Fallout Game Series Listed in Order (By Release Date)

The Fallout franchise is one of my favorite game series of all time. I had heaps of fun playing the original Fallout games, as well as Bethesda’s reimagination from 2008 to today.

And today I am here to share the complete list of Fallout games, listed in order of release so you can play them all in order, in case you’re getting some Fallout blues from the recently released Fallout TV series on Amazon (affiliate link).

Fallout Games List

[show]

Fallout

Release date: October 1997. By: Black Isle Studios/Interplay.

Fully titled Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game, this is the original game that introduced the franchise’s well-known post-apocalyptic world.

Many enemy types and concepts have been kept in modern releases, so it is a great game to try for those who haven’t done so already.

You play a nameless Vault Dweller from Vault 13 who sets out to explore the wasteland in hopes of finding a way to fix their vault. You will visit various towns, interact with various factions and explore the wasteland.

Keep in mind the fact that, for younger players who never played the original, this game will look VERY different. It is played in an isometric (actually, trimetric) view and has different mechanics. But it remains an amazing game that you must play (or replay) if you are a Fallout fan.

The original game is available for download on Steam and GOG (for really low prices too).

Fallout 2

Release date: 1998. By: Black Isle Studios/Interplay.

Again, fully titled Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game, the game is the direct sequel of the original, released just one year later. So, unlike the original, it doesn’t bring at lot of new goodies to the table, although it remains a solid entry in the series.

It takes place 80 years after the original game and players take the role of The Chosen One, the grandchild of the first game’s protagonist.

You can get the game from Steam or Good Old Games.

Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)

Release date: March 2001. By: Micro Forté.

The first spin-off game of the series, also known as Fallout Tactics, is a turn-based RPG. In terms of story, it’s completely independent and is not related to the original series.

In terms of gameplay, it is a tactical RPG that gives you control of your own BOS squad in the Wasteland. It has similar gameplay mechanics to other very popular series of the time, like the original Jagged Alliance games or the X-Com ones.

Overall, this game focuses less on story and character development and more on strategy and combat and is, overall, a really good game.

The game is available on Steam, GOG and Epic Games.

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel

Release date: January 2004. By: Interplay.

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel is the first game of the series available for consoles (PS2 and Xbox).

It’s an Action RPG where players visit a series of locations and complete missions to progress the story. There are no open-world elements and you can’t revisit previous locations.

It’s also a terrible game, named by many (myself included) the worst Fallout game in the series. Fortunately, things were turned around nicely with the next release and we can all forget that this game ever existed.

Fallout 3 (2008)

Release date: October 2008. By: Bethesda.

Fallout 3 is the third main game of the series and the first one that includes 3D graphics, real-time combat, and a first-person perspective.

It’s also the game that put Fallout back on the map, delivering plenty of innovations for the RPG genre and offering an amazing experience to all players. It’s one of my favorite Fallout games ever.

In terms of story, everything takes place in the year 2277, almost 40 years after the second main game. Players play as survivors in Vault 101 intending to fight against the Enclave, collect resources, and level up their character.

The game is available on Amazon for all platforms (affiliate link), but also on Steam, GOG, and many other places. I recommend getting the GOTY edition for the extra content.

Fallout: New Vegas

Release date: October 2010. By: Obsidian.

Fallout: New Vegas is a spin-off open-world action RPG built on the same engine used by Fallout 3, but created by Obsidian. The game that takes place in the year 2281.

Story-wise, it isn’t a sequel and you can play it without knowing anything about the previous games.

After being almost killed, you play as the Courier and try to find the person who attacked you and stole your package, interacting with all the crazy characters and settings you would expect from a Fallout game.

While many consider this as the best Fallout game in the franchise, I wasn’t really impressed by it – and I would rather play Fallout 3 or Fallout 4 instead. But don’t get me wrong: it’s a great game – but not the best.

If you want to play it, I recommend getting the Ultimate Edition from Amazon (affiliate link) or Steam.

Fallout Shelter (June 2015)

Release date: June 2015. By: Behaviour Interactive & Bethesda.

Fallout Shelter is one of the most successful spin-off Fallout games, although it is a simple mobile game with completely different mechanics. The game features a unique twist on the series as a free-to-play construction and management simulation survival game.

Here, you manage your Vault and its dwellers while focusing on keeping them happy and meeting their needs. Your goal is to grow your vault and construct different buildings while also leveling up your dwellers.

The game is available as a free download on mobile, as well as all other platforms.

Fallout 4

Release date: November 2015. By: Bethesda.

Fallout 4 occurs only 10 years after the story of Fallout 3, in 2287. After a cryogenic stasis in Vault 111, you emerge as the Sole Survivor of that vault.

Your goal is to find your son who was kidnapped while leveling up your character, and scavenging the world for key resources.

This is my favorite Fallout game of all time (tied with Fallout 3) and one that I love playing and replaying, with or without mods.

You can get Fallout 4 from Amazon (affiliate link), Steam, and various other places. I recommend getting the GOTY edition for all the main DLCs.

Fallout 76

Release date: October 2018. By: Bethesda.

Fallout 76 is a prequel to all other Fallout games set in the year 2102, only 25 years after the global nuclear war. It’s also the first and only MMO set in the Fallout universe.

While it features similar gameplay elements to core Fallout games in the Action RPG genre, its multiplayer aspect can be considered either a Pro or a Con, depending on your preferences.

Since launch, the game has seen major improvements, and today it offers a vast experience, no matter if you play it with your friends or try to brave it Solo. Not my favorite Fallout game, although it was hyped a lot – and highly appreciated since launch.

You can start playing the game on its official website or get it from Steam.

Fallout Shelter Online

Release date: March 2020. By: Shengqu Games.

Fallout Shelter Online is a sequel to the 2015 Fallout Shelter with the expansion of multiplayer PvP and Gacha game mechanics.

Other than that, the gameplay is the same, but Fallout Shelter Online is only available on Mobile devices.

If a new game launches in the Fallout universe before I get the chance to update the list, please leave a comment below and I will fix the problem ASAP. Also, don’t hesitate to let us all know which is your favorite Fallout game (and why!).

Next, I recommend checking out my previous articles listing important games in order:

Is there a series you’d like me to write about? Let me by commenting below or send me a message via the contact page.