The Fallout franchise stands as one of the premier survival game series, set in a post-apocalyptic future version of the United States. Central to its narrative is a catastrophic event known as The Great War, which devastates the world, enveloping the country in nuclear annihilation.
In response to this catastrophe, Vault-Tec, a prominent corporation, designed protective shelters called Vaults to safeguard humanity. These Vaults play a pivotal role throughout the franchise, becoming iconic elements of its storytelling.
Examining the six major titles within the franchise reveals a spectrum of narratives, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Below, you will find a ranking of these mainline games based on their storylines. Please note that this list focuses solely on mainline entries; for a comprehensive ranking that encompasses all games, you may want to refer to a dedicated article.
This article contains spoilers for the storylines of all Fallout games.
6 Fallout 76
Fallout in Appalachia (2102)
Set in 2102, Fallout 76 immerses players in the Wastelands of Appalachia, a mere 25 years post-The Great War. As the earliest title in chronological order, it features a member of Vault 76 tasked with the ambitious project of repopulating the devastated land.
You assume the role of a Vault Dweller navigating various factions, including Raiders, Settlers, Brotherhood of Steel, and Responders, as you work to restore the wilderness of Appalachia. Despite its potential, the storyline falls short when compared to other entries, likely due to its development as a multiplayer-focused game with ongoing expansions.
5 Fallout 3
The Capital Wasteland in 2277
Released as a groundbreaking title, Fallout 3 is set in the Capital Wasteland of 2277, encompassing areas around Washington, D. C., Maryland, and Virginia. Players follow the story of the child of James, the physician of Vault 101, who has mysteriously vanished. The objective is to locate him while confronting various factions and a resurgent Enclave.
Despite its engaging narrative, the permanent fate of James may detract from the experience for some players. His inevitable demise can overshadow the adventure, especially for those who yearn for uplifting conclusions.
4 Fallout
Southern California in 2161
The inaugural title in the franchise, Fallout, serves as a spiritual successor to the 1988 game Wasteland. It unfolds in Southern California in 2161 and marks the second chronological entry in the series. You play as the Vault Dweller from Vault 13, tasked with locating a new water chip to save their home.
Following this mission, the protagonist faces an additional quest to eradicate a mutant army, all within 500 in-game days. Yet, there’s a notable contention with the story’s premise: the Vault Dweller, a mere 20-year-old, is thrust into these monumental challenges alone. Ultimately, they are exiled from the very Vault they saved, a narrative twist explained by Tim Cain, the game’s creator.
3 Fallout 2
Northern California in 2241
A direct sequel to its predecessor, Fallout 2 is set in 2241 and follows the descendants of the original Vault Dweller. The player, referred to as the Chosen One from the village of Arroyo, embarks on a mission to retrieve the GECK, a crucial resource to combat their village’s water crisis while facing threats from the Enclave.
This storyline effectively builds on the foundations laid by the first game.Seeing the Chosen One as a direct descendant of the Vault Dweller adds depth, making it intriguing to explore the aftermath of the events in Vault 13. The narrative shines with its rich development of pre-war American history and the impact of the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV) on mutant populations.
2 Fallout 4
The Commonwealth in 2287
Set in 2287, Fallout 4 takes place in the Commonwealth, including the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The narrative builds on the events of previous games, showcasing their influence on the current state of the Commonwealth.
Players assume the role of the Sole Survivor of Vault 111, who emerges from stasis only to discover their spouse’s murder and their son Shaun’s kidnapping by a scientific organization known as the Institute. As the protagonist traverses Boston, they confront complex choices and their consequential fallout. With numerous branching paths and outcomes, this game exemplifies choice-driven storytelling, displaying Bethesda’s ambition to provide a deeply engaging narrative experience.
1 Fallout: New Vegas
The Mojave Desert in 2281
Undoubtedly the pinnacle of the franchise, Fallout: New Vegas unfolds in the Mojave Desert in 2281, making it the fifth entry chronologically and the precursor to Fallout 4. The protagonist, known as the Courier, is initially unaware that the package they are delivering contains nuclear missile detonation codes. After a near-fatal ambush, their journey shifts to uncovering the motives behind the attack and pursuing the assailant.
This narrative arc is compelling as the Courier’s quest for vengeance and clarity sets the stage for a uniquely engaging experience. Few games place players in such a precarious position from the onset, making every twist and turn of the plot all the more thrilling.
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