Fallout Games Timeline (March 2026) Chronological & Release Order

Prachi Jhalani
December 18, 2025
Gaming Guides

War. War never changes. And neither does the confusion about which Fallout game to play first! As a longtime Fallout enthusiast who’s spent countless hours exploring every irradiated corner of this beloved franchise, I’m here to clear up the confusion once and for all.

Whether you’re a fresh-faced Vault Dweller emerging into the wasteland for the first time or a seasoned survivor looking to experience the complete saga in perfect order, this comprehensive guide has you covered. With the Fallout TV series Season 2 taking the world by storm and setting its story in the Mojave Wasteland, there’s never been a better time to dive into this rich, post-apocalyptic universe.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through every Fallout game in both chronological order (when the stories actually happen) and release order (when they were published). You’ll discover hidden connections between games, learn which titles are essential for understanding the lore, and get my personal recommendations for the best starting points based on your gaming preferences.

Quick Reference: Fallout Games at a Glance

Game	Release Year	Chronological Year	Time After Bombs	Platform(s)	Metacritic
Fallout 76	2018	2102-2105	25 years	PC, PS4, Xbox One	52
Fallout	1997	2161-2162	84 years	PC, DOS, macOS	89
Fallout Tactics	2001	2197-2198	120 years	PC	82
Fallout 2	1998	2241-2242	164 years	PC, macOS	86
Fallout 3	2008	2277-2278	200 years	PC, PS3, Xbox 360	91
Fallout: New Vegas	2010	2281-2282	204 years	PC, PS3, Xbox 360	84
Fallout 4	2015	2287	210 years	PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X	S
Fallout TV Show S1	2024	2296	219 years	Amazon Prime	N/A
Fallout TV Show S2	2025	2297	220 years	Amazon Prime	N/A

Fallout Games in Chronological Order

Let’s start with the chronological order – this is how the events actually unfold in the Fallout universe. Playing in this order gives you the complete historical narrative from the earliest post-war days to the latest events.

1. Fallout 4 Prologue (2077)

Time Period: 2077 (The Great War)
Platforms: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Metacritic: 84

While technically part of Fallout 4, the prologue deserves special mention as it depicts the actual nuclear apocalypse that defines the entire Fallout universe. You experience the bombs dropping firsthand as your character rushes to Vault 111 and enters cryogenic sleep. This is the only time in the series where you witness the world before and during the nuclear devastation.

Why Start Here: This brief prologue sets up the entire Fallout universe and gives you crucial context for why the world is the way it is. It’s essentially the foundation upon which all other Fallout stories are built.

2. Fallout 76 (2018)

Time Period: 2102-2105 (25 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Metacritic: 52

Despite being one of the newest games, Fallout 76 actually takes place first in the timeline. You play as one of the first Vault Dwellers to emerge into the wasteland, specifically in Appalachia (West Virginia). The world is still relatively fresh from the nuclear devastation, and you’ll encounter the earliest versions of factions that would become series staples.

Key Features:

Online multiplayer experience
Focus on rebuilding and community establishment
Introduction of the Scorched threat
Early versions of the Brotherhood of Steel and other factions

My Experience: While initially rocky at launch, Fallout 76 has evolved into a genuinely enjoyable experience, especially with updates like the CAMP Revamp that completely overhauled the building system. If you’re wondering is Fallout 76 cross-platform in 2025, unfortunately it’s not, but the game has received tremendous support and improvements.

3. Fallout (1997)

Time Period: 2161-2162 (84 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC, MS-DOS, macOS
Metacritic: 89

This is where it all began. The original Fallout introduces you to the Vault Dweller from Vault 13 in Southern California. When your vault’s water chip fails, you’re sent into the wasteland to find a replacement, only to uncover a much larger threat: The Master and his army of Super Mutants.

What Makes It Special:

Classic isometric CRPG gameplay
Turn-based combat system
Emphasis on player choice and consequence
Introduction of core Fallout factions and lore

Why It Matters: This game established the tone, style, and moral complexity that would define the entire series. Many elements introduced here would become franchise staples.

4. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)

Time Period: 2197-2198 (120 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC
Metacritic: 82

Set in the Midwest, this spin-off focuses on the Brotherhood of Steel and their mission to preserve technology. While not entirely canon (Bethesda has retconned some elements), certain events from this game are referenced in later titles, making it semi-canon.

Gameplay Differences:

Squad-based tactical combat
Less emphasis on traditional RPG elements
Focus on military strategy and missions

Canon Status: Partially canon – some events are referenced in future games, but not everything is considered official Fallout lore.

5. Fallout 2 (1998)

Time Period: 2241-2242 (164 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC, macOS
Metacritic: 86

Jumping forward significantly, Fallout 2 puts you in the shoes of the Chosen One – actually the grandchild of the original Vault Dweller. Your village is suffering from a severe drought, and you must find the legendary G.E.C.K. (Garden of Eden Creation Kit) to save your people.

Major Introductions:

The New California Republic (NCR)
The Enclave (remnants of the U.S. government)
More complex faction relationships
Expanded world and deeper RPG mechanics

Why It’s Important: This game significantly expanded the Fallout universe and introduced factions that would become central to the series’ lore.

6. Fallout 3 (2008)

Time Period: 2277-2278 (200 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Metacritic: 91

Bethesda’s first entry in the series marked a major evolution, transitioning from isometric CRPG to first-person exploration. You play as the Lone Wanderer from Vault 101 in the Capital Wasteland (Washington D.C.), searching for your father who mysteriously disappeared.

Revolutionary Changes:

Full 3D first-person perspective
Real-time combat with V.A.T.S. system
Open-world exploration
Modernized gameplay mechanics

Impact: This game brought Fallout to a new generation of players and established the template for modern Fallout games.

7. Fallout: New Vegas (2010)

Time Period: 2281-2282 (204 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Metacritic: 84

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment (many of whom worked on the original Fallout games), New Vegas is widely considered one of the best entries in the series. You play as a Courier who’s shot in the head and left for dead, then must navigate the complex political landscape of the Mojave Wasteland.

What Makes It Special:

Deep faction system with meaningful choices
Multiple endings based on your alliances
Superior writing and quest design
Complex moral decisions with real consequences

TV Series Connection: The Fallout TV show Season 2 is set in the Mojave Wasteland during 2297, making this game essential background for understanding the show’s setting and factions.

8. Fallout 4 (2015)

Time Period: 2287 (210 years after the bombs)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Metacritic: 84

The most recent single-player entry takes place in the Commonwealth (Boston area). You begin during the Great War (2077) before being cryogenically frozen and waking up 210 years later to find your spouse murdered and infant son kidnapped.

Major Features:

Enhanced graphics and gameplay
Base building and settlement management
Power armor customization
Introduction of Synths and the Institute

Modern Accessibility: If you’re wondering is Fallout 4 cross-platform, it’s not, but it remains the most accessible entry point for new players due to its modern mechanics and availability on current-gen consoles.

9. Fallout TV Show Season 1 (2024)

Time Period: 2296 (219 years after the bombs)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video

The first season of the highly acclaimed Fallout TV series takes place in the Greater Los Angeles area, further expanding the Fallout universe. It introduces new characters and storylines while maintaining connections to established game lore.

Significance: This marks the first major live-action adaptation of the Fallout universe and has introduced countless new fans to the franchise.

10. Fallout TV Show Season 2 (2025)

Time Period: 2297 (220 years after the bombs)
Platform: Amazon Prime Video

Season 2 moves the action to the Mojave Wasteland, directly connecting to the events and factions of Fallout: New Vegas. This season explores the aftermath of the New Vegas conflict and introduces new threats and opportunities in the region.

Why It Matters: This season directly ties into one of the most beloved games in the series, making Fallout: New Vegas more relevant than ever for understanding the complete Fallout story.

Fallout Games by Release Date

If you prefer to experience the games as they were originally released, here’s the complete release order:

Complete Release Timeline

Game Title	Release Date	Year	Developer	Notable Features
Fallout	September 30	1997	Interplay	Original isometric CRPG
Fallout 2	September 30	1998	Black Isle	Direct sequel, expanded world
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel	March 14	2001	Micro Forté	Tactical spin-off
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel	January 13	2004	Interplay	Console action game (non-canon)
Fallout 3	October 28	2008	Bethesda	First-person reboot
Fallout: New Vegas	October 19	2010	Obsidian	Fan-favorite with deep factions
Fallout Shelter	June 14	2015	Bethesda	Mobile vault management
Fallout 4	November 10	2015	Bethesda	Modern open-world RPG
Fallout 76	November 14	2018	Bethesda	Online multiplayer experience

Non-Canon Games

Two games don’t fit into the official Fallout timeline:

Fallout Shelter (2015): A fun mobile game about managing your own vault. While it follows Fallout lore, it includes characters and items from different time periods, making it non-canon.

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004): A console action game that Bethesda has confirmed exists in its own separate continuity.

Which Fallout Game Should You Play First?

This is the million-dollar question, and honestly, there’s no single “right” answer. Here are my recommendations based on different preferences:

For the Complete Story Experience

Start with Fallout 76 → Play chronologically through to the TV show

This approach gives you the complete historical narrative and deepest understanding of how the Fallout world evolved. However, be prepared for significant gameplay changes between titles.

For Modern Gamers New to the Series

Start with Fallout 4

Why: Most modern gameplay mechanics
Best for: Players accustomed to contemporary RPGs
Pros: Smooth combat, excellent graphics, accessible systems
Cons: Misses some of the classic RPG depth

For Story and RPG Depth

Start with Fallout: New Vegas

Why: Superior writing and faction system
Best for: Players who value narrative and choice
Pros: Deep factions, multiple endings, excellent quests
Cons: Slightly dated graphics and mechanics

For the Balanced Experience

Start with Fallout 3

Why: Good balance of story and modern gameplay
Best for: Players wanting a middle ground
Pros: Introduces modern Fallout mechanics with strong story
Cons: Some mechanics feel dated compared to Fallout 4

For Classic RPG Fans

Start with the original Fallout (1997)

Why: Authentic CRPG experience
Best for: Players who love classic isometric RPGs
Pros: Deep role-playing, meaningful choices
Cons: Very different from modern Fallout games

Platform-Specific Information

Current Generation Availability

PlayStation 5:

Fallout 4 (backward compatible)
Fallout 76 (native PS5 version)

Xbox Series X|S:

Fallout 4 (enhanced version)
Fallout 76 (native Series X|S version)
Fallout 3 and New Vegas (backward compatible)

PC:

All mainline games available
Best mod support
Highest performance potential

Nintendo Switch:

No mainline Fallout games available
Fallout Shelter is available

Cross-Platform Play

Unfortunately, none of the main Fallout games support cross-platform play as of 2025. This means:

PC players cannot play with PlayStation or Xbox players
PlayStation players cannot play with Xbox players
Each platform has its own separate player base

Advanced Tips for Playing Through the Series

1. Embrace the Gameplay Evolution

The Fallout series has evolved dramatically over the years. From the isometric, turn-based combat of the original games to the first-person action of modern entries, each game offers a different experience. Don’t go into the early games expecting modern gameplay mechanics, and don’t approach the newer games expecting the deep RPG systems of the classics.

2. Pay Attention to Faction Connections

Many factions appear across multiple games:

Brotherhood of Steel: Appears in almost every game
Enclave: Major antagonist in Fallout 2, 3, and New Vegas
New California Republic: Introduced in Fallout 2, major player in New Vegas
Super Mutants: Present in various forms across the series

Understanding these faction connections will greatly enhance your appreciation of the series’ lore.

3. Save Often and Experiment

Fallout games are known for their emphasis on player choice. Save often and don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches to quests and problems. You might be surprised at how differently situations can play out based on your choices.

4. Explore Everything

The Fallout series rewards exploration. Every game is filled with hidden locations, secret stories, and unique encounters that you’ll miss if you just stick to the main quest. Take your time and explore the wasteland thoroughly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the “Old” Games

Many new players make the mistake of skipping the original isometric games in favor of the modern first-person entries. While the gameplay is different, these games contain essential lore and some of the best storytelling in the series.

2. Playing in Release Order for Story

If your goal is to understand the complete story, playing in release order will actually confuse you. The games were not released in chronological order, so you’ll be jumping around in the timeline.

3. Ignoring the TV Show

With the Fallout TV show being directly connected to the game lore (especially Season 2’s connection to New Vegas), ignoring it means missing out on important story developments and world-building.

4. Expecting Consistent Gameplay

Each Fallout game plays differently, especially when comparing the classic isometric games to the modern first-person entries. Go into each game with an open mind and appreciate it for what it is.

The Complete Fallout Universe Timeline

For the true lore enthusiasts, here’s a detailed timeline of major events in the Fallout universe:

Pre-War Era (Before 2077)

1950s: Divergence from our timeline begins
1969: USA reorganizes into 13 commonwealths
2052: Resource wars begin
2066: China invades Alaska
2077: The Great War – nuclear devastation

Post-War Era (2077-Present)

2077: Vault 111 residents frozen (Fallout 4 prologue)
2102: Vault 76 opens (Fallout 76)
2161: Vault Dweller leaves Vault 13 (Fallout)
2197: Brotherhood of Steel Midwest operations (Fallout Tactics)
2241: Chosen One’s quest (Fallout 2)
2277: Lone Wanderer’s journey (Fallout 3)
2281: Courier’s story (Fallout: New Vegas)
2287: Sole Survivor emerges (Fallout 4)
2296: TV Show Season 1 events
2297: TV Show Season 2 events (Mojave Wasteland)

FAQ

Do I need to play the games in order to understand the story?

Not necessarily! Each Fallout game tells a self-contained story with new characters and locations. However, playing in chronological order will give you a deeper appreciation of how the world evolved and the connections between different factions and events.

Are the classic Fallout games still worth playing today?

Absolutely! While the graphics and gameplay are dated, the original Fallout and Fallout 2 offer some of the best RPG experiences ever created, with deep role-playing mechanics, meaningful choices, and excellent writing.

What about the Fallout TV show? Is it canon?

Yes! The Fallout TV show is officially part of the Fallout canon. Season 1 is set in 2296, and Season 2 takes place in 2297 in the Mojave Wasteland, directly connecting to Fallout: New Vegas.

Can I play Fallout 76 solo?

Yes! While Fallout 76 was designed as an online multiplayer game, it can be played entirely solo. Many players prefer to experience it this way, treating it as a traditional single-player Fallout game with occasional encounters with other players.

Which game has the best story?

This is highly subjective, but Fallout: New Vegas is widely regarded as having the best story and writing in the series, thanks to its deep faction system, multiple endings, and complex moral choices.

Are there any other Fallout games or spin-offs?

Yes! Besides the mainline games, there are several spin-offs:

Fallout Shelter: Mobile vault management game
Fallout Pinball: Virtual pinball table
Fallout Tactics: Tactical spin-off (semi-canon)
Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel: Console action game (non-canon)

Will there be a Fallout 5?

While Bethesda hasn’t officially announced Fallout 5, Todd Howard has confirmed that the studio is working on “even more Fallout” content. Given the series’ popularity and the success of the TV show, it’s almost certain that we’ll see a Fallout 5 eventually.

How long does it take to complete each Fallout game?

Completion times vary greatly depending on playstyle:

Fallout 76: 100+ hours (ongoing live service)
Fallout 4: 50-150 hours
Fallout: New Vegas: 40-100 hours
Fallout 3: 40-80 hours
Fallout 2: 30-60 hours
Fallout: 20-40 hours
Fallout Tactics: 20-30 hours

Pro Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

1. Read the Terminal Entries

Every Fallout game is filled with computer terminals that contain background stories, logs, and lore. Reading these entries will greatly enhance your understanding of the world and its history.

2. Experiment with Different Builds

Don’t be afraid to try different character builds and playstyles. Each Fallout game rewards different approaches, from charismatic diplomats to stealthy infiltrators to heavy weapons specialists.

3. Join the Community

The Fallout community is one of the most passionate and helpful in gaming. Join forums, subreddits, and Discord servers to share experiences, get tips, and connect with fellow fans.

4. Watch the TV Show Between Games

The Fallout TV show does an excellent job of expanding the universe. Consider watching it after playing through the main games to see how the lore translates to live action.

5. Take Your Time

The Fallout series is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Don’t rush through the main story – take time to explore, complete side quests, and immerse yourself in the world.

Final Thoughts

The Fallout series represents one of gaming’s richest and most beloved universes. From the classic isometric RPGs of the late 90s to the modern open-world epics and the recent TV show adaptation, there’s something for every type of fan.

Whether you choose to play chronologically to experience the complete historical narrative, start with the most modern entries for accessibility, or dive into the classics for authentic CRPG experiences, you’re in for an incredible journey through one of gaming’s most compelling post-apocalyptic worlds.

Remember: War. War never changes. But thankfully, the Fallout series continues to evolve and improve with each new entry. So grab your Pip-Boy, choose your starting point, and get ready to explore the wasteland!

Happy exploring, Vault Dweller! The wasteland awaits.

If you enjoyed this guide, you might want to check out these other resources:

Ultimate Fallout 76 CAMP Revamp Guide 2025 – Master the updated building system
Fallout Season 2 Quarry Junction Trap Guide – Survive the deadliest location in the Mojave
Ultimate Fallout Season 2 vs Last of Us – Compare two of TV’s biggest post-apocalyptic shows
Best Story-Driven PC Games – Discover more games with narratives like Fallout: New Vegas
Best PC Open World Games – Explore more expansive worlds like the Commonwealth