The post-apocalyptic RPGs that you need to play first in the franchise
Fallout is a series that has been entertaining players for over two decades with its 'Mad Max meets Dr. Strangelove' aesthetic draped over its open-ended RPG gameplay.
The franchise started way back in 1997 under Interplay Productions, and is still going strong today under Bethesda's watchful eye, with Fallout 76 being the most recent release.
Bring your sack of Nuka-Cola Bottle Caps, your favorite mutant or robot buddy, and a freshly charged Pip-Boy Mark VI. It’s high time to take a look at the best Fallout Games out there for PC gamers with our top picks.
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Some may wonder why one should play an older Fallout game because they are so different. They play from an isometric perspective, are smaller in scope, and aren’t as intuitive to play.
Still, if you’re curious to explore just one of the legacy titles, go for Fallout 2. Its gameplay is a bit smoothed over from the stubborn original. Of particular note is the decrepit dank city of New Reno featuring warring crime families, prostitutes, and other unmentionables.
Fallout: New Vegas
Even though Fallout 3 is the first game in the series to shake things up a hell of a lot (first-person perspective, stronger core narrative), Fallout: New Vegas is a fan favorite for a reason. Gamers can play this one over and over again with different experiences thanks to which faction they sign up with. Will you go for the imperious Caesar’s Legion or are you more of a toady Yes Man?
While the beginning is a bit slow (a problem with all Fallouts and the RPG genre in general if we’re being honest), things pick up in short order as you make your way to the proverbial City of Lost Wages.
Don’t forget to try out all the acclaimed DLC! Charles Burgar over at TheGamer ranked Old World Blues as the #2 Fallout DLC of all time, claiming it as a triumphant “return to Fallout’s silly and ironic humor.” Those looking for a more grim piece of DLC should jump into Honest Hearts which digs into the past of the mysterious Burned Man.
Fallout 4
This first Fallout with a new engine in six years, Fallout 4 starts off with an atomic bang. As players venture throughout New England, they can meet up to 13 companions in their adventure. Half of these companions can even be romanced. Ooh la la!
Gamers who like to tool around a bit will appreciate the game’s focus on settlements. Spiffing up settlements is fun, but the deeper crafting system is something that really makes Fallout 4 shine.
Fallout 4 got a whopping 6 DLC packs, but half of these focus more on additional gameplay mechanics than additional story bits. Still, lore nerds will love Far Harbor and Nuka-World for their inspired settings that go off the deep end (abandoned amusement park, anyone?).
Fallout from Fallout?
We have a heap of Fallout PC games on sale right here at Fanatical. Why not round out your collection?
These games can keep you entertained through any winter, nuclear or not!
