Who Launched First in Fallout?
The Fallout series is renowned for its post-apocalyptic setting and intricate storyline, which is filled with historical references, alternate timelines, and hypothetical scenarios. One of the most debated topics among fans is who launched the first nuclear attack in the Fallout universe. In this article, we will delve into the mystery and provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
The Background
The Fallout universe is set in a post-apocalyptic world that was devastated by a global nuclear war, known as the "Great War." The war was fought between the United States and China in the year 2077. The conflict began when the People’s Liberation Army, China’s army, launched a surprise nuclear attack on the United States. This attack was intended to disable the US military and allow China to claim the Eastern Seaboard as its own.
The Main Contenders
There are several theories and accounts in the Fallout series that claim to know who launched the first nuclear attack. However, we will focus on the most widely accepted accounts and theories:
- China: The most common theory is that China launched the first nuclear attack. This is supported by several in-game characters, including the Enclave, the Brotherhood of Steel, and even some members of the Chinese military.
- The United States: Another theory suggests that the United States launched the first attack. This theory is supported by some members of the Enclave, who claim that the US launched a preemptive strike against China.
- Vault-Tec: Some fans believe that Vault-Tec, a corporation that built underground bunkers, launched the first attack. According to this theory, Vault-Tec’s executive of the vaults launched the attack as part of a plan to fulfill his own prophecy of nuclear annihilation.
The Evidence
There is limited evidence to support each of these theories, and the truth may never be fully known. However, we can look at some of the clues and accounts that are provided in the Fallout series:
- In-game Characters: Some in-game characters, such as the Enclave, claim that China launched the first attack. Others, like the Brotherhood of Steel, believe that the US launched the attack.
- Scripts and Dialogue: Some scripts and dialogue from the Fallout series suggest that China launched the first attack. For example, the script for Fallout 2 mentions that China launched the attack in a last-ditch effort to defend its borders.
- Implied Evidence: Some fans believe that implied evidence from the Fallout series points to China as the aggressor. For example, the fact that the Chinese city of Beijing was not heavily damaged in the war implies that China did not launch the attack.
The Verdict
In conclusion, while there is limited evidence to support each of the theories, the majority of fans and in-game characters believe that China launched the first nuclear attack. The Enclave, Brotherhood of Steel, and other factions all agree that China launched the attack, while some members of the Chinese military and some scripts and dialogue suggest that the US launched the attack.
Here is a summary of the main points:
- China is the most widely accepted theory as the aggressor.
- The United States is also a viable option, with some members of the Enclave and Brotherhood of Steel supporting this theory.
- Vault-Tec is a less popular theory, but some fans believe that the corporation launched the attack as part of a plan to fulfill its own prophecy.
In the end, the truth about who launched the first nuclear attack in the Fallout universe may never be fully known. However, the debate surrounding this topic is a testament to the complexity and depth of the Fallout series, which continues to fascinate fans around the world.
Important Points:
- China launched the first nuclear attack: According to most in-game characters and fans, China launched the attack in a last-ditch effort to defend its borders.
- United States launched the first attack: Some members of the Enclave and Brotherhood of Steel believe that the US launched the attack.
- Vault-Tec launched the attack: Some fans believe that Vault-Tec launched the attack as part of a plan to fulfill its own prophecy.
Timeline of Events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2077 | China launches a surprise nuclear attack on the United States |
| 2077 | United States retaliates with nuclear attacks on China |
| 2077 | Great War begins |
| Post-2077 | Great War ends; Fallout begins |
Bullets:
- The Great War was fought between the United States and China.
- The war was fought in 2077.
- The war was the result of a surprise attack by China on the United States.
- The United States launched a retaliatory attack on China.
- The Great War devastated the world, leading to the formation of the Fallout universe.