Fallout is one of the most popular video game franchises, currently owned by Bethesda Softworks. The first Fallout game was released in 1997, which makes it nearly three decades old. The Fallout lore is not only very long but is also quite complicated, especially for newcomers.
This is why it can get confusing for new players who are figuring out the order to play Fallout games. We are here to help as we have listed Fallout games to play in chronological, as well as, release order. With Amazon Prime Video releasing a new TV series Fallout, based on the game, it is the perfect time to jump into the games if you have not already.
Fallout Games to Play in Chronological Order
Note: We have listed only those Fallout games that Bethesda considers canon to the Fallout universe. We have excluded titles like Fallout Tactics, Fallout Shelter, and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel.
Fallout 76 (2018)
Fallout 76 is the newest game in the series but chronologically, it is the first game you should play. The game takes place in 2102, 25 years after the nuclear war aka the Great War that destroyed the world. You get to play as a Vault 76 resident who must go out into the outer world called Appalachia.
The game also offers an online experience where you can play with other players globally. While Fallout 76 received a lot of flake for numerous bugs and performance glitches, Bethesda has improved it a lot since its initial release in 2018.
Fallout (1997)
This is the first game in the series and its story takes place 59 years after the events of Fallout 76. It means you are now in 2161 and get to play as a resident of the Vault 13. You will be sent to the outer world by the ‘overseer’ to find a new water chip. This chip is necessary for recycling water and eventually for the survival of all vault dwellers.
Fallout 2 (1998)
Fallout 2 is a sequel to the first-ever Fallout game and takes the story 80 years ahead in 2241. You get to play as a descendant of the first game’s protagonist who left the Vault 13. The character resides in a village in the outer world and has to look for a G.E.C.K. (Garden of Eden Creation Kit).
It is the game where you will see the formation of the New California Republic (NCR), an important faction in the series.
Fallout 3 (2008)
Fallout 3 is the first game released after Bethesda acquired the series in 2007. The story begins 36 years later in 2277 along with a change of scenery, well whatever is left of it in the postapocalyptic world. You get to play a character born in Vault 101 who has to leave its safety in search of his father.
The game will take you on a journey across the Captial Wasteland. It is also the first title with 3D and first-person gameplay experience.
Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
Fallout: New Vegas takes the shortest jump in the timeline so far. Its story kicks off just four years later when a courier gets shot while transporting a package. Yes, you do not get to play as a vault dweller in this title. The character’s goal is to find out who attacked him, why, and what happened to the package.
Fallout 4 (2015)
Fallout 4 lets you play as a vault dweller once again. Its story is set six years after the New Vegas events and over 200 years after the Great War. Your character finds himself/herself in Vault 111 with their spouse dead and son missing. You know the drill by now: get out of the vault and wander the wastelands to look for your son.
Fallout Games to Play in Release Order
- Fallout (1997)
- Fallout 2 (1998)
- Fallout 3 (2008)
- Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
- Fallout 4 (2015)
- Fallout 76 (2018)
Do note that Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4 further have expansion packs that add to the lore. You can play them too if you love to play expansion packs and DLCs.
