Deciding the Best Order To Play Fallout Games can be tricky, given the series’ rich lore and interconnected stories. With multiple titles spanning different eras and locations, knowing where to begin your post-apocalyptic journey isn’t always obvious. Here at Supreme Duelist Blog, we aim to guide you through the wasteland with expert analysis and clear recommendations, ensuring you experience the Fallout universe in the most satisfying way possible.
Navigating the vast, irradiated world of the Fallout franchise is no small feat. From the isometric classics to the modern open-world adventures, each game offers unique gameplay, characters, and narratives that contribute to the overall Fallout experience. We at Supreme Duelist Blog understand that choosing the right entry point can significantly impact your enjoyment of the series. So, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran looking to revisit the wastes, this guide will break down the optimal order for tackling these iconic titles.
Chronological Order: Exploring the Wasteland’s Timeline
One approach is playing the Fallout games in chronological order, as it follows the in-universe timeline. This is a great way to see the evolution of the wasteland, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to the best player experience. While it does offer a cohesive narrative progression, it can be challenging to go back to older titles after experiencing the more refined gameplay of the newer ones.
Here’s the chronological order of the Fallout series:
- Fallout 76 (Set in 2102)
- Fallout (Set in 2161)
- Fallout 2 (Set in 2241)
- Fallout 3 (Set in 2277)
- Fallout: New Vegas (Set in 2281)
- Fallout 4 (Set in 2287)
Playing in this order lets you witness the earliest days of post-nuclear America in Fallout 76 and see how communities form and develop over time. However, the older games have different mechanics which can be jarring for newcomers.
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Is Chronological Order the Best Approach?
While playing in chronological order provides a clear understanding of the timeline, it’s not necessarily the best way to experience the series for most players. The older games, while amazing for their time, have dated mechanics, which might put off modern gamers.
“Playing chronologically gives you an appreciation for the evolving lore, but the abrupt shifts in gameplay can be a hurdle,” notes Dr. Anya Sharma, a video game narrative expert.
Release Order: A Journey Through Game Evolution
Another popular way to experience the Fallout series is by playing the games in the order they were released. This method allows you to follow the evolution of the game mechanics, graphics, and storytelling across the series, providing a unique historical perspective on the franchise.
The release order is as follows:
- Fallout (1997)
- Fallout 2 (1998)
- Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)
- Fallout 3 (2008)
- Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
- Fallout 4 (2015)
- Fallout 76 (2018)
By following the release order, you’ll see the series evolve from isometric RPGs to fully-realized 3D open-world experiences. You’ll also appreciate the changes Bethesda has brought to the series since acquiring the IP. However, like playing chronologically, it may also prove difficult to go back to the older games after playing the newer ones.
How Does Release Order Affect Gameplay?
Playing in release order gives you a step-by-step appreciation for how the series developed. However, the older games might feel clunky and outdated for players who start with the newer titles.
fallout games release order
Recommended Order For New Players: A Balanced Approach
For new players, we at Supreme Duelist Blog recommend a more balanced approach that prioritizes accessibility and enjoyment. This order introduces key concepts gradually, avoiding jarring transitions in gameplay while still experiencing crucial lore elements.
Our recommended order is as follows:
- Fallout 3: A perfect starting point due to its accessibility and strong introduction to the Fallout universe.
- Fallout: New Vegas: Builds upon Fallout 3’s mechanics, adding complexity and an engaging story in a new location.
- Fallout 4: A leap forward in gameplay, building and graphics, offering an engaging world and character customization.
- Fallout 1: Experience the origin of the franchise but with a firm grasp of the modern games.
- Fallout 2: A challenging, but rewarding classic for those who want more of the original RPG mechanics.
- Fallout 76: The last stop, a multiplayer focused experience that can be best appreciated once you have played all other games
This recommended order ensures you experience the modern era of Fallout first, making it easier to enjoy the classic titles. Starting with Fallout 3 helps ease you into the series and its unique lore.
Why This Order Works Best For Newcomers
This order balances accessibility with an immersive lore experience, ensuring you don’t get bogged down by outdated mechanics too early in your Fallout journey. Playing the modern titles first also makes it easier to appreciate the classic ones.
“Starting with Fallout 3 is like getting a taste of the series before diving deep into the complexities of the older games. It eases the player into the franchise while retaining narrative impact,” explains game design expert, Mark Evans.
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions
Which Fallout game has the best story?
Fallout: New Vegas is often cited as having the best story due to its complex characters, moral choices, and branching narratives. Its story is considered a highlight of the entire franchise.
Is it necessary to play all Fallout games to understand the story?
Not necessarily, each game tells its own mostly self-contained story. However, playing them all will give you a much deeper appreciation of the Fallout universe, its lore, and its recurring themes.
Are the original Fallout games still worth playing?
Absolutely! Despite their age, Fallout and Fallout 2 are fantastic games that offer a deep, engaging experience, especially for fans of classic RPGs.
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Can I skip Fallout 76?
While Fallout 76 is a departure from the single-player format, it is set chronologically first. Therefore, It can add to your knowledge of the lore but it can be skipped if multiplayer games are not your forte.
What about Fallout Tactics and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel?
These are spin-offs with gameplay significantly different from the core Fallout games. They are generally not considered essential to the main series’ story but they can be a fun experience for die-hard fans.
Conclusion: Your Path Through The Wastes
Choosing the right order to play the Fallout games is essential for maximizing your experience with this beloved series. While the chronological and release orders have their merits, we at Supreme Duelist Blog believe that our recommended approach, beginning with Fallout 3, provides the best balance of accessibility, gameplay evolution, and lore immersion. This way, you can start with modern titles and then experience the classic ones, understanding where the Fallout journey began. Ultimately, each game offers a unique experience within the irradiated wastes, making each playthrough a rewarding adventure. Dive in and explore the world of Fallout!
Do you agree with our suggested order? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below and let’s discuss! Don’t forget to check our other articles for more in-depth game analysis and strategy guides here at Supreme Duelist Blog.
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