Fallout Games Play Order Guide (June 2026) Release Date

The Fallout games should be played in chronological order starting with Fallout 76 (2102), followed by Fallout (2161), Fallout Tactics (2197), Fallout 2 (2241), Fallout 3 (2277), Fallout: New Vegas (2281), and finally Fallout 4 (2287). For release order, begin with the original Fallout (1997) and progress through each sequel as they were published.

Game	Chronological Order	Release Date	Time Period	Platforms
Fallout 76	1st	Nov 14, 2018	2102-2105	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Fallout	2nd	Sep 30, 1997	2161	PC, macOS
Fallout Tactics	3rd	Mar 14, 2001	2197	PC
Fallout 2	4th	Sep 30, 1998	2241	PC, macOS
Fallout 3	5th	Oct 28, 2008	2277	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Fallout: New Vegas	6th	Oct 19, 2010	2281	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Fallout 4	7th	Nov 10, 2015	2287	PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X

Whether you’re a newcomer to the wasteland or a seasoned vault dweller looking to experience the complete Fallout saga, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every game in both chronological and release order. With the Fallout TV show’s second season on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to dive into Bethesda’s iconic post-apocalyptic RPG series.

Fallout Games in Chronological Order

The Fallout universe begins after the Great War of 2077, when nuclear devastation reshaped the world. Playing the games in chronological order lets you experience the evolution of the wasteland from its earliest days to the latest conflicts.

1. Fallout 76 (2102-2105)

Time Period: 25 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Metacritic Score: 52/100

Despite being one of the most recent releases, Fallout 76 takes place earliest in the timeline. You emerge from Vault 76 in West Virginia as one of the first vault dwellers to reclaim the surface. The world is still relatively fresh from the nuclear devastation, with greener landscapes but plenty of dangers.

Originally launched as an online-only experience without NPCs, the Wastelanders update added friendly characters and questlines, significantly improving the game. As an MMO, it offers a unique perspective on the early days of the wasteland, showing how communities began to form and how iconic factions like the Brotherhood of Steel first established themselves.

Why play it first: Experience the immediate aftermath of the Great War and understand how the wasteland evolved from its earliest days.

2. Fallout (2161)

Time Period: 84 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC, MS-DOS, macOS
Metacritic Score: 89/100

The original Fallout that started it all. You play as the Vault Dweller from Vault 13 in Southern California, tasked with finding a replacement water chip to save your vault from dehydration. What begins as a simple mission evolves into a battle against The Master, a mutant leader trying to transform all humanity into Super Mutants.

This classic CRPG features turn-based combat, isometric perspective, and deep role-playing mechanics that set the foundation for the entire series. Your choices have meaningful consequences, and multiple endings ensure high replayability.

Why play it second: See how the wasteland has developed nearly 60 years after Fallout 76 and experience the origins of many series staples.

3. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197)

Time Period: 120 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC
Metacritic Score: 82/100

Set in the American Midwest, this tactical spin-off focuses on the Brotherhood of Steel, a paramilitary organization dedicated to preserving technology. While not entirely canon (Bethesda has retconned some elements), certain story aspects are referenced in later games.

Unlike other Fallout games, this emphasizes squad-based tactical combat over traditional RPG elements. You control a team of Brotherhood initiates completing missions across the wasteland, fighting against Super Mutants, Ghouls, and other threats.

Why play it third: Gain insight into the Brotherhood of Steel’s early history and experience a different gameplay style while filling timeline gaps.

4. Fallout 2 (2241)

Time Period: 164 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC, macOS
Metacritic Score: 86/100

Jumping forward 44 years, Fallout 2 casts you as the Chosen One, grandchild of the original Vault Dweller. Your tribal village faces drought, and you must find the Garden of Eden Creation Kit (G.E.C.K.) to save them.

This sequel expands the world significantly, introducing the New California Republic and the Enclave (remnants of the pre-war U.S. government). The game builds on the original’s CRPG foundation with more quests, locations, and a larger world to explore.

Why play it fourth: Witness the growth of organized societies in the wasteland and encounter factions that will shape future games.

5. Fallout 3 (2277)

Time Period: 200 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Metacritic Score: 91/100

Bethesda’s first entry in the series revolutionized Fallout with a shift to first-person perspective and real-time combat. You play as the Lone Wanderer from Vault 101 in the Capital Wasteland (Washington D.C.), searching for your father who mysteriously disappeared.

This game introduced the V.A.T.S. targeting system, combining RPG stats with shooter mechanics. The 3D world brought the wasteland to life like never before, while maintaining the series’ focus on player choice and multiple solutions to problems.

Why play it fifth: Experience the modern Fallout formula and explore how the East Coast has developed differently from the West.

6. Fallout: New Vegas (2281)

Time Period: 204 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Metacritic Score: 84/100

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment (including former Black Isle Studios developers), New Vegas is widely considered the peak of modern Fallout storytelling. You play as a Courier shot in the head and left for dead while delivering a package to New Vegas.

Set in the Mojave Wasteland, the game features complex faction politics between the New California Republic, Caesar’s Legion, and Mr. House. Your choices genuinely matter, with four distinct endings based on which faction you support.

Why play it sixth: Enjoy what many fans consider the best-written Fallout game with unparalleled player agency and role-playing depth.

7. Fallout 4 (2287)

Time Period: 210 years after the bombs dropped
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S
Metacritic Score: 84/100

The most recent single-player entry takes place in the Commonwealth (Massachusetts). Unlike other games, you experience the day the bombs fell (2077) before being cryogenically frozen and waking up 210 years later to find your spouse murdered and infant son kidnapped.

Fallout 4 introduces improved shooting mechanics, base building, and a voiced protagonist. The main quest involves finding your son while navigating conflicts between the Minutemen, Brotherhood of Steel, Railroad, and the Institute.

Why play it last: Experience the most technologically advanced Fallout game with the most refined gameplay systems and graphics.

Fallout Games by Release Date

Playing in release order lets you experience the series’ evolution alongside other fans. This approach shows how gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and technology progressed over time.

Complete Release Timeline

Game	Release Date	Developer	Notable Features
Fallout	Sep 30, 1997	Interplay Productions	Original CRPG, turn-based combat
Fallout 2	Sep 30, 1998	Black Isle Studios	Expanded world, multiple endings
Fallout Tactics	Mar 14, 2001	Micro Forté	Squad-based tactical combat
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel	Jan 13, 2004	Interplay	Console action RPG (non-canon)
Fallout 3	Oct 28, 2008	Bethesda Game Studios	First-person perspective, V.A.T.S.
Fallout: New Vegas	Oct 19, 2010	Obsidian Entertainment	Deep faction system, multiple endings
Fallout Shelter	Jun 14, 2015	Bethesda Game Studios	Mobile vault management (non-canon)
Fallout 4	Nov 10, 2015	Bethesda Game Studios	Base building, voiced protagonist
Fallout Pinball	2016	Zen Studios	Pinball mini-game
Fallout 76	Nov 14, 2018	Bethesda Game Studios	Online multiplayer, earliest timeline
Fallout Shelter Online	2019	Bethesda Game Studios	Mobile MMO version

The Evolution of Fallout

The Classic Era (1997-2001) The original Fallout games established the series’ core identity: a post-nuclear RPG with dark humor, moral ambiguity, and meaningful player choice. These isometric CRPGs emphasized stats, skills, and turn-based combat over action.

The Bethesda Era (2008-Present) Bethesda’s acquisition transformed Fallout into a first-person open-world RPG series. While maintaining the core themes and setting, this era brought the wasteland to life in 3D, appealing to a broader audience while dividing some longtime fans.

The Modern Expansions (2015-Present) Recent years have seen Fallout expand into new genres and platforms, from mobile games to online multiplayer, demonstrating the franchise’s versatility and enduring popularity.

Non-Canon and Spin-off Games

Several Fallout games exist outside the main timeline. While fun, they don’t contribute to the overall story:

Fallout Shelter (2015)

A mobile vault management simulator where you build and maintain your own vault. While it uses Fallout lore and characters, it includes anachronistic elements that place it outside official canon.

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004)

A console action RPG that Bethesda has explicitly stated exists in its own continuity. It features different gameplay and story elements that don’t align with the main series.

Fallout Pinball (2016)

A pinball mini-game that’s purely for entertainment without any story connection to the main series.

Which Order Should You Play First?

For Newcomers to the Series

Recommended Starting Point: Fallout 4

• Most accessible gameplay with modern controls and graphics
• Standalone story that doesn’t require prior knowledge
• Available on all current platforms
• Excellent introduction to modern Fallout mechanics

Alternative: Fallout 3

• Great balance of story and gameplay
• Less complex than New Vegas but more RPG-focused than Fallout 4
• Good introduction to the East Coast setting

For RPG Enthusiasts

Recommended Starting Point: Fallout: New Vegas

• Widely considered the best-written modern Fallout
• Deep role-playing with meaningful choices
• Complex faction system with multiple paths
• Excellent DLC expansions

Alternative: Start with the Classics

• Play Fallout 1 and 2 for the original CRPG experience
• Understand the series’ roots and evolution
• Appreciate the storytelling depth that established the franchise

For Completionists

Chronological Order Approach

• Start with Fallout 76 to see the earliest days
• Progress through each game in timeline order
• Experience the world’s evolution naturally
• Note: This requires jumping between very different gameplay styles

Release Order Approach

• Experience the series as fans originally did
• Appreciate the evolution of gameplay and technology
• Understand how each game built upon its predecessors
• More consistent gameplay progression

Platform Considerations

Modern Platforms

• Fallout 4: Available on PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
• Fallout 76: Available on PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
• Fallout 3 & New Vegas: Available through backward compatibility on modern consoles, PC versions work well with mods

Classic Games

• Fallout 1 & 2: Available on GOG, Steam, and mobile devices
• Fallout Tactics: Available on GOG and Steam
• These older games may require DOSBox or similar emulation

Modding Community

The PC versions of Fallout games have extensive modding communities that can:

• Enhance graphics and gameplay
• Fix bugs and improve performance
• Add new content and features
• Modernize older games

Community Resources

Official Sources

• Bethesda.net: Official developer website with news and updates
• Fallout Twitter: @Fallout for official announcements
• Bethesda YouTube Channel: Trailers, developer diaries, and gameplay footage

Community Hubs

• Reddit: r/Fallout for general discussion, r/Fo4 for Fallout 4, r/fnv for New Vegas
• Discord: Multiple active Fallout community servers
• Nexus Mods: Primary modding community for all Fallout games

Knowledge Bases

• Fallout Wiki: Comprehensive resource for lore, quests, and game mechanics
• Vaulttec Wiki: Alternative wiki with detailed information
• Official Game Guides: Available for purchase with detailed walkthroughs

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play Fallout games in order?

No, each mainline Fallout game tells a standalone story with a new protagonist and setting. While there are connections and references between games, you can start with any entry and understand the main plot.

What’s the difference between chronological and release order?

Chronological order follows the in-universe timeline (starting with Fallout 76 in 2102), while release order follows when games were published (starting with the original Fallout in 1997).

Are the classic Fallout games worth playing today?

Absolutely! While the graphics and interface show their age, Fallout 1 and 2 offer deep RPG mechanics, excellent writing, and meaningful choices that many modern games still struggle to match.

Which Fallout game has the best story?

Fallout: New Vegas is widely praised for its writing, faction system, and player choice. However, Fallout 1 and 2 also have excellent stories, and Fallout 3 and 4 offer compelling narratives with different strengths.

Can I play Fallout games on modern consoles?

Yes! Fallout 3, New Vegas, 4, and 76 are all available on modern platforms through backward compatibility or native releases. The classic games are available on PC and mobile devices.

What about the Fallout TV show?

The Fallout TV show on Amazon Prime is set in 2296-2297, making it the latest entry in the timeline. It exists in the same canon as the games and references events from across the series.

Are there any upcoming Fallout games?

While Bethesda hasn’t announced any new mainline Fallout games, the success of the TV show and continued support for Fallout 76 suggest the franchise has a bright future.

How long does it take to complete all Fallout games?

Completion times vary, but roughly:

• Fallout 1 & 2: 20-40 hours each
• Fallout 3: 30-60 hours
• New Vegas: 40-80 hours
• Fallout 4: 50-100 hours
• Fallout 76: 100+ hours (ongoing content)

What makes Fallout unique among RPGs?

Fallout combines post-apocalyptic settings with retro-futuristic aesthetics, dark humor, meaningful player choice, and moral ambiguity. The series emphasizes player freedom and consequences, allowing multiple approaches to every situation.

Should I play with mods?

For PC players, mods can significantly enhance the experience, especially for older games. However, for a first playthrough, consider playing vanilla to appreciate the original vision before adding modifications.

Expert Tips for New Players

Getting Started

• Save often and in multiple slots
• Talk to everyone and explore thoroughly
• Don’t rush the main story—side quests often provide the best content
• Experiment with different character builds and playstyles

Understanding the Setting

• The world diverged from ours after World War II
• Technology advanced but culture remained stuck in the 1950s
• The Great War occurred in 2077, leading to nuclear devastation
• Vaults were not just shelters—they were social experiments

Combat Strategies

• Use V.A.T.S. in modern games for tactical advantages
• Invest in Speech skills for peaceful solutions
• Stealthing can avoid many unnecessary fights
• Ammo is scarce—make every shot count

Role-playing Advice

• Create a character with a consistent personality
• Make choices based on your character’s values, not meta-gaming
• Embrace the consequences of your decisions
• Don’t be afraid to fail—some of the best moments come from mistakes

Conclusion

The Fallout series offers a rich, expansive world that has evolved dramatically over nearly three decades. Whether you choose to follow the chronological timeline from the earliest days of the wasteland or experience the series in release order to appreciate its evolution, each game offers something unique and valuable.

With the Fallout TV show bringing new attention to the franchise and Bethesda continuing to support Fallout 76, there’s never been a better time to dive into this iconic series. The wasteland awaits, vault dweller—your adventure begins now.

Ready to start your Fallout journey? Bookmark this guide for reference as you progress through the series, and join the community discussions on Reddit and Discord to share your experiences with fellow fans.