Fallout Games in Order: A Comprehensive Guide to the Post-Apocalyptic Saga

To find the chronological order of the Fallout games, we can refer to the information provided in the Google search results:

1. Fallout (1997) - Set in 2161
2. Fallout 2 (1998) - Set in 2241
3. Fallout 3 (2008) - Set in 2277
4. Fallout: New Vegas (2010) - Set in 2281
5. Fallout 4 (2015) - Set in 2287
6. Fallout 76 (2018) - Set in 2102
7. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001) - Set in 2197-2198

So, the chronological order of the Fallout games is as follows:

1. Fallout 76
2. Fallout
3. Fallout 2
4. Fallout 3
5. Fallout: New Vegas
6. Fallout 4
7. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

1. Fallout (1997) - The original game that started it all, setting the stage in a post-apocalyptic United States after a nuclear war.
2. Fallout 2 (1998) - A direct sequel to the first game, expanding the universe and introducing new aspects of the wasteland.
3. Fallout 3 (2008) - A revolutionary title that brought the series into the 3D era, offering an open world in the Capital Wasteland.
4. Fallout: New Vegas (2010) - A beloved installment that provides a unique experience in the Mojave Desert with complex factions and narratives.
5. Fallout 4 (2015) - Set in the Commonwealth, this game introduces enhanced mechanics and a more personal story in the search for the protagonist"s son.
6. Fallout 76 (2018) - The series" first multiplayer game, set in West Virginia, offering a prequel story to the entire series.

• Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001) - A tactical RPG focusing on the Brotherhood of Steel, set in the Midwest of the United States.
• Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004) - An action game for consoles, diverging from the main series" RPG elements, set in the post-apocalyptic Southwest.
• Fallout Shelter (2015) - A simulation game that puts you in control of your own Vault as the Overseer, managing resources and dwellers.
• Fallout: New California (2018) - A fan-made mod for Fallout: New Vegas, adding a new story, characters, and quests in the California wasteland.

• Fallout (1997) - Set in a post-apocalyptic Southern California, the game is known for its open-ended gameplay and rich story. Players emerge from Vault 13 to find a replacement for the Vault"s water purification chip.
• Fallout 2 (1998) - Taking place 80 years after the first game, it features an expanded world and improved gameplay mechanics. The protagonist, the Chosen One, is tasked with saving their village from famine and drought.
• Fallout 3 (2008) - Set in the Capital Wasteland, it introduces a more immersive 3D world. Players take on the role of a Vault Dweller from Vault 101 on a quest to find their father and discover the truth about their past.
• Fallout: New Vegas (2010) - With a focus on factional warfare, it offers a complex narrative and the freedom to choose sides. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, players step into the shoes of the Courier, surviving in a world of danger and intrigue.
• Fallout 4 (2015) - Located in the Commonwealth, the game introduces base building and a voiced protagonist. Players search for their kidnapped son, facing the harsh realities of the wasteland and its various factions.
• Fallout 76 (2018) - As a prequel to the series, this multiplayer game explores the landscape of West Virginia shortly after the nuclear fallout. Players work together, or against each other, to survive and rebuild.

The Fallout series is set in an alternate timeline that diverged from our own sometime after World War II, imagining a future shaped by 1950s American culture and the atomic age. This universe explores the aftermath of a catastrophic nuclear war that occurs in 2077, known as the Great War, which devastates the global landscape and leads to the creation of the post-apocalyptic world the games are set in.

• The timeline includes the rise of the United States and China as superpowers, leading to resource wars over dwindling supplies of oil and other materials.
• Technological advancements diverge significantly, with the development of nuclear fusion, advanced robotics, and laser weaponry.
• Despite these advancements, the world"s political and social structures stagnate, leading to a society that mirrors the American 1950s in many respects.
• The Vault-Tec Corporation constructs fallout shelters known as Vaults, ostensibly to protect the population from nuclear war, but many are used for unethical social experiments.
• Following the Great War, survivors face a world filled with mutated creatures, hostile human factions, and an environment irrevocably altered by radiation.
• The series explores themes of survival, the rebuilding of society, and the question of what it means to be human in a world where humanity itself caused near extinction.

Each game in the series is set in a different region of the United States, offering unique stories and perspectives on life in the wasteland, yet all are connected through the shared history and consequences of the Great War.

While each Fallout game is designed to stand alone, playing them in a certain order can enhance understanding of the series" evolving universe and lore. Here’s a suggested play order for those interested in experiencing the story"s progression and thematic continuity:

1. Fallout (1997) - Start with the original to understand the foundation of the Fallout universe, its mechanics, and its initial story.
2. Fallout 2 (1998) - Continue with this sequel to see the evolution of the game world and its narratives, building on the base established by the first game.
3. Fallout 3 (2008) - As a soft reboot for the series, it introduces a new gameplay style and significantly expands the universe into the 3D era.
4. Fallout: New Vegas (2010) - Often celebrated for its complex storytelling and depth, this game deepens the lore and offers a closer look at the post-apocalyptic society.
5. Fallout 4 (2015) - With further enhancements to gameplay and story, it offers a new perspective on the world post-Great War, focusing on personal narratives within the broader conflict.
6. Fallout 76 (2018) - Playing this after the main series titles provides context for the series" pre-war world and the immediate aftermath of the apocalypse, despite its multiplayer focus.

This order prioritizes narrative development and the introduction of game mechanics, allowing players to appreciate the evolution of the series" storytelling and gameplay.

The Fallout series is renowned not just for its captivating main games, but also for its extensive range of expansions and downloadable content (DLCs) that deepen the exploration of its dystopian world. These expansions add new locations, stories, characters, and challenges, enriching the overall gameplay experience.

• Fallout 3 Expansions - Notable DLCs include "Operation: Anchorage," "The Pitt," "Broken Steel," "Point Lookout," and "Mothership Zeta," each offering new quests, areas, and gear.
• Fallout: New Vegas DLCs - Acclaimed expansions like "Dead Money," "Honest Hearts," "Old World Blues," and "Lonesome Road" provide significant narrative depth and new environments.
• Fallout 4 Add-Ons - Expansions such as "Automatron," "Far Harbor," "Nuka-World," and others introduce new storylines, vast areas to explore, and the ability to build and manage settlements.
• Fallout 76 Updates - Continuous updates and expansions like "Wastelanders," "Steel Dawn," and "Steel Reign" have significantly improved the game, adding NPCs, quests, and a wealth of content that has transformed the initial experience.

Engaging with these expansions not only extends gameplay hours but also provides a richer understanding of the Fallout universe"s complexities, making each journey into the wasteland uniquely rewarding.

The Fallout series has been made available across a wide range of platforms over the years, ensuring that players can experience the post-apocalyptic world on their preferred gaming system. Below is a breakdown of platform availability for the main series games and notable spin-offs.

• Fallout & Fallout 2 - Originally released for PC, both games are now available on Windows through various digital distribution platforms such as Steam and GOG.
• Fallout 3 & Fallout: New Vegas - Available on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Modern consoles can play these games via backward compatibility or digital re-releases.
• Fallout 4 - Playable on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, with enhancements for Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro.
• Fallout 76 - The first online multiplayer game in the series, available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, with support for next-gen consoles through backward compatibility.
• Fallout Shelter - A spin-off management sim available on iOS, Android, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

With the advent of cloud gaming and digital distribution, accessing the Fallout series is more convenient than ever, allowing new and returning players to dive into its rich, immersive world from virtually anywhere.

The Fallout series continues to be a major player in the gaming world, with fans eagerly anticipating news of future titles and expansions. While official announcements are few, the rumor mill and industry insiders suggest exciting developments on the horizon.

• Next Mainline Fallout Game - Though not officially confirmed, speculation abounds regarding Fallout 5. Given the series" success, a new installment seems likely, though it may be several years away as Bethesda focuses on other projects like Starfield and the next Elder Scrolls game.
• Spin-Offs and Collaborations - Rumors suggest potential spin-offs or collaborations with other studios could be in the works, expanding the Fallout universe in new and interesting ways.
• Remasters and Remakes - There"s continuous interest in remasters or remakes of classic Fallout games, with fans hoping for updated versions of Fallout 1, 2, and New Vegas. While no projects have been confirmed, the demand indicates a strong potential for future developments.
• Fallout TV Series - Amazon Studios has confirmed a Fallout TV series is in development, promising to bring the rich lore and atmospheric world of Fallout to a new medium. This project highlights the franchise"s cultural impact and its potential for storytelling beyond video games.

As the Fallout series evolves, its blend of post-apocalyptic survival, rich storytelling, and dark humor continues to captivate and engage players and fans worldwide, promising a future filled with intriguing possibilities.

As we journey through the Fallout series" vast wastelands, its rich narrative and evolving gameplay promise endless adventure. Stay tuned for future developments, and immerse yourself in one of gaming"s most enduring sagas.