Ever since the first post-nuclear RPG dropped in 1997, Fallout has steadily stayed one of the best role-playing games of all time. However, much like other franchises, Fallout has gone through a lot of iterations, with most being loved by all. As the new Fallout TV series releases and makes waves on Amazon Prime, the universe has been extended even further. Like you, I also felt like returning to the Vault after watching it. To make it easier for us all, I decided to sit down and rank the best Fallout games of all time so we may get to it quicker. So, with that, let’s jump right into it.
10. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel
- Released: January 13, 2004
- Developer(s): Interplay Entertainment
- Platform(s): PlayStation 2, Xbox
Fallout Brotherhood of Steel was quite possibly one of the worst Fallout iterations ever made. While the game had many flaws, one of the poorest aspects was how it messed with the game’s lore. The game’s narrative shifted what Fallout was all about.
The game had limited zones with no revisit options, butchered combat mechanics, and linear paths that made the experience dull. It’s no wonder that Bethesda treats this game as a non-canon to this day for how horrible it was made. With so many points against it, I’m hard-pressed to put this game as the last choice on this list.
9. Fallout 76
- Released: November 14, 2018
- Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Fallout 76’s initial launch was a buggy mess. For months, players faced severe performance issues that made the game nearly unplayable. Despite attempts to fix the problems, the rocky start left a permanent mark on the game’s reputation.
The game had almost no story and no human NPCs, which were key to Fallout’s lore. On top of that, the makers kept pushing hard to make it an online experience, which many didn’t enjoy. Furthermore, being online made it impossible to mod, too. The only reason we put it above BOS is because Bethesda stuck with it and made it bearable over time.
8. Fallout: Pinball
- Released: December 6, 2016
- Developer(s): Zen Studios
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
There is a reason why a pinball game ranks above the Fallout 76 and BOS. This pinball game comes in the Bethesda games pack for Pinball FX3. While it is unfair to judge on the grounds of just being a pinball game, the Fallout board contains a lot of Fallout elements that add to its legacy.
Although not exactly a Fallout game, the theme justifies it being on the list. While this game, or DLC, as some say, ranks down here, it has nothing to do with being a bad pinball game. Perhaps Bethesda should create its own pinball version for Fallout with a lot of lore added to it. Oh, and you even get more Bethesda game-themed inspired tables to top that off.
7. Fallout Shelter
- Released: June 14, 2015
- Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios, Behaviour Interactive
- Platform(s): PC, Mobile, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Fallout Shelter is undoubtedly one of the best in the franchise if you keep it beside the other RPGs. Although it was a surprise reveal at E3 2016, with fans anticipating a more chaotic post-nuclear game from Bethesda, it did not disappoint.
The game does a great job as a construction and management sim. Despite coming at number seven on this list, it is definitely not a weak game. The only concern is that it does not deliver on the premise of Fallout. Nonetheless, the game was a fresh attempt at something new that actually worked.
6. Fallout
- Released: October 10, 1997
- Developer(s): Interplay Productions
- Platform(s): PC
They say originals should never be forgotten. While that stays fair for Fallout in most cases, it’s natural that the general gameplay has become outdated. For a classic and nostalgic vibe, Fallout 1 was undoubtedly a masterclass on how to do a fantasy set in a post-apocalyptic future while making fun of the post-war Americana of the 1950s.
Unlike the new first-person views, the original was an overhead angle, which might not have been so immersive. Despite its limitations, we cannot argue that this was the prototype that led us to such a huge franchise.
5. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
- Released: March 15, 2001
- Developer(s): Micro Forté
- Platform(s): Microsoft Windows
Unlike the mess Brotherhood of Steel made up, this tactical Squad-Based Combat version of Fallout felt fresh and had a lot of good things in it. While it is not an RPG that the Fallout franchise is known for, the strategic gameplay makes it into a special category of its own.
Despite being a solid RTS, Fallout fans will always like the original flavor, no matter how the game is recreated. The game is based on a turn-based system and deserves to be in this spot. Fallout Tactics was also the first Fallout game to get multiplayer support which automatically makes it a big deal by itself. So if you want some turn-based Fallout action, check it out.
4. Fallout 4
- Released: November 10, 2015
- Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
After the massive successes of Fallout 3 and its New Vegas spin-off, Bethesda decided to build up even further. Thankfully, Fallout 4 turned out to be something greater and the “The Commonwealth” storyline was a masterclass of storytelling. Fallout 4 also came with its fair share of unique gameplay styles that helped even casual players take an interest in the franchise. With the new free Fallout 4 DLC coming, things will get even better.
Although it might not go well with Fallout’s nerds, Bethesda’s inclusion of all newcomers was a great move. Overall, Fallout 4 packs a hooking story that will pull you in and won’t let go!
3. Fallout 3
- Released: October 28, 2008
- Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360
If nostalgia had not kicked in, Fallout 3 could have been at number two on this list. However, just like any other Fallout fan, I had to put this at the number 3 spot so that Fallout 2 could be at the second. One of the key reasons many critics chose Fallout 3 as 2008’s Game of the Year is how great the game is for video games in general and not just the franchise.
When it came to quality, Bethesda did not compromise on anything and made sure to create a masterpiece Whether it was the amazing story or its smooth mechanics, it was all amazing. While there are some minor hiccups the game faced, Fallout 3 paved the way for new-generation open-world games and deserves to be one of our top three.
2. Fallout 2
- Released: October 29, 1998
- Developer(s): Black Isle Studios
- Platform(s): PC
One could debate why Fallout 1 is below Fallout 2 despite being almost a similar game. Well, in terms of gameplay, in 1998, Fallout 2 was a standout game. But that is not just the point; the events of the game begin 80 years after the original, and it takes no time to deliver what it is supposed to. It is exactly what A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game should be like.
The Wastelands crop would not be what it is today if Fallout 2 had not eliminated all the flaws of the original. It took the good things from what its predecessor had established and made the game more approachable. So, if you have not yet played the game, go and enjoy being the ‘Chosen One.’
1. Fallout: New Vegas
- Released: October 19, 2010
- Developer(s): Obsidian Entertainment
- Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360
No matter whether you have played Fallout before or are a hardcore Fallout nerd, New Vegas is undeniably the best Fallout game of all time. The game arguably has the best story in the franchise, with the late Matthew Perry as the antagonist and some memorable companions.
However, it’s worth noting that the game did have its fair share of glitches. Thankfully, that mod support changed fans’ perception of the game. To date, the modding community has created some amazing stuff around this game that keeps New Vegas as alive as the first day. For that and many more reasons, Fallout New Vegas is the best Fallout game of all time.
Honorable Mention: Before we end the list, we must mention the Fallout 4: VR. While the VR edition is not the best Fallout game out there, Bethesda tried to capture the apocalyptic world as accurately as possible.
These are all the best Fallout games of all time. Do you agree with my list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
