The Fallout series is a beloved and iconic franchise that has captivated gamers for decades with its richly detailed world, engaging storylines, and addictive gameplay. With multiple titles to choose from, new players often find themselves wondering: which Fallout game should I play first? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Fallout, exploring the unique characteristics of each game and providing guidance on the best starting point for new players.
The Evolution of Fallout: A Brief History
Before we dive into the meat of the article, it’s essential to understand the evolution of the Fallout series. The franchise has undergone significant changes over the years, with different developers and publishers leaving their mark on the games.
The original Fallout, released in 1997, was developed by Interplay Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks. This 2D isometric RPG set the tone for the series, introducing players to the post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout universe.
Fallout 2, released in 1998, built upon the success of the first game, improving graphics and gameplay mechanics. However, the series’ popularity waned with the release of Fallout 3 in 2008, which received mixed reviews for its shift to 3D graphics and more action-oriented gameplay.
Bethesda Softworks took the reins with Fallout 3, and the series has since flourished under their guidance. Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010, was developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda. This game is often considered a spiritual successor to the original Fallout 2.
Fallout 4, released in 2015, marked a significant departure from the series’ roots, with a greater emphasis on action and a more streamlined gameplay experience. The most recent installment, Fallout 76, released in 2018, took a bold step into the world of online multiplayer, departing from the traditional single-player experience.
Which Fallout Game Should You Play First?
Now that we have a brief understanding of the series’ evolution, let’s explore the unique characteristics of each game and determine which one is the best starting point for new players.
Fallout 1 and 2: The Classic Experience
The original Fallout and its sequel, Fallout 2, are still beloved by many fans today. These games offer a unique, retro gaming experience that’s deeply rooted in the RPG genre.
Pros:
- Rich storytelling and character development
- Deep character customization and party management
- Turn-based combat that rewards strategy and tactics
- A faithful representation of the Fallout universe’s core principles
Cons:
- Outdated graphics and sound design
- Steep learning curve due to complex game mechanics
- Limited gameplay options compared to modern games
If you’re a fan of classic RPGs or looking for a nostalgic experience, Fallout 1 or 2 might be the perfect choice. However, keep in mind that these games may not appeal to players accustomed to more modern gameplay mechanics.
Fallout 3: The Series’ Rebirth
Fallout 3 marked a significant shift in the series, introducing 3D graphics and a more action-oriented gameplay experience.
Pros:
- Engaging storyline with a strong narrative focus
- Immersive game world with a vast open environment to explore
- Intuitive gameplay mechanics and character customization
- A solid foundation for the modern Fallout formula
Cons:
- Some players may find the gameplay too simplistic compared to earlier titles
- Graphics and sound design, although improved, are still somewhat dated
- The game’s balance between action and RPG elements can be inconsistent
Fallout 3 is an excellent starting point for players looking for a more modern Fallout experience. It’s an accessible game that sets the stage for the series’ future installments.
Fallout: New Vegas – The Fan Favorite
Fallout: New Vegas is often cited as one of the best games in the series. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this game is a love letter to fans of the original Fallout 2.
Pros:
- Deep storytelling with complex characters and branching narratives
- A vast open world to explore, complete with a rich history and lore
- Improved gameplay mechanics, including better combat and character customization
- A perfect blend of action, RPG elements, and exploration
Cons:
- Graphics and sound design, although improved, are still somewhat dated
- The game’s engine can be buggy, leading to occasional frustration
- Some players may find the game’s scope and complexity overwhelming
Fallout: New Vegas is an excellent choice for players looking for a rich, immersive Fallout experience. Its engaging storyline, expansive game world, and improved gameplay mechanics make it a must-play for fans of the series.
Fallout 4: The Series’ Mainstream Breakthrough
Fallout 4 marked a significant departure from the series’ roots, shifting focus towards action and a more streamlined gameplay experience.
Pros:
- A visually stunning game world with improved graphics and sound design
- Fast-paced, action-packed combat with a greater emphasis on exploration
- A more personal, character-driven storyline with a strong narrative focus
- Improved settlement-building mechanics and a greater sense of community
Cons:
- The game’s RPG elements are somewhat simplified compared to earlier titles
- The storyline, although engaging, is more linear and restrictive
- Some players may find the game’s balance between action and RPG elements inconsistent
Fallout 4 is an excellent choice for players looking for a more modern, action-oriented Fallout experience. Its improved graphics, engaging storyline, and streamlined gameplay mechanics make it an accessible entry point for new players.
Fallout 76: The Online Experiment
Fallout 76 marked a bold new direction for the series, shifting focus towards online multiplayer and cooperative gameplay.
Pros:
- A vast, shared game world with a strong focus on community interaction
- Improved graphics and sound design, with a greater emphasis on realism
- A more dynamic, responsive game environment with a focus on exploration
- Regular updates and new content additions ensure a constantly evolving experience
Cons:
- The game’s lack of human NPCs can make the world feel empty and lifeless
- The storyline, although engaging, is more fragmented and lacks a strong narrative focus
- Some players may find the game’s reliance on online multiplayer off-putting or confusing
Fallout 76 is an excellent choice for players looking for a more social, cooperative Fallout experience. Its shared game world, improved graphics, and dynamic gameplay mechanics make it an exciting entry point for new players.
Conclusion: Which Fallout Should You Play First?
So, which Fallout game should you play first? The answer depends on your personal preferences and gaming style.
If you’re a fan of classic RPGs or looking for a nostalgic experience, Fallout 1 or 2 might be the perfect choice. However, keep in mind that these games may not appeal to players accustomed to more modern gameplay mechanics.
If you’re looking for a more modern Fallout experience, Fallout 3 is an excellent starting point. Its engaging storyline, immersive game world, and intuitive gameplay mechanics make it an accessible entry point for new players.
For players seeking a rich, immersive Fallout experience, Fallout: New Vegas is an excellent choice. Its deep storytelling, expansive game world, and improved gameplay mechanics make it a must-play for fans of the series.
If you prefer a more action-oriented Fallout experience, Fallout 4 is an excellent choice. Its visually stunning game world, fast-paced combat, and more personal storyline make it an accessible entry point for new players.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more social, cooperative Fallout experience, Fallout 76 is an exciting new direction for the series. Its shared game world, improved graphics, and dynamic gameplay mechanics make it an excellent choice for players seeking a unique Fallout experience.
Ultimately, the best Fallout game to play first is the one that resonates with your personal preferences and gaming style. So, embark on your own Fallout odyssey, and discover the wonders of the post-apocalyptic world for yourself.
What is the Fallout series, and what’s it about?
The Fallout series is a critically acclaimed set of role-playing games set in a post-apocalyptic world. The series is known for its rich storytelling, deep character customization, and vast open worlds to explore. The games are typically set in the United States, in the aftermath of a global nuclear war that devastated the planet. Players take on the role of a survivor, tasked with exploring the ruins of civilization, completing quests, and making choices that impact the world around them.
The Fallout series is particularly notable for its dark humor, satire, and social commentary, often incorporating elements of retro-futurism and pulp fiction. The games are developed by Bethesda Game Studios, and have become beloved by fans of the RPG genre.
Do I need to play the games in order to understand the story?
While it’s not necessary to play the Fallout games in order to understand the story, doing so can certainly enhance your experience. Each game is designed to be a standalone experience, with its own unique narrative and characters. However, the series does share a rich history and lore, and playing the games in order can help you appreciate the connections between them.
That being said, if you’re new to the series, you can jump in at any point and still enjoy the game. Bethesda has done an excellent job of making each game accessible to new players, with helpful tutorials and gentle learning curves. So, don’t be afraid to start with the game that interests you the most – you can always go back and play the others later.
Which Fallout game is the most beginner-friendly?
Fallout 4 is often considered the most beginner-friendly game in the series. It features a more streamlined gameplay experience, with a more intuitive interface and a more guided narrative. The game’s setting, a post-apocalyptic Boston, is also relatively smaller than some of the other games in the series, making it easier to navigate.
Additionally, Fallout 4 has a more action-oriented gameplay style, which can be appealing to players who are new to the RPG genre. The game also features a strong focus on building and settlement-building, which can be a fun and creative aspect of the game for new players.
What’s the difference between Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas?
Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are both critically acclaimed games in the series, but they have some key differences. Fallout 3 is set in the ruins of Washington D.C., known as the Capital Wasteland, while Fallout: New Vegas takes place in the Mojave Desert and the city of New Vegas. Fallout 3 has a more dire and gritty tone, with a stronger focus on survival and exploration.
Fallout: New Vegas, on the other hand, has a more lighthearted and humorous tone, with a greater emphasis on player choice and faction politics. The game’s story is also more focused on the conflict between different factions vying for control of the Mojave Wasteland, rather than the more personal narrative of Fallout 3.
Is Fallout 76 worth playing?
Fallout 76 is a bit of a unique snowflake in the series, as it’s an online multiplayer game, rather than a single-player RPG. While it received mixed reviews at launch, the game has undergone significant changes and updates since then. Today, Fallout 76 offers a vast open world to explore, a wide variety of quests and activities, and a strong focus on building and crafting.
However, it’s worth noting that Fallout 76 lacks the strong narrative focus of the other games in the series, and may not be the best choice for players looking for a more traditional RPG experience. However, if you’re interested in exploring a shared world with friends, or enjoying a more relaxed, laid-back Fallout experience, Fallout 76 might be worth a look.
Can I play the Fallout games on console or PC?
Yes, the Fallout series is available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Each game is optimized for its respective platform, and players can choose the one that best suits their gaming preferences. The PC version of the game, in particular, offers a high degree of customization and mod support, which can be appealing to players who want to tailor their experience to their liking.
That being said, the console versions of the game are also excellent, and offer a more streamlined, plug-and-play experience. Ultimately, the choice of platform will depend on your personal preferences and the type of gaming experience you’re looking for.
How long does it take to complete a Fallout game?
The length of time it takes to complete a Fallout game can vary greatly, depending on your playing style and level of commitment. On average, a single playthrough of a Fallout game can take around 20-40 hours, although this can increase significantly if you’re aiming to complete all the side quests and explore every nook and cranny of the game world.
Additionally, the Fallout series is known for its high replayability, with multiple branching storylines and multiple endings. This means that you can easily sink 100 hours or more into a single game, if you’re willing to invest the time.