Listicles, who doesn’t love ’em? One big question right now is “What is the best Fallout game?”, post season one of the show being a smash hit. Let us break down what each game in the series is like and how I would personally rank them after playing through each during my gaming life.
#8. Fallout Brotherhood of Steel
Originally released on the OG Xbox and PlayStation 2 consoles, this top-down title was more a beat-em-up than the turn-based RPG the series had started with. It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t feel like any other Fallout game.
#7. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel
Similar in name to our first entrant, Fallout Tactics plays nothing like it. Going back to the isometric CRPG routes, Fallout Tactics focuses almost entirely on combat scenarios, forgoing most of the RPG parts of the first two games.
#6. Fallout 3
From this point on I think it’s safe to say that there isn’t a “bad” game. Fallout 3 was Bethesda’s first foray into the series, shifting from an isometric turn-based RPG into a first-person-shooter. Featuring Liam Neeson as your father you’ll spend some time living life in a vault before leaving for a fun adventure that was improved greatly with DLC.
#5. Fallout
The one that started it all. A balls-hard choice-filled CRPG (C for computer). A grim-dark tone, intriguing plot, and incredible talent behind it all make this one a classic. In today’s age it doesn’t hold up as well as the Bethesda entries, technically, but it’s still a damned good time.
#4. Fallout 76
If patches didn’t exist this one would be the lowest by far. At launch, it lacked content and ran terribly. Starting with the Wastelanders update though it has been on an upward trajectory, building a dedicated fanbase that has exploded with the show’s popularity. The only multiplayer-focused entry in the series, this full on games-as-a-service title is finally a solid mix of solo and mp content.
#3. Fallout 2
While I may prefer the tone of the first game and its overall story a little more, the gameplay and content of Fallout 2 hold up better over time. Both are a part of Xbox Game Pass for PC as well if you’re ever looking to give these classic CRPGs a go
#2. Fallout: New Vegas
Ah, the controversy. Fallout: New Vegas initially started out as a DLC for Fallout 3. It was developed by Obsidian instead of Bethesda Game Studios and Todd Howard was so impressed by what he saw that they greenlit the game as an expandalone. In 18 months the Obsidian team released a buggy mess, that featured fantastic writing and choice options. It’s gotten in far better shape over time and works great with Xbox Series backward compatibility for its 360 version.
Fallout 4
You can flip/flop 1 and 2 and I think you’ll have most younger player’s Fallout lists. 76 may sneak in for those who prefer the multiplayer approach but Fallout 4 is far and away my favorite Fallout game to play today, and the new patch hitting for it on April 25th, 2024 will only make it that much better.
Tier lists lead to lots of discourse, so hit up our forums in the comments below and let us know your tier list for Fallout titles.
I’m sure we can all agree on this one
Outside of a few hours of Fallout 4 last generation, I have never truly played a Fallout game so this poll should definitely be interesting to see the outcome. I would think that New Vegas wins as it’s said to be the overall best game in the series but we’ll see.
My favorite is Fallout 3.
My favorite world/map is Fallout 76.
As someone who only played 3, 4 and NV I will ignore every other game from your ranking lol.
I think gameplay wise FO4 is the best. You can make so many cool builds.
Looking at roleplaying I would say NV is the best. Each faction is great especially joining House. Even the dlcs are good including Dead Money.
FO3 has the best atmosphere, but some problems with level scaling.
So NV > FO4 > FO3
The truth is they’re all so different that it’s more “what genre do you prefer” or “what focus matters more, gameplay or story” in the end. But these types of articles get insane hits so why not
That’s true. And ranking stuff is always fun. You guys should definitely do more rankings.
Fallout 76, the rest pale in comparison
I have not played Fallout: Brotherhood of steel so I won’t comment on that one… But this is my ranking for the others:
Fallout New Vegas.
Fallout 2
Fallout 3
Fallout 4
Fallout 76
Fallout
Fallout Tactics
New Vegas has something special (Obsidian) with great quests, factions and setting. Fallout 2 was the first one I played and where I fell in love with the world of Fallout, I played that game so many times hah. Fallout 3, with the expansions, is great. Fallout 4 has a lot of good things, like the base building and side stories, but also some annoying ones like the lack of meaningful choices, a so-so main story and Preston. Fallout 76 was sheit at first, but I’ve recently jumped into it again and they have transformed it into something else. It’s really good! The first Fallout game never clicked as much with me, probably because I played it after 2, which was not a good idea. Still a decent game. Tactics was… well not super hot.
Great thread Jesse! I have to explain that, while New Vegas is my favorite as most know, I genuinely love the rest probably equally.
Having said that, 3 is my least favorite (I still love it for what it is) because it’s the least Fallout of all the games. I’m not just talking about the complete lack of agency in how the game ends, or most of its results, but the clear lack of Fallout factions, proper modding and crafting… hell, I always find it hilarious when people say Fallout 4 is the worst or that it doesn’t have many RPG elements when in reality 3 pails in comparison on all those points, compared to 4.
I forgot we included BoS in there… that’s the most unFallout Fallout game and the worst (I purposely pretend it doesn’t exist) and if anyone picks that as their favorite, we might need to book you an appointment to get your head checked
What’s wrong with you?
(jk)