Which Fallout is the Earliest?
Fallout, a popular franchise of role-playing video games, has a rich and complex timeline that spans several decades. With multiple games, each with its unique storyline, setting, and characters, it can be challenging to determine which game is the earliest. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Fallout, the different games in the series, and which one is considered the earliest.
A Brief History of Fallout
The first game in the Fallout series was released in 1997 by Interplay Entertainment. Developed by Black Isle Studios, Fallout was set in a post-apocalyptic world, with a dark sense of humor and a retro-futuristic aesthetic. The game followed the story of a character who awakens from cryosleep in a bunker, tasked with finding other survivors and rebuilding society.
The Early Years
The Fallout series continued with Fallout 2, released in 1998, which expanded on the world and story introduced in the first game. The games were praised for their depth, humor, and exploration. However, after the release of Fallout 2, the series went on hiatus until 2008, when Fallout 3 was released.
The 21st and 22nd Centuries
Between Fallout 3 and Fallout 4, the series took a leap forward in time, spanning the 21st and 22nd centuries. Fallout: New Vegas (2010) is set in a post-apocalyptic world, while Fallout 4 (2015) jumps forward in time to 2287, 210 years after the events of Fallout 3.
The Timeline
To understand the order of the Fallout games, let’s break down the timeline:
| Game | Release Year | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Fallout | 1997 | Post-apocalyptic 2161 |
| Fallout 2 | 1998 | Post-apocalyptic 2241 |
| Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel | 2004 | Post-apocalyptic 2208 (not part of the main series) |
| Fallout 3 | 2008 | Post-apocalyptic 2277 |
| Fallout: New Vegas | 2010 | Post-apocalyptic 2281 |
| Fallout 4 | 2015 | Post-apocalyptic 2287 |
| Fallout 76 | 2018 | Post-apocalyptic 2102 |
So, Which Fallout is the Earliest?
According to the timeline, the earliest Fallout game is Fallout, released in 1997. However, Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel, an action RPG spin-off, was released in 2004 and takes place before the events of Fallout. While it’s not part of the main series, it can be considered the earliest point in the Fallout timeline.
In Conclusion
To summarize, the Fallout series has a complex timeline spanning multiple games and decades. While there are different eras and settings, Fallout (1997) is the earliest game in the series. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004), although not part of the main series, takes place earlier in the timeline. By understanding the history and order of the games, you can better appreciate the Fallout franchise and its rich storylines.
Note: Some games, such as Fallout 76, have a slightly different perspective on the timeline, as they take place in the same universe but with different storylines and settings.