What Order to Play Fallout Games: A Journey Through Time, Chaos, and Mutated Cows

The Fallout series is a beloved franchise that has captivated gamers for decades with its post-apocalyptic setting, dark humor, and intricate storytelling. But with multiple games, spin-offs, and even a few questionable mobile entries, the question arises: what order should you play the Fallout games? And while we’re at it, why not throw in a discussion about whether a radioactive cow could outsmart a super mutant? Let’s dive into the chaos.

The Chronological Approach: Playing by Timeline

If you’re a stickler for narrative continuity, playing the Fallout games in chronological order might be your best bet. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Fallout 76 (2102)
   Set just 25 years after the Great War, Fallout 76 is the earliest in the timeline. It’s an online multiplayer game that explores the early days of the wasteland. While it’s not the most polished entry, it offers a unique perspective on the world before it became the desolate landscape we know.

2. Fallout (2161)
   The original Fallout game introduces the Vault Dweller and sets the tone for the series. It’s a classic RPG with turn-based combat and a heavy emphasis on player choice. If you can handle the dated graphics, it’s a must-play for lore enthusiasts.

3. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197-2208)
   This spin-off focuses on the Brotherhood of Steel and their military campaigns. It’s more tactical than narrative-driven, but it adds depth to the Brotherhood’s history.

4. Fallout 2 (2241)
   Set 80 years after the first game, Fallout 2 follows the descendant of the original Vault Dweller. It expands on the world-building and introduces more humor and absurdity, like the infamous talking deathclaws.

5. Fallout 3 (2277)
   Jumping ahead to the East Coast, Fallout 3 is many players’ introduction to the series. It modernized the gameplay with first-person shooting and open-world exploration, making it a fan favorite.

6. Fallout: New Vegas (2281)
   Often hailed as the best in the series, New Vegas combines the depth of the originals with the accessibility of Fallout 3. Its branching storylines and morally gray choices make it a standout.

7. Fallout 4 (2287)
   The most recent mainline entry, Fallout 4, focuses on the Sole Survivor’s search for their kidnapped son. It introduces settlement building and refined combat but sacrifices some of the series’ traditional RPG elements.

8. Fallout Shelter (Ongoing)
   This mobile spin-off lets you manage your own Vault. It’s a fun distraction but not essential to the overall story.

The Release Order: Experiencing the Evolution

If you want to see how the series evolved over time, playing in release order is the way to go:

1. Fallout (1997)
   Start with the game that started it all. Its isometric view and turn-based combat might feel dated, but its storytelling and world-building are timeless.

2. Fallout 2 (1998)
   Building on the foundation of the first game, Fallout 2 introduces more humor, complexity, and player freedom.

3. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)
   A departure from the main series, this game focuses on squad-based tactics. It’s not essential but offers a different perspective.

4. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004)
   This action RPG for consoles is widely considered the black sheep of the franchise. It’s best skipped unless you’re a completionist.

5. Fallout 3 (2008)
   The game that brought Fallout into the modern era. Its open-world design and first-person gameplay revolutionized the series.

6. Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
   Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this entry is a love letter to the original games while refining the mechanics of Fallout 3.

7. Fallout 4 (2015)
   The latest mainline game, Fallout 4, focuses on action and exploration but still retains the series’ signature charm.

8. Fallout 76 (2018)
   A controversial entry due to its online nature, Fallout 76 has improved over time but remains divisive among fans.

The Thematic Approach: Playing by Mood

If you’re more interested in the tone and themes of each game, here’s a different way to approach the series:

• For Classic RPG Fans: Start with Fallout and Fallout 2. These games are heavy on dialogue, choices, and consequences, making them perfect for fans of traditional RPGs.

• For Open-World Enthusiasts: Jump into Fallout 3, New Vegas, or Fallout 4. These games offer vast, explorable worlds filled with secrets, side quests, and memorable characters.

• For Tactical Minds: Fallout Tactics is your go-to. It’s all about strategy and combat, with less emphasis on story.

• For Casual Gamers: Fallout Shelter and Fallout 4 are the most accessible. Shelter is a lighthearted management sim, while Fallout 4’s streamlined mechanics make it easy to pick up and play.

The Chaos Approach: Playing in Whatever Order You Want

Let’s be honest: the Fallout series is a mess of timelines, retcons, and alternate realities. If you want to embrace the chaos, play the games in whatever order strikes your fancy. Maybe start with New Vegas for its gripping story, then jump back to Fallout 3 for its atmospheric world, and finish with Fallout 2 for a dose of nostalgia. Who says you have to follow the rules?

FAQs

Q: Do I need to play the older Fallout games to understand the newer ones?
A: Not necessarily. Each game is largely self-contained, though playing the older titles will give you a deeper appreciation for the lore and references.

Q: Is Fallout 76 worth playing?
A: It depends on your tolerance for online multiplayer and grinding. While it’s improved since launch, it’s still not for everyone.

Q: What’s the best Fallout game for beginners?
A: Fallout 3 or Fallout 4 are the most beginner-friendly due to their modern gameplay and accessibility.

Q: Can I skip Fallout Tactics?
A: Absolutely. It’s a spin-off and not essential to the main series.

Q: Are the Fallout games connected?
A: They share a common universe and lore, but each game tells its own story with only loose connections to the others.

Whether you’re a lore junkie, a casual gamer, or just someone who wants to see a radioactive cow take on a super mutant, the Fallout series has something for everyone. So grab your Pip-Boy, stock up on RadAway, and dive into the wasteland—your way.