Fallout is a popular post-apocalyptic role-playing video game series developed by Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios, and Bethesda Game Studios. The series is set in a dystopian world where civilization has been devastated by nuclear war.
The original Fallout game, released in 1997, introduced players to a retro-futuristic world known as the Fallout universe. The series takes place in an alternate timeline that diverged from our own after World War II, where technology advanced differently, resulting in a distinctive retro-futuristic aesthetic.
In the Fallout universe, players navigate a post-apocalyptic wasteland, encountering mutated creatures, factions, and various survivors. The gameplay emphasizes player choice and consequence, offering a non-linear storyline with multiple paths and endings. Players can engage in combat, complete quests, interact with NPCs, and make choices that shape the world and their character’s journey.
Facts
- Creation: The original Fallout game was developed by Interplay Entertainment and released in 1997.
- Post-Apocalyptic Setting: Fallout takes place in a world devastated by nuclear war, known as the Fallout universe.
- Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic: The series features a unique retro-futuristic art style inspired by 1950s Americana.
- Player Choice and Consequence: The Fallout games emphasize player choice, with decisions having significant consequences that shape the game world and story.
- Role-Playing Elements: The series incorporates deep role-playing mechanics, allowing players to customize their character’s skills, attributes, and perks.
- V.A.T.S. System: Introduced in Fallout 3, the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S.) allows players to pause combat and target specific body parts for tactical attacks.
- Iconic Music: The series is known for its memorable soundtrack, featuring songs from the 1940s and 1950s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
- Vault-Tec Vaults: Throughout the series, players encounter Vault-Tec Vaults, underground shelters built to protect people from the nuclear fallout.
- Mutated Creatures: Fallout features a variety of mutated creatures, such as radscorpions, super mutants, deathclaws, and ghouls.
- S.P.E.C.I.A.L. System: The games use the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system to define character attributes, including Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck.
- Pip-Boy Device: The iconic Pip-Boy is a wrist-mounted computer that displays the player’s status, inventory, and map.
- Multiple Endings: Fallout games often have multiple endings based on the player’s choices and actions throughout the game.
- Fallout 3: Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, Fallout 3 brought the series into the 3D open-world format, introducing a new generation of fans to the franchise.
- Fallout: New Vegas: Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Fallout: New Vegas expanded on the series with a new storyline set in the Mojave Wasteland.
- Fallout 4: Released in 2015, Fallout 4 featured an enhanced settlement-building system, allowing players to construct and customize their own communities.
- Fallout 76: The latest main installment, Fallout 76, introduced an online multiplayer experience set in a shared open world.
- Fallout Shelter: Bethesda also released a mobile game called Fallout Shelter, where players manage their own vault and its inhabitants.
- Fan Community: The Fallout series has a dedicated fan base that creates mods, fan art, and participates in community discussions.
- Cultural Impact: Fallout has become a cultural phenomenon, with references and nods to the series appearing in movies, TV shows, and other video games.
- Legacy: The Fallout series is considered one of the most influential and beloved RPG franchises, with its immersive worlds, complex storytelling, and moral dilemmas leaving a lasting impact on gaming.

Gameplay Tips
- Save Often: Fallout is known for its open-ended gameplay and branching choices. Save frequently to avoid losing progress or making irreversible decisions.
- Manage Your Inventory: Carry only essential items to avoid becoming overburdened. Prioritize weapons, ammunition, healing items, and valuable loot.
- Explore Thoroughly: Search every nook and cranny for hidden items, weapons, and valuable resources. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden locations.
- Level Up Wisely: Consider your playstyle and build your character accordingly. Focus on attributes, skills, and perks that align with your preferred combat style or desired abilities.
- Talk to NPCs: Engage in conversations with non-player characters to gather information, receive quests, and potentially unlock new opportunities. Dialogues can often lead to unique rewards or alternative paths.
- Repair and Maintain Equipment: Weapons and armor degrade over time. Make use of repair stations or spare parts to keep your gear in good condition and maximize their effectiveness.
- Choose Your Factions Carefully: Fallout often presents choices involving various factions. Consider the consequences and benefits of aligning with different groups before making decisions.
- Use VATS Strategically: Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (VATS) allows you to pause the game and target specific body parts of enemies. Use VATS strategically to gain an advantage in combat, especially when facing tough opponents.
- Take Cover and Use Tactics: Seek cover during combat and use the environment to your advantage. Plan your approach, utilize stealth, and set up ambushes to gain the upper hand.
- Scavenge and Craft: Collect scrap materials and use them to craft useful items, weapons, and armor. Don’t overlook the potential of salvaging and crafting in order to improve your survival odds.
- Manage Radiation: Radiation is a common hazard in the wasteland. Monitor your radiation levels and carry RadAway and Rad-X to mitigate the effects when necessary.
- Read Terminal Entries and Holotapes: Explore terminals and listen to holotapes to uncover lore, additional quests, and valuable information about the game world.
Fallout Quotes
- “War… war never changes. The reasons why we fight these wars remain much the same; some are fought to conquer, for religious and ideological beliefs, or just because… greed straddles the hearts of men.” – Ulysses (Fallout: New Vegas – Lonesome Road)
- “War does not determine who is right, only who is left.” – Unknown
- “Patrolling the Mojave almost makes you wish for a nuclear winter.” – NCR Ranger (Fallout: New Vegas)
- “I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me.” – Joshua Graham (Fallout: New Vegas – Honest Hearts)
- “I’m the hand of god, I’m the dark messiah, I’m the vengeful one.” – Frank Horrigan (Fallout 2)
- “What’s the matter? You can dish it out but you can’t take it?” – Lone Wanderer (Fallout 3)
- “War. War never changes. Since the dawn of humankind, when our ancestors first discovered the killing power of rock and bone, blood has been spilled in the name of everything: from God to justice to simple, psychotic rage.” – Elder Lyons (Fallout 3)
- “The Mojave’s a dangerous place, but I’ve heard the people here are fighting for their freedom, just like we are back home.” – Brotherhood of Steel Paladin (Fallout: New Vegas)
- “Democracy is non-negotiable.” – Liberty Prime (Fallout 3)
- “I’m the one who’s going to burn your house down! With the lemons! I’m going to get my engineers to invent a combustible lemon that burns your house down!” – Cave Johnson (Fallout: New Vegas – Old World Blues DLC)
- “The wasteland ain’t a friendly place, so turn your friendliness up a notch.” – Three Dog (Fallout 3)
- “They asked me how well I understood theoretical physics. I said I had a theoretical degree in physics. They said welcome aboard.” – Mr. House (Fallout: New Vegas)
- “I have long dreamed of a machine that could calculate the movements of the stars and foresee events to come. But my dreams are only ever dreams.” – Mr. House (Fallout: New Vegas)
- “Truth is, the game was rigged from the start.” – Benny (Fallout: New Vegas)
- “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” – Vault-Tec Industries (Fallout series)
- “A man chooses. A slave obeys.” – Andrew Ryan (Fallout 3)
- “Would you kindly?” – Fontaine (Fallout 3)
- “We are the masters of post-apocalyptic futures.” – The Master (Fallout)
- “The journey ahead may be fraught with danger… but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.” – Sole Survivor (Fallout 4)
Game Characters
- The Vault Dweller (Player Character): The player character, also known as the Vault Dweller, originates from Vault 13. The player can choose their gender, age, and attributes, and their decisions and actions throughout the game shape the story and world.
- Overseer Jacoren: The leader of Vault 13. He sends the Vault Dweller on the quest to find a new water purification chip.
- Ian: A former guard of the Hub, he can be recruited as a companion by the player.
- Dogmeat: A loyal canine companion the player can recruit in Junktown.
- Tandi: The daughter of Aradesh, the leader of Shady Sands. She later becomes a central character in the Fallout universe.
- Aradesh: The leader of the Shady Sands settlement. He is Tandi’s father.
- Butch Harris: A significant character in the Hub, one of the major trading centers.
- The Master: The main antagonist of Fallout. He is the creator of the mutant army and wishes to transform the remaining humans to create a single, unified race.
- Lieutenant: A super mutant who is second-in-command to the Master. He runs the Mariposa Military Base.
- Harold: A character who appears in several Fallout games. He is a FEV (Forced Evolutionary Virus) mutant who first appears in the Hub.
- Decker: The underworld boss of the Hub, who the player can work for or against.
Where to Play
- Steam: You’ll need a Steam account to purchase and play the game. Here is the link to the Fallout page: Fallout on Steam
- GOG: This platform specializes in older games and ensures they work on modern systems. Here is the link to the Fallout page: Fallout on GOG
Gameplay
