Exploring the Chronological Order of the Fallout Franchise: A Deep Dive into the History of the Wasteland

The Fallout franchise, a cornerstone of the video game industry, has captivated audiences for over two decades with its rich, alternate-universe, retro-futuristic apocalypse setting. The series, which has spawned numerous games, expansions, and adaptations, invites players to explore a desolate wasteland teeming with mutated monsters, soldiers in hulking power armor, and sinister human experiments disguised as bomb shelters. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Fallout franchise, exploring its chronological order and offering advice for those embarking on their first Fallout adventure.

First, it’s essential to understand that the Fallout universe is not a linear timeline. The franchise’s complex narrative spans various time periods, with some games taking place before, during, or after others. To navigate this intricate web of stories, we will outline the Fallout games in both chronological and release order.

Chronological Order:

1. Fallout 76

The earliest entry in the Fallout timeline is Fallout 76, released in 2018. This online multiplayer game follows the first vault dwellers to enter the wasteland 25 years after the nuclear war. Players assume the role of one of these pioneers, embarking on a journey through Appalachia to find their missing overseer. Along the way, they encounter mutated monsters, long-dormant killer robots, and irradiated humans known as Ghouls. To survive, players can team up with other survivors, build bases, and complete quests.

2. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel

The next entry in the timeline is Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, released in 1998. This game takes place in the year 2161, 80 years after the nuclear war. The player assumes the role of a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, an order of knights dedicated to preserving technology and knowledge in the wasteland. The game follows the player as they search for a powerful artifact known as the Replicator.

3. Fallout 2

The third game in the chronological order is Fallout 2, released in 1998. This game takes place in 2241, 120 years after the nuclear war. The player assumes the role of the Chosen One, a descendant of the original protagonist from Fallout. The game follows the Chosen One as they search for the Garden of Eden Creation Kit, a device capable of creating new life in the wasteland.

4. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

The next game in the timeline is Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, released in 2001. This game takes place in 2277, 136 years after the nuclear war. The player assumes the role of a member of the Brotherhood of Steel, leading a squad of soldiers in combat against various enemies. The game’s story follows the player as they attempt to uncover a conspiracy involving the Brotherhood of Steel.

5. Fallout 3

The fifth game in the chronological order is Fallout 3, released in 2008. This game takes place in 2277, 136 years after the nuclear war. The player assumes the role of a resident of Vault 101, a secure shelter built to protect the inhabitants from the nuclear fallout. The game follows the player as they explore the Capital Wasteland, encountering various factions and enemies.

6. Fallout: New Vegas

The sixth game in the chronological order is Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010. This game takes place in 2281, 144 years after the nuclear war. The player assumes the role of a courier, hired to deliver a package to New Vegas. The game follows the player as they navigate the Mojave Wasteland, encountering various factions and enemies.

7. Fallout 4

The seventh game in the chronological order is Fallout 4, released in 2287, 149 years after the nuclear war. The player assumes the role of the Sole Survivor, a resident of Vault 111, a secure shelter built to protect the inhabitants from the nuclear fallout. The game follows the player as they explore the Commonwealth, encountering various factions and enemies.

Release Order:

1. Fallout

The first game in the Fallout series, released in 1997, is the original Fallout game. This game established the franchise’s signature dark-and-gritty atmosphere, its flexible character-creation and perk system, and its open-world freedom.

2. Fallout 2

The second game in the series, released in 1998, is Fallout 2. This game expanded upon the original Fallout, introducing new features such as a larger game world, more complex quests, and a more intricate story.

3. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

The third game in the series, released in 2001, is Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel. This game deviated from the traditional Fallout formula, focusing on tactical combat rather than open-world exploration.

4. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel

The fourth game in the series, released in 1998, is Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. This game was a spin-off from the main Fallout series, focusing on the Brotherhood of Steel and their quest to find the Replicator.

5. Fallout 3

The fifth game in the series, released in 2008, is Fallout 3. This game returned to the open-world exploration format of the original Fallout games, set in the Capital Wasteland.

6. Fallout: New Vegas

The sixth game in the series, released in 2010, is Fallout: New Vegas. This game was developed by Obsidian Entertainment and expanded upon the Fallout: New Vegas storyline, set in the Mojave Wasteland.

7. Fallout 4

The seventh game in the series, released in 2015, is Fallout 4. This game returned to the open-world exploration format of the original Fallout games, set in the Commonwealth.

8. Fallout 76

The eighth game in the series, released in 2018, is Fallout 76. This game is an online multiplayer title set in Appalachia, 25 years after the nuclear war.

For those new to the Fallout universe, the best starting point is arguably Fallout 4. This game is the most recent single-player addition to the series and is the most modern-feeling take on the universe. It’s also the only mainline single-player Fallout game still easily accessible on all modern consoles.

In conclusion, the Fallout franchise offers a rich and complex narrative that spans various time periods. By understanding the chronological order of the games, players can immerse themselves in the world of Fallout and explore its intricate storylines. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, the Fallout universe has something for everyone. So, grab your Pip-Boy, strap on your power armor, and prepare to explore the wasteland.