known from the previous games in the Fallout series. The gameplay, however, is characteristic of action games, and features dynamic combat sequences. The three-dimensional visuals of Fallout 3 are generated by the Gamebryo engine.
Steam
Users
Expansion Packs:
- Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage January 27, 2009
- Fallout 3: The Pitt March 24, 2009
- Fallout 3: Broken Steel May 5, 2009
- Fallout 3: Point Lookout June 23, 2009
- Fallout 3: Mothership Zeta August 3, 2009
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
January 13, 2004
RPG, Internet, Multiplayer, Post-apocalypse, Action RPG, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Tactics, Isometric View.
A hack-and-slash action RPG and a console spin-off to Fallout, the popular series by Interplay. The action of Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel is set between the first and the second installment in the series, and the player’s task is to serve in the eponymous Brotherhood of Steel as it tries to contain the chaos spreading throughout the post-apocalyptic wastelands. In the game, we assume control of a team of mercenaries that traverse deserts, sunken villages, ruined cities, and abandoned military complexes to perform various tasks, facing hordes of enemies at the same time. The entire game is played in real time. In combat, we can also perform dodges and use long-rage weaponry. As befits an RPG, as we progress, the team members gain experience, develop their skills and make use of a wide variety of equipment as well as over 50 types of weapons.
Users
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
March 16, 2001
Strategy, Internet, Co-op, LAN, Multiplayer, Post-apocalypse, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Tactics, Turn-based, Isometric View, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
A turn-based tactical strategy game with RPG elements and a spin-off installment of the Fallout series. It was developed cooperatively by Micro Forté and 14° East. The action takes place in the post-nuclear universe of the future, in which we become a member of the eponymous group that seeks to rebuild the world destroyed by the nuclear apocalypse. The players’ task is to locate long-forgotten technologies that will enable them to destroy dangerous foes. To do so, we have to complete a series of subsequent missions that will test our tactical abilities. In Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, we can make use of a large weapon arsenal and numerous armored vehicles, while the party members, in a typical RPG manner, increase their attributes and skills thanks to the experience points gained in combat. The game can be played either solo or in a network multiplayer for up to 18 players.
Steam
Users
Fallout 2
October 31, 1998
RPG, Classic RPG, Post-apocalypse, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Isometric View, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
A post-apocalyptic RPG and a sequel to the 1997’s bestseller, Fallout. Fallout 2 was developed by Black Isle Studios, once again in cooperation with Interplay. The action is set in 2241, 80 years after the events of the first game. The player assumes the role of a chosen one, who is tasked by the village elders with finding the G.E.C.K, a device capable of restoring the world after the nuclear apocalypse. Many gameplay solutions from the original remain unchanged, including the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character creation system and the tactical turn-based combat mechanics. The number of available skills and perks, as well as the player's weapon arsenal and additional equipment were increased. The game offers isometric 2D graphics, a feature characteristic of the RPGs of the late 90s.
Steam
Users
Fallout
September 30, 1997
RPG, Classic RPG, Post-apocalypse, Science Fiction, Singleplayer, Turn-based, Isometric View, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass.
A classic cRPG developed by Black Isle Studios. The action of Fallout is set in a post-apocalyptic world of the future. In 2077, the struggle for oil deposits between the United States and China led to an outbreak of a war, which eventually ended with both sides using their nuclear arsenal. However, before the missiles came down some groups of American citizens had managed to find refuge in commercial shelters, called the Vaults. 84 years later, a malfunction occurs in Vault 13. The player-controlled protagonist is sent to the surface with the mission to find a new water chip, necessary to secure the Vault's water supply. The gameplay mechanics are inspired by the GURPS, with extensive character progression options and tactical turn-based combat. The visual style of Fallout clearly references science fiction culture from the 50s.
Steam
Users
Project V13
cancelled
RPG, MMO, MMORPG, Post-apocalypse, Online.
Project V13 is the code name for an unfinished Interplay MMO project. The game was to be called Fallout Online and take players into the well-known, postapocalyptic world of the future. Due to uncertainties related to the rights to the Fallout brand and the publisher's financial problems, work on the game was halted.
Users
Fallout Series News
Todd Howard explains the Fallout phenomenon and has no doubt what we will play first - GTA 6 or TES6
Todd Howard revealed what he believes is the secret to Fallout. He also praised Rockstar Games and admitted that he hopes GTA 6 will be released before The Elder Scrolls VI.
video games
December 5, 2025
Amazon Prime Gaming for December 2025 with 14 games. Cult Fallout, the last decent Deus Ex and lots of good stuff for Forgotten Realms fans
We have learned the list of games that will be released on Amazon Prime Gaming in December.
video games
December 5, 2025
Amazon Prime Gaming for December 2025 with 14 games. Cult Fallout, the last decent Deus Ex and lots of good stuff for Forgotten Realms fans
We have learned the list of games that will be released on Amazon Prime Gaming in December.
video games
December 5, 2025
Biggest crime in Fallout: New Vegas fixed after 15 years. Fans finally got what they wanted
Fan has added video poker machines to Fallout: New Vegas, and the game really needed that.
video games
December 3, 2025
„Tyranny of the majority.” Fallout creator sharply on who decides canon in games
Tim Cain loves player interpretations, but even the vast majority of them don't decide canon. The Arcanum co-creator hinted at who has the final say, citing the example of the iconic Fallout character Harold.
video games
December 1, 2025
„Tyranny of the majority.” Fallout creator sharply on who decides canon in games
Tim Cain loves player interpretations, but even the vast majority of them don't decide canon. The Arcanum co-creator hinted at who has the final say, citing the example of the iconic Fallout character Harold.
video games
December 1, 2025
Most important location in Fallout: New Vegas could have looked completely different. Originally, devs had a unique vision
Judging from the old concept artwork, Hoover Dam could have been a much more interesting location in Fallout: New Vegas. The artist's vision, however, didn't make it to the game.
Cooldown
November 29, 2025
Fallout: New Vegas gets a remaster? A journalist casually confirmed the rumors
Jez Corden casually confirmed another remaster from Bethesda following the still-unannounced Fallout 3 revamp.
video games
November 14, 2025
Bethesda finally responds to the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition disaster. We will still have to wait for specific fixes, though
Following the disastrous release of Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition, Bethesda Studios announced a plan to fix the game.
video games
November 13, 2025
Sci-fi thriller, beloved classic and Fallout 76 available on Amazon Prime Gaming
Four games are waiting for Amazon Prime Gaming subscribers today. Among them is Fallout 76. However, fans of classics and adventures with hidden objects will also find something for themselves.
video games
November 13, 2025