Where to Wander: A Guide to Fallout Games

You’re excited about the upcoming Fallout series on Amazon Prime.

So are we! What better way to prepare for the show than by visiting a Vault, or several, through the source inspiration – the Fallout games.

Not sure where to begin? There are a lot of options. We get it. So, we’re here to help put you on the best path to the Wasteland by breaking out each title and pointing out which may be right for you.

FALLOUT (1997, INTERPLAY ENTERTAINMENT)

A blast from the past. You can start from the beginning with the very first Fallout. Take on the role of the Vault Dweller as you leave Vault 13 to resolve your Vault’s water crisis, but later become embroiled in a far greater existential threat to the Wasteland.

Before you jump in, here are some highlights of the game that started it:

• A classic RPG experience with extensive build options and dialogue choices.
• Explore a decimated California wrapped up in a harsh desert environment.
• Visit fledgling towns, bloodthirsty raider camps and occupied ruins as you continue your search.
• Speak to characters with an array of strong personalities and agendas, such as Gizmo, a nefarious casino owner; Tandi, the young daughter of Shady Sands’ leader and future President of the New California Republic; and Set, ruler of the Necropolis Ghouls.
• Interact with cults, gangs, slavers, the founding Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel and more.
• Turn-based combat with companions at your side – including the original Dogmeat! Watch out for Ian though, he tends to hit you more than the enemy.

Fallout is available for PC and on PC Game Pass.

FALLOUT 2 (1998, INTERPLAY ENTERTAINMENT)

In a world built upon your choices from the first game, take up the mantle of the Chosen One, grandchild of the Vault Dweller, in this direct sequel to Fallout (1997). On a mission to save your tribe from famine, you will search for the mysterious G.E.C.K. device and encounter many unique factions vying for power in the region.

If this sounds like something you’d love to explore, check out our summary list below:

• Journey across northern California and parts of Oregon bringing you to iconic places such as the Chinatown of San Francisco, the rough chem-ridden streets of New Reno and the glittering but divided Vault City.
• Come into conflict with one of the greatest evils in the world of Fallout – the Enclave.
• See the results of two generations passed since the original Fallout in a growing and consolidating Wasteland with the formation of the New California Republic, crime and chem syndicates, and mutant societies.
• Another classic turn-based RPG experience, with new Skills, Perks, items and improvements from the first game.
• Full of pop culture references and humor.
• You can repair and drive a car to a fantastic soundtrack!

Fallout 2 is available for PC and on PC Game Pass.

FALLOUT TACTICS (2001, INTERPLAY ENTERTAINMENT)

Join the ranks of the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel in a different, more tactical take on the Fallout experience. Build your own squad and venture out into the Wasteland taking on raiders, robots and abominable mutants in search of Vault 0.

If you’re thinking of diving in, here are some fun things to know:

• Take your squad across the pre-war states of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois as you grow Brotherhood control.
• Play your way against all that stands between you and your search for the hidden technological treasures of Vault 0.
• Continue to recruit and tweak your squad from locations and characters you encounter along the way, including Ghouls and Super Mutants!
• Featuring different modes of combat; real-time and turn-based.
• Retains the iconic Fallout character systems such as S.P.E.C.I.A.L, Skills and Perks – now geared towards your combat effectiveness.

Fallout Tactics is available on PC and on PC Game Pass.

FALLOUT 3 (2008, BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS)

Starting in Vault 101 as an infant, you’ll experience childhood, take your G.O.A.T. Exam and be thrust into a Vault crisis when your father goes missing. Explore ruined Washington DC in all its former glory, and the wider Capital Wasteland in your search. Shape the region with your morality and choices.

Fallout 3 may be just what you need if you:

• Enjoy the nation’s capital, Washington DC and its many landmarks (don’t mind the rubble).
• Are a fan of the oldies, courtesy of Three Dog at Galaxy News Radio.
• Don’t mind a feud or two between factions like the Brotherhood of Steel and the Enclave, with Super Mutants and Raiders on the side.
• Want to explore alongside some great companions, including Fawkes, the nicest Super Mutant around, RL-3, your own personal Mister Gusty robot, and, of course, Dogmeat!
• Want to face villains, such as the sinister President Eden, Talon Company mercenaries, and the slavers of Paradise Falls.
• Don’t mind oversized Mole Rats... and Flies... and Roaches...
• Feel like living in an underground utopia may be just a bit overrated?

You may find yourself asking “Did that tree just talk?” and “Are you my dad?” and “Is this strange meat... people?” That’s just part of the fun!

Fallout 3 is available on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. You can also hop in free with Xbox Game Pass.

FALLOUT NEW VEGAS (2010, OBSIDIAN ENTERTAINMENT)

You are a Courier hired by the Mojave Express to deliver a package. Fallout: New Vegas takes you to the surviving sin city and the surrounding Mojave Wasteland. What started as a simple delivery job takes a turn for the worse, and as you hunt down those who wronged you, you will become a pivotal piece in the superpowers vying for the region.

Fallout: New Vegas might be right for you if:

• You enjoy the drier heat of the desert.
• You love conversing with the locals, and whatever whimsical and weird topics may come up.
• You’re not afraid of confrontation between conflicting factions such as the bustling New California Republic (NCR) and the ruthless Caesar’s Legion.
• You enjoy, or at the very least don’t mind, the debauchery of New Vegas.
• You are comfortable with Elvis impersonators, rocket-obsessed Ghouls and Vault Dwellers with an immense stockpile of explosives.
• You enjoy the company of a treasured companion; be they a former NCR sniper, a Brotherhood Scribe, a Ghoul mechanic or even an Eyebot!
• You’ve got spurs that jingle jangle jingle!

So, grab a Sarsaparilla at the Prospector Saloon and mosey on out of Goodsprings, just be mindful of the Cazadores to the north, and listen out for rattlesnakes...

Fallout: New Vegas is available on Xbox, PlayStation and PC. You can also play it free with Xbox Game Pass.

FALLOUT SHELTER (2015, BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS)

The job of Overseer might be right for you if:

• You can handle the life-and-death decisions of managing your very own Vault.
• Interior design is your passion.
• You can keep a cool head during a radroach infestation.
• You want to build the Vault of your dreams right from your phone during a long commute or a longer bathroom break at work (we won’t tell).

Zero prior experience managing Vaults required – you'll be fine.

If Fallout Shelter sounds right for you, suit up and plan your Vault! Fallout Shelter is free on mobile, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

FALLOUT 4 (2015, BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS)

If you’re longing for the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean on your face while you gallivant through historical Boston looking for your missing son, Fallout 4 may be right for you! Emerge from Vault 111 into a brave new world, follow the rumors of mysterious synthetic humans and engage with extensive building and crafting systems to make the Commonwealth your own.

Play Fallout 4 if you:

• Enjoy heavy metal... suits in the form of Power Armor.
• Have an appreciation for New England and American History.
• Always enjoy a good family reunion.
• Consider yourself a “dog person.”
• Are scrappy and enjoy making yourself at home wherever you may be and with whatever junk you pick up!
• Like helping others in Settlements and getting involved in the business of any and all neighborhood factions.

And just think of this--If you get tired of the city, you can take a break at the nearby Far Harbor or enjoy the thrills of Nuka-World. Certainly, there’s nothing there that can kill you... except a good time!

Fallout 4 is available on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. You can also play it for free on Xbox Game Pass.

FALLOUT 76 (2018, BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS)

Take in the fresh mountain air and country roads of Appalachia with Fallout 76. If you enjoy boondocking (by yourself or with friends!) and exploration, then Fallout 76 may be just what you’re looking for. Journey to the wilds of West Virginia in a world predating all other Fallout titles. Work with, or against, your fellow Vault Dwellers as you track down the source of a dangerous plague, rumors of hidden treasure, aid newcomers to the region and much more.

Hop into Fallout 76 if you:

• Like hiking and taking in all of America’s (post-nuclear) beauty.
• Enjoy building and rebuilding civilizations including setting up your own C.A.M.P. site you can style with decorations, defenses or even as a shop!
• Desire to make friends and work together to take down terrifying enemies like the Scorchbeast Queen.
• Enjoy changing and evolving environments and events.
• Love cryptids such as the Mothman!
• Aim to be a trendsetter in fashion and habitat.
• Fancy yourself a photographer and taking epic shots.
• Love traveling and taking trips to places like The Pitt and Atlantic City!

They say country roads take you home and it makes sense when you consider you can build your home just about anywhere.

Fallout 76 is available on Xbox, PlayStation and PC. You can play it free on Game Pass.