A Renaissance for the Beloved Fallout Franchise
In the realm of RPG gaming, the Fallout series has long been revered, offering players a blend of dark humor, biting satire, and an expansive array of weapons and character builds set against a retrofuturistic backdrop. A brainchild of various creative forces, including Interplay Entertainment, Obsidian Entertainment, and Bethesda Game Studios, the Fallout universe has provided a rich post-apocalyptic tapestry, each installment exploring different times and regions of the former United States.
While the echoes of nuclear armageddon have been silent since 2018’s Fallout 76, the franchise has confirmed the much-anticipated Fallout 5. Additionally, a new Fallout TV show and an alluring Fallout Franchise Sale have ignited a resurgence in player counts across the series.
As the Fallout series seizes the spotlight once more, we at Team Windows Central have taken a moment to reflect, debate, and rank the mainline Fallout RPGs. Here’s how we’ve ordered them, from the ones we admire a bit less to those we simply can’t get enough of.
6. Fallout 76
Embarking on a multiplayer odyssey, Bethesda took a gamble with Fallout 76, a title that had a rocky start in the wilderness of West Virginia. Sparse in content and riddled with performance issues upon release, the game initially fell short of expectations. Yet, over time, a series of free expansions and updates have enriched the experience with engaging storylines and gameplay enhancements. While not everyone’s favorite, Fallout 76 has shown remarkable improvement and merits a look—particularly while it’s available for free to Amazon Prime members until May 15.
5. Fallout 2
Just a year after the original, Fallout 2 emerged from the development vault of Black Isle Studios. This sequel expanded the world, introducing a multitude of locations, factions, and quests. Playing as The Chosen One, you embark on a quest for a Garden of Eden Creation Kit to save your village. While broader in scope, Fallout 2’s zanier moments set it apart from its darker predecessor.
4. Fallout
Where it all began. The inaugural Fallout game set the stage in 1997, challenging players to navigate the ruins of California as the Vault Dweller. Despite dated controls, the original Fallout is a testament to exceptional worldbuilding and narrative ingenuity, offering a rich tapestry of characters and a compelling blend of serious and light-hearted moments.
3. Fallout 4
The most recent single-player chapter from Bethesda, Fallout 4, transported players to the Commonwealth, showcasing the franchise’s most refined graphics and combat. Introducing a beloved settlement system, the game also stands as a modding playground. Despite its technical prowess, some fans find the dialogue and roleplaying elements less engaging than in previous entries.
2. Fallout 3
As Bethesda’s first foray into the Fallout world, Fallout 3 carved out its legacy with its portrayal of the Capital Wasteland. The introduction of the V.A.T.S. combat system and a compelling narrative set a new benchmark for the series, despite the absence of the more refined gameplay elements found in its successor.
1. Fallout: New Vegas
It’s no secret that Fallout: New Vegas frequently takes the top spot in the hearts of fans. A high point for Obsidian Entertainment, the game combined the best aspects of Fallout 3 with superior writing, expansive storylines, and a vibrant world full of life and conflict. Despite its PC version’s reputation for bugs, community-created mods have helped to smooth out the experience.
What about the other games?
Other Fallout titles like Fallout Shelter and Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel offer unique takes on the universe, while Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel remains an outlier, often overlooked and non-canonical. Each has contributed to the tapestry of the Fallout legacy in its own way.
Whether you align with our rankings or have your own list of favorites, we invite your thoughts and discussions. And for those with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can explore these wasteland wonders without the need for separate purchases—except, of course, for Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel.
