The Fallout series has been a cornerstone of gaming since its inception, offering players a post-apocalyptic playground filled with moral dilemmas, memorable characters, and plenty of radiation. Over the years, the series has evolved from its isometric RPG roots to fully immersive first-person adventures, captivating fans with its rich lore and engaging gameplay. With so many entries in the series, it’s time to settle the debate: which Fallout game reigns supreme?
Below, we rank the best Fallout games from worst to best, breaking down what makes each one unique and why it deserves a spot on this list.
8. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004)
If there’s one game in the series that divides fans, it’s Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. Released for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, this action RPG spinoff departed significantly from the core formula that made the series iconic.
The Good
- Streamlined, combat-focused gameplay appealed to fans looking for an easier entry into the series.
- Cooperative multiplayer added a fun dynamic for friends.
The Bad
- Poor storytelling and shallow RPG elements alienated hardcore fans.
- Lack of open-world exploration and branching choices, staples of the franchise.
While it has its moments, Brotherhood of Steel doesn’t quite live up to the high standards set by other entries.
7. Fallout 76 (2018)
Initially met with skepticism, Fallout 76 had one of the rockiest launches in gaming history. However, thanks to numerous updates and the introduction of the Wastelanders expansion, Bethesda managed to turn things around.
The Good
- A massive, multiplayer version of Appalachia offers endless exploration.
- Regular updates have added new content and quality-of-life improvements.
- The introduction of NPCs in Wastelanders made the game feel more alive.
The Bad
- Still suffers from occasional technical issues and glitches.
- The lack of meaningful NPCs and choices at launch left a bad first impression.
Despite its rocky start, Fallout 76 has grown into a respectable entry for fans who love multiplayer survival gameplay.
6. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)
A tactical departure from the main series, Fallout Tactics is a squad-based strategy game that places you in the boots of Brotherhood of Steel recruits. It offered a fresh take on the Fallout formula, focusing on combat and strategy over storytelling.
The Good
- Complex tactical gameplay and squad management.
- Set in the Midwest, providing a unique look at the Fallout universe.
The Bad
- Lacks the deep role-playing mechanics and branching narratives of other entries.
- A narrower appeal due to its tactical focus.
While not for everyone, Fallout Tactics holds a special place for fans who enjoy a more strategic approach.
5. Fallout (1997)
The game that started it all, the original Fallout remains a classic. Its isometric perspective and turn-based combat introduced players to the wasteland, complete with tough moral choices and a bleak atmosphere.
The Good
- Groundbreaking storytelling and a mature tone that set the standard for RPGs.
- Multiple endings depending on player choices.
- A memorable antagonist in the form of The Master.
The Bad
- Clunky UI and dated mechanics can feel cumbersome to modern players.
- Limited voice acting compared to later entries.
For fans who want to see where the series began, the original Fallout is a must-play.
4. Fallout 2 (1998)
Taking everything great about the first game and improving on it, Fallout 2 is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time. With a larger map, more quests, and even darker humor, it cemented the series’ place in gaming history.
The Good
- A vast, open world full of secrets and opportunities for exploration.
- Greater freedom to shape your character and influence the story.
- Iconic factions like the New California Republic and Enclave.
The Bad
- A steep learning curve that can be intimidating for newcomers.
- Some dated graphics and mechanics.
If you’re a fan of classic RPGs, Fallout 2 delivers a quintessential experience.
3. Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, Fallout: New Vegas is often seen as the pinnacle of storytelling in the series. Set in the Mojave Wasteland, the game masterfully balances humor, drama, and player agency, making it a fan favorite.
The Good
- A branching narrative with multiple factions to align with, including Caesar’s Legion and the NCR.
- Memorable characters like Benny, Mr. House, and Veronica.
- Unique weapons and an expansive world to explore.
The Bad
- Launch bugs and glitches hampered the initial experience.
- The Mojave Wasteland can feel barren at times compared to other entries.
Even with its flaws, New Vegas stands as one of the most beloved games in the series, thanks to its exceptional writing and role-playing depth.
2. Fallout 3 (2008)
The game that brought Fallout into the modern era, Fallout 3 redefined the series with its shift to first-person gameplay. Set in the Capital Wasteland, the game wowed players with its immersive world and gripping narrative.
The Good
- A compelling main quest that starts with finding your father and expands into saving humanity.
- Iconic locations like Megaton and Rivet City.
- The introduction of V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System), blending turn-based and real-time combat.
The Bad
- The Karma system can feel overly simplistic.
- Some players found the ending choices lacking in nuance.
Despite its imperfections, Fallout 3 is a landmark title that brought millions into the wasteland for the first time.
1. Fallout 4 (2015)
Topping our list is Fallout 4, the most ambitious and refined entry in the series. With its stunning graphics, robust settlement-building system, and endless modding potential, it set a new standard for open-world RPGs.
The Good
- A dense, detailed version of the Commonwealth packed with quests and secrets.
- Improved gunplay mechanics and a wide variety of weapons.
- Customizable settlements that allow players to build their own slice of the wasteland.
The Bad
- Some fans criticized the dialogue system for being too simplified.
- The main story lacks the moral complexity of New Vegas.
Fallout 4 may not be perfect, but its depth, replayability, and innovation make it the ultimate Fallout experience for many fans.
Honorable Mentions
While they didn’t make the main list, these titles deserve recognition:
- Fallout Shelter (2015): A charming mobile game that lets players manage their own vault.
- Fallout Pinball (2016): A fun, albeit niche, adaptation of the series.
Conclusion
Ranking the best Fallout games is no easy task. Each entry has its strengths and weaknesses, offering something unique to the series' post-apocalyptic tapestry. Whether you prefer the old-school isometric RPGs or the modern first-person adventures, there’s no denying the impact and legacy of this iconic franchise.
What’s your favorite Fallout game? Let us know in the comments! And remember: war… war never changes.
