There are a handful of game franchises that have managed to stand the test of time, and Fallout is one of the most notable among the list. Since the first chapter launched back in the late 90s, Fallout has evolved in some pretty drastic ways, and with hopes that another mainline chapter is in the pipeline, many gamers (me included) have gone back to some of their favorite entries to continue to get a solid dose of post-apocalyptic wasteland survival.
Once Bethesda took control of the franchise, the series transformed into a first-person experience with Fallout 3. The developer eventually commissioned Obsidian Entertainment to make Fallout: New Vegas, which marked yet another turning point for the adventure-filled RPG. As a diehard Fallout fan, there's something I love about each installment, but like many others, New Vegas is a go-to entry. Since New Vegas, Fallout has reached new heights of popularity, paving the way for the series to be even more influential.
Here’s Everything That’s Happened Since New Vegas Released
Mainline Entries and Spin-Offs
- Fallout Shelter (2015)
- Fallout 4 (2015)
- Fallout 76 (2018)
In the 15 years since New Vegas was released, Bethesda has brought forth three different games that have experimented with the franchise's formula. Of course, as a mainline follow-up, Fallout 4 is the more robust option in terms of gameplay and content. As the Sole Survivor, you're tasked with rising through the ranks in the harsh wasteland of the Commonwealth while also on the hunt for the main character's long-lost son, Shaun. With choices like a voiced protagonist and a story that remains a divisive topic, some think that Fallout 4 didn't hit the same highs as Fallout 3 and New Vegas. Despite that, it has managed to be an incredibly popular game.
Fallout Shelter is a unique entry in the series, as it's a free-to-play mobile game that was eventually released for PC and console in the years following its launch. In Fallout Shelter, base management is key, as players are in control of a Vault and its citizens. With its cartoonish art style and more lighthearted approach to the franchise, Fallout Shelter has proven to be a fun way to experience Fallout in a new light.
Fallout 76 is the most recent game in the series, and while it's become a fantastic addition to the franchise lineup, it definitely wasn't a smooth beginning for the multiplayer counterpart. When Fallout 76 launched back in 2018, it almost seemed doomed from the start. Constant bugs, crashes, and a general lack of content plagued Fallout 76, but over the years, it has become one of the most interesting Fallout offerings. It managed to rise from the ashes of its disastrous launch and is now filled with great content. This year, in particular, has been one of its strongest. Updates like Ghoul Within and Gone Fission have expanded player freedom, while the upcoming Burning Springs update is going to be one of Fallout 76's biggest yet.
Both Fallout 4 and Fallout: New Vegas will be getting their own Anniversary Editions. Fallout 4's Anniversary Edition releases on November 10, 2025, while the Fallout: New Vegas Anniversary Edition is currently available for pre-order and arrives in 2026.
Tabletop Games
- Fallout: The Board Game (2017)
- Fallout: Wasteland Warfare (2018)
- Fallout: The Roleplaying Game (2021)
- Magic: The Gathering: Fallout (2024)
- Fallout Factions (2024)
The reach of the Fallout franchise has gone beyond video games, too. Post New Vegas, there have actually been far more tabletop offerings than video game installments, and while not every gamer enjoys a tabletop experience, those who do have plenty to celebrate when it comes to seeing the Fallout universe in a new light. Fallout: The Board Game brings a more straightforward board game experience, while Fallout: The Roleplaying Game can help scratch that RPG itch in a fresh way. For miniature-based wargaming, Fallout: Wasteland Warfare and Fallout Factions are worth a dive, while Magic: The Gathering's crossover with the series covers the card game audience.
Amazon's Hit Fallout Series is Ready to Embrace New Vegas With Open Arms
- Season 1 of Fallout premiered on April 10, 2024.
- Season 2 is set to premiere on December 17, 2025.
When it was announced that Amazon would be making a Fallout show, there was a mix of both excitement and caution. Video game adaptations definitely aren't easy to pull off. Between live-action adaptations like the Borderlands movie and the ill-fated Halo series, there are several recent examples of how video games don't always translate to film or television. Thankfully, Fallout hasn't had this problem, at least so far.
After the first season premiered, the Fallout franchise as a whole got a huge boost. Both old and new fans of the series flocked to the games, and the arrival of Season 2 is bound to be even more exciting for New Vegas lovers, since it will mark the first time that the location has been revisited since the game's launch. While some still hope for a New Vegas remaster, Season 2 of the series is likely to be the closest fans get to that in the foreseeable future.
Where Does the Fallout Franchise Go Next?
This is the biggest question of all. A New Vegas remaster or even a sequel are unfortunately unlikely at this point, but it's at least known that Bethesda has plans for Fallout 5 down the road. When that entry will arrive, though, remains a huge mystery. It may take several years before Bethesda even officially announces Fallout 5, let alone release it. The Elder Scrolls 6 fans are currently in their seventh year of waiting with no clear end in sight. Once Bethesda marks that off its to-do list, many expect Fallout 5 to be in the pipeline next, but as of now, there's no way to know what lies in store for the mainline games. Thankfully, there is at least a strong TV series and a continuously evolving option with Fallout 76, and that will hopefully be enough to hold fans over until Fallout 5 finally becomes a reality.
Fallout 4
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 89%
WHERE TO PLAY
Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, invite you to the ambitious open world of Fallout 4. Do whatever you want in a massive Commonwealth with hundreds of locations, characters and quests.
As the sole survivor of Vault 111, only you can rebuild and determine the fate of the Wasteland. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone - the choices are yours.
From a Power Armor-toting soldier to the charismatic smooth-talker, be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Character system and develop your own playstyle from hundreds of Perks.
Experience exciting first- or third-person combat with the dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, or V.A.T.S., targeting enemies for maximum tactical advantage (and cinematic carnage!) Collect, upgrade and build thousands of items with Fallout 4's crafting system. Weapons, armor, food and with the right materials, even entire settlements are possible. Welcome home.
