Fallout stands out in the realm of video game narratives, offering a unique mix of incisive satire, dark comedy, and genuine emotional depth within its post-apocalyptic setting.
Fallout is a unique video game story known for its clever jokes, dark humor, and deep feelings in a world after a big disaster. This setting has led to many games, from old-school role-playing games to new action-role-playing games, and even different side games.
Some Fallout games are just better than others. We’ve ranked them to see which ones are the toughest, just like in the game’s harsh world. Take a look at our list of the best Fallout games before the new Fallout TV series starts on Prime Video. And if watching the show makes you want to play, check out our tips for the best Fallout 4 mods.
10. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
- Developer: Interplay Entertainment
- Release Date: January 13, 2004
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox
Before Fallout 3 changed the game series in a big way, there was a game that showed why these changes were needed. Brotherhood of Steel was like a practice run at becoming an action-RPG. It looked a bit like the older games people loved, but it changed a lot of the basic game parts.
For example, you couldn’t go wherever you wanted, the character system was limited, and the way you improved your skills was totally different. The game wasn’t very fun to play over and over, and the story tried too hard to be cool and grown-up by using lots of bad words. Fallout 3 ended up mixing old and new game ideas, but only after this game showed what should be avoided.
9. Fallout Tactics
- Developer: Micro Forte
- Release Date: March 15, 2001
- Platforms: PC
The first spin-off of the Fallout series ventured into uncharted territory and had the potential to shape the series’ direction before Fallout 3 came along. Fallout Tactics achieved moderate success and was recognized as a solid tactics-based game. Rather than a single hero’s journey, it focused on team strategy and included a mix of characters like humans, Ghouls, and even dogs.
The game emphasized strategic placement, and although it was more straightforward than other Fallout titles, it still expanded on the world’s established backstory. Despite its qualities as a tactics game, it didn’t quite capture the essence of the main Fallout series.
8. Fallout Pinball
- Developer: Zen Studios
- Release Date: December 6, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
While it may not be the central element of the game, the Fall-out series serves as an inspiring backdrop for Zen Studios’ top-notch virtual pinball collection. Their Fall-out-themed table pays tribute to the iconic Fallout 4, featuring a prominent Vault in the design and offering players the option to select their SPECIAL attributes, shaping their abilities. It’s an intriguing adaptation of the Fallout universe into a different gaming experience.
7. Fallout 2
- Developer: Black Isle Studios
- Release Date: October 29, 1998
- Platforms: PC
Fallout 2 stands out as a classic sequel from the 1990s era of gaming. In a time before downloadable content and ongoing game services became common, sequels often expanded on the elements that fans enjoyed in the original. Fall-out 2 follows this tradition, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor with a fresh narrative centered around the descendant of the original hero.
While it delivers a familiar and enjoyable experience, it also faced some critique for not offering enough new features and seeming too similar to its forerunner.
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6. Fallout
- Developer: Interplay Productions
- Release Date: October 10, 1997
- Platforms: PC
The original Fall-out game set the stage for its successors, despite looking quite different from the series’ later titles. It presented a whimsical and exaggerated tale of a world after a catastrophic event, poking fun at the optimistic 1950s vision of America. The game introduced concepts like Vault dwellers, Super Mutants, and the Brotherhood of Steel, which would become staples in subsequent entries.
Players took on the role of a Vault dweller stepping into a transformed world, navigating the complex disputes among those who survived outside the Vault. Unlike the first-person viewpoint of newer games, Fall-out offered a bird’s-eye, third-person view. Its mechanics were more basic, which might surprise those used to the newer versions, yet it laid the groundwork for the entire series.
5. Fallout 76
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Release Date: November 14, 2018
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Fallout 76 stands out as a game that sparked much debate, steering the franchise towards a new horizon as an online multiplayer adventure. It invites players to band together as some of the earliest to step back into the world post-nuclear devastation. Despite early criticism over its sparse content, Bethesda has not only stood by the game but also enriched it with updates and features desired by the community.
A key addition has been the introduction of NPC characters who assign missions, enhancing the game’s depth and aligning it more closely with the rest of the Fallout saga. The game world has grown too, with fresh areas to discover, such as the Pitt—what remains of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Beyond exploration, the game places a strong focus on building a personal haven, providing a versatile crafting system that allows players to construct and furnish a base to their heart’s content.
4. Fallout 4
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Release Date: November 10, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
The most recent single-player RPG entry in the Fall-out series is a solid, though not exceptional, representation of the franchise’s potential. While it may not have broken new ground like earlier games, it introduced an engaging construction and community management feature, which was further developed in Fallout 76.
The plot revolves around the player’s quest as the “Sole Survivor” searching for their missing child, providing a compelling drive that oddly contrasts with the option to pursue side missions. The game is also notable for its cast of unforgettable allies, including the faithful dog Dogmeat and the detective Ghoul, Nick Valentine. Although it may not be the pinnacle of the 3D Fallout games, it’s a well-crafted adventure that’s sure to satisfy fans looking for a fresh experience in the Fall-out universe.
3. Fallout Shelter
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios, Behaviour Interactive
- Release Date: June 14, 2015
- Platforms: PC, Mobile, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Launched unexpectedly at E3 2016, Fall-out Shelter is a free-to-play building simulation game that stands out among the expansive RPGs of the Fallout series. As the overseer, your role is to ensure the well-being, sustenance, and morale of your Vault dwellers. The game’s cheerful animation contrasts with the series’ typically grim humor, presenting a challenge to protect your dwellers from various misfortunes.
While a single session may only span a few hours, much shorter than other Fallout titles, the real enjoyment comes from designing new Vaults, experimenting with different configurations, and observing how your dwellers respond to the environment you create and to each other.
2. Fallout 3
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Release Date: October 28, 2008
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Fallout 3 was a game-changer for both the Fall-out series and its developer, Bethesda. Launched in 2008, this action-RPG transitioned the franchise into a 3D world, incorporating features and the game engine from the acclaimed Elder Scrolls series. The introduction of the VATS system struck a balance between fast-paced shooting and strategic role-playing, allowing players to target specific parts of an enemy in slowed-down combat.
The game’s morality system was complex, offering long-term repercussions for players’ choices. The SPECIAL system was another highlight, encouraging players to distribute their character’s abilities across seven areas, each with unique outcomes for specialized focus.
Post-release, Fall-out 3 garnered numerous Game of the Year accolades and was expanded with additional content that delved into new regions of the wasteland. As the third installment, it significantly raised the profile of the Fallout brand and became the entry point for many into the series.
1. Fallout New Vegas
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Release Date: October 19, 2010
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Following the triumph of Fall-out 3, Bethesda collaborated with Obsidian Entertainment to create a new chapter in the saga, leveraging the latter’s roots with the original Fallout creators. Fallout: New Vegas initially received mixed reviews due to numerous glitches, ranging from disruptive to comically absurd.
However, subsequent updates and a vibrant modding community have transformed it into a beloved installment among fans. The narrative stands out within the franchise, revolving around a botched transaction that nearly costs the life of the protagonist known as
The Courier. Noteworthy performances by the voice actors, including Matthew Perry, and a cast of unforgettable characters enrich the experience. The game masterfully juxtaposes the desolate desert with the remnants of Las Vegas’s former splendor, striking a captivating balance within its post-apocalyptic setting.