Is Fallout 2 Set in California?
The answer is yes, Fallout 2 is set in California, but not exactly. To understand this, we need to dive into the setting of the game.
Fallout 2, developed by Black Isle Studios, was released in 1998 and is the sequel to the original Fallout game. The game takes place 80 years after a nuclear war that devastated the earth, and the world has been rebuilt in the remains of the pre-war communities.
New California as the Setting
Fallout 2 takes place in the New California, a region that is partially depicted in the game as parts of modern-day California and Nevada. The New California is a post-apocalyptic wasteland, filled with mutated creatures, raider gangs, and the occasional settlement of humans who managed to survive the Great War.
In-game Settings
The game takes players on a journey from Vault 13, their character’s birthplace, to the city of Sacramento and beyond. Along the way, players can visit cities and towns like Nogegra, New Reno, the Brotherhood of Steel headquarters at the Military Base, and many others.
Post-War California and California’s Role
How California was Affected during the Great War
Californian cities, ports, and military installations made it a prime target during the Great War, being a major hub of economy, technology, and human population. As result, California was hit disproportionately hard during the nukes, leaving little to no infrastructure or civil society. In contrast to the MidWest and East Coast states, which had been better prepared for the attacks by having more warning and planning, California’s unique climate and geography made it prone to tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires, and drought. These natural disasters worsened the devastation caused by the atomic bombs.
A glimpse of California’s Re-Building
However, some Californian places and landmarks were restored after the war, mainly being used as makeshift settlements for survivors. For instance:
| Place | Purpose/Function |
|---|---|
| Military Base | Brotherhood of Steel Headquarter |
| Sacramento | Capital City |
| The Strip | Raiders’ City |
| New Reno | Wasteland settlement |
| Vault 13 | Underwater Vault |
These restorations allowed Californian communities to begin anew. The game showcases some semblance of order, culture, and innovation as New Californians rebuilt in ruins.
In Summary, Fallout 2’s Location
Fallout 2 is set in California in the sense that the state’s geography and natural catastrophes are key drivers of the post-war California’s devastation and recovery, as well as specific cultural and historical aspects ( Vault 13, for one). However, it primarily takes place in Post-War California’s altered landscape, a vast Wasteland where ruins still stand, mutated creatures reign, and settlers must confront the harsh realities of human survival.
Remember to acknowledge the game’s development challenges, the lore-building it has done, and Fallout 2’s success!