Should I Play Fallout 3 Before 4?
Are you contemplating the order in which you play the Fallout series? With Fallout 3 being a classic and Fallout 4 being one of the most recent titles in the series, it’s natural to wonder which game to play first. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing Fallout 3 before 4 and help you make an informed decision.
A Brief Overview of Fallout 3
Fallout 3 is a critically acclaimed game that set the standard for post-apocalyptic RPGs. Released in 2008, the game is set in a post-nuclear Washington D.C. and follows the story of the Lone Wanderer, a character born in Vault 101 who sets out to find his father and discover the truth about the Vaults.
What You Need to Know Before Playing Fallout 4
Before playing Fallout 4, you might be wondering if you need to play Fallout 3 first. The short answer is no. While Fallout 4 shares a similar setting and gameplay mechanics, you can easily jump into the game without having played its predecessor. Here’s what you need to know:
- Setting: Both Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 take place in a post-apocalyptic world, but with different settings. Fallout 3 is set in a post-nuclear Washington D.C. while Fallout 4 is set in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Gameplay: While the gameplay mechanics are similar, there are some changes and additions in Fallout 4. For example, the settlement building mechanics, the companion wheel, and the revamped character creation system are new to Fallout 4.
- Story: The stories of Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 are separate and independent of each other. While there are some references and Easter eggs, you don’t need to have played Fallout 3 to understand or appreciate Fallout 4’s story.
Playing Fallout 3 Before Fallout 4
That being said, playing Fallout 3 before Fallout 4 does offer some advantages. Here are a few:
- Increased Appreciation for Fallout 4: Playing Fallout 3 before Fallout 4 can give you a better understanding and appreciation for the series’ development and changes over time.
- Newfound Respect for the Original Game: Playing Fallout 3 after playing Fallout 4 can give you a new appreciation for the original game and its design. You may notice the similarities and differences in gameplay mechanics, graphics, and story.
- Better Character Comparison: Playing Fallout 3 first and then Fallout 4 allows you to compare the two games’ character creation systems and see how the character builds and development have evolved over time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not you should play Fallout 3 before Fallout 4 is up to you. If you’re looking to play the games in chronological order or appreciate the development of the series, then playing Fallout 3 first may be the best choice for you. However, if you’re interested in playing the games that don’t require prior knowledge of the series, you can easily jump into Fallout 4.
Here’s a summary of the main points to consider:
| Play Fallout 3 First | Play Fallout 4 First |
|---|---|
| Increased appreciation for Fallout 4’s changes and development | No prior knowledge of the series required |
| Newfound respect for the original game’s design | Improved understanding of Fallout 4’s gameplay mechanics and character creation system |
| Better character comparison and evolution | More streamlined and accessible gameplay |
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Enjoy your journey through the Fallout universe!