The war never changes, but the Fallout franchise certainly has. The series began as a classic isometric role-playing game, but over the years, it evolved into a shooter with RPG elements, and even incorporated a Minecraft-like crafting system. The latest installment, set for release this year, is poised to be a fully online experience. I can't help but find it amusing to hear the frequent complaints about the series’ direction, especially when Fallout Online was already in the planning stages long before, but ultimately never saw the light of day. If you're interested in my more detailed rants about the decline of the franchise, feel free to read on.
But enough of that for now—let’s focus on the origins of the series. The first Fallout wasn’t where I began my journey with the franchise, because as you might know, I have little respect for chronological order. After struggling to comprehend the sheer scale of the world and its many choices in Fallout 2, I turned to the more intimate, modest beginnings of the first game. It’s simpler in terms of content, tasks, and overall scope—but that’s part of its charm. Let’s rewind to the start.
Our adventure begins in the post-apocalyptic world with our escape from Vault 13, a safe haven that’s now facing a catastrophic issue. The Vault’s water supply has become contaminated, and if left unresolved, it could spell the end for its entire population. Our task is clear—venturing into the wasteland, ravaged by nuclear fire, to find a new water chip. And naturally, it’s up to us, the player, to take on this heroic (or perhaps tragic) mission. Time is of the essence—there's a ticking clock that demands we deliver the solution before the Vault’s inhabitants run out of hope (yes, I’m fully aware of how dramatic that sounds). But this water crisis isn’t the only threat in this desolate world. Lurking in the background is the ominous rise of the Super Mutants, led by the mysterious figure known as The Master. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—no need for spoilers just yet.
After stepping out into the wasteland, we encounter our first settlement. It’s a small village, barely more than a few scattered buildings and a handful of residents. Living in this post-apocalyptic world is far from easy, and every location we visit is soaked in the decay and degeneration that comes with the collapse of civilization. In this harsh new reality, being a do-gooder is a dangerous choice—altruism in the wasteland often means being taken advantage of until you’re bled dry (literally or figuratively), and most of the time, it leads to a bullet in the head. There’s no clear-cut good or evil here—this world exists in a murky gray area. Even the Brotherhood of Steel, a faction that’s supposed to be a bastion of justice, isn’t above reproach. Do they truly care about preserving humanity, or are they more focused on hoarding advanced technology and building a militarized empire? The answer is never straightforward.
One of the greatest strengths of Fallout lies in the freedom it offers the player. Do you want to be the hero of the wasteland, helping those in need and fighting for justice? You can do that. Or perhaps you want to terrorize a city, wiping out its entire population and taking whatever you can? That's an option too. Your actions have a direct impact on your Karma, which in turn influences how others perceive you. The game doesn’t just give you a world to explore; it allows you to shape that world based on your decisions. For example, the very first village tasks you with a difficult challenge—clearing a cave full of Radscorpions.
How you approach this task is entirely up to you, but it's worth noting that at this early stage, the task is no walk in the park. While the Radscorpion mission can only be completed through combat, many other quests offer multiple solutions, allowing you to choose between brute force, intellect, or diplomacy. This is where Fallout shines—its complexity and the variety of choices available. Take, for instance, a mission in Junktown, a larger settlement. There's a conflict brewing between the mayor and the casino owner. Upon arriving in the town, you witness an assassination attempt on the mayor by a hired gun. How you choose to handle the situation is entirely up to you. You could kill the mayor and his supporters, or you could gather evidence to expose the assassin. This becomes a test of your negotiation skills, as you try to manipulate the conversation and get the criminal to confess—without realizing they’re being recorded.
Completing tasks in Fallout rewards us with caps and valuable experience, both of which are essential for leveling up. One of the most intriguing opportunities early on is the chance to earn a small fortune by working as a caravan bodyguard. It’s a dangerous job, but the payoff is well worth the risk. Not only can you make good money, but the bandits who try to rob you also provide additional loot when they’re eliminated (and sometimes, they’ll be a real threat—but as with anything in life, big money doesn’t come without its challenges).
Do you think you’re S.P.E.C.I.A.L?
What would Fallout be without its iconic S.P.E.C.I.A.L system (an acronym for Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck)? In my opinion, it’s one of the most interesting and well-executed systems to emerge in the cRPG genre. Each stat has a significant impact on the game. For example, Strength increases your carrying capacity and is required to wield the most powerful weapons, while Charisma affects your ability to persuade others. Meanwhile, Luck influences the likelihood of critical hits, which can lead to spectacular results—like enemies exploding in a bloody mess.
In addition to stats, Fallout features a wealth of perks that can be unlocked as you level up. Some perks require you to meet certain stat thresholds before they become available. These perks offer a variety of bonuses, from improved accuracy in low light to increased resistance to damage. One of my favorite perks, Bloody Mess, isn’t particularly useful in battle, but it changes enemy death animations to ridiculously brutal levels of violence. For that reason alone, it’s worth picking up, especially for fans of the series who appreciate its dark humor.
One minor gripe with the system is the occasional "bad luck" during combat, particularly in the turn-based V.A.T.S. (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System). Even with a 95% chance to hit, it’s not uncommon to miss, leading to some frustrating moments. You can either accept these random outcomes or reload a save. Sometimes, though, the misses can be amusing—particularly when your character trips and drops their weapon, a common occurrence early on in the game.
While combat can often be avoided through diplomacy, it remains an essential aspect of the Fallout experience. You can approach it however you like, whether through close-range melee or long-range weapons. The game offers an impressive arsenal, including knives, pistols, sniper rifles, miniguns, and even energy weapons—perfect for testing your destructive skills.
Speaking of destruction, Fallout's world is home to a variety of mutated creatures, the result of the nuclear catastrophe. The scorpions, for instance, have grown to the size of cows (possibly larger), and some humans have transformed into ghouls, victims of radiation sickness who resemble zombies but retain their intelligence—and they don’t typically crave human flesh. You’ll also encounter Deathclaws, one of the most dangerous creatures in the wasteland, and Centaurs, which appear to be the result of horrific human experimentation. These monsters, along with AI-controlled robots, make the wasteland a place of constant danger.
I don’t want to set the world on fire…
The Fallout world is also packed with easter eggs—another hallmark of the series. You’ll encounter bizarre occurrences, like discovering the massive footprint of a creature straight out of a Japanese monster film or stumbling upon a crashed UFO. Additionally, many locations contain hidden secrets for the observant player.
Despite being over 20 years old, Fallout still holds up surprisingly well in terms of visuals. The game is entirely playable in high definition without causing your eyes to bleed, though I do have one complaint: the game can be quite dark. This becomes especially troublesome at night, as finding paths between different zones can be a challenge due to the poorly chosen color scheme. The dirty, rusty tones blend too closely with the sand, making it hard to see, especially in low light. That said, the character and monster models are diverse and well-crafted, and animations—particularly for finishing off enemies—are satisfying to watch.
The music is minimalistic but fitting, blending electronic and tribal sounds to complement the post-apocalyptic atmosphere. It evokes a sense of desolation and danger, perfectly setting the tone for the world you’re exploring. The soundtrack, heavy and foreboding, truly immerses you in the experience. Hats off to the composer.
With all that said, I wholeheartedly recommend the first Fallout to newcomers and longtime fans alike. Even after more than two decades, this pioneer of the RPG genre still offers countless hours of enjoyment.
Older players may recall the buzz surrounding Fallout when it released in July 1997. It was hailed as a breath of fresh air for the RPG genre, which had become stagnant by that point. It even saved the genre from what some saw as its inevitable decline.
The game's success can be largely attributed to its atmosphere. Set in a meticulously crafted post-apocalyptic world, Fallout explored the nuances of human society in the wake of nuclear destruction with an incredible degree of detail. Given its massive success, it wasn’t surprising when the creators at Black Isle began work on a sequel. Fallout 2 would release over a year later, and while it didn’t introduce anything radically new, it expanded on the original's strengths, overshadowing its predecessor. The plot of Fallout 2 picks up after the events of the first game, where our hero, now exiled from their Vault, wanders through the Grand Canyons and stumbles upon a small, struggling village. The tribe is suffering from famine and disease, and only you, the player, can save them. The village elder sends you on a quest to find the Garden of Eden Creation Kit (G.E.C.K.), the only hope for the village’s survival. Your search leads you to Vault 13, the legendary home of your ancestor, but the journey is far from simple—especially since the merchant who may hold the key to the G.E.C.K.’s location has mysteriously vanished.
Fallout 1 & 2 – The Post-Apocalyptic RPG Masterpieces
When diving into the world of Fallout, the first thing that grabs you is the atmosphere—gritty, post-nuclear, and unforgiving. It's a world where everything, from the people to the mutated creatures, reflects the harshness of a world destroyed by atomic war. But as much as Fallout is about survival, it’s also about the choices you make, and how those choices shape not only your character but the wasteland around you.
Creating Your Hero – A True RPG Experience
Before you even set foot in the wasteland, you’re tasked with creating your alter ego. While Fallout offers three pre-made characters—the sneaky Mingan, the strong Narga, and the charming Chitsa—most players will opt to create their own custom hero. This customization allows you to define everything from basic stats (strength, perception, endurance, charisma, intelligence, dexterity, and luck) to special skills and traits. You can shape your character’s destiny by selecting three skills that level up faster than others and two traits that come with both pros and cons, such as increased critical hit chances or attracting unwanted attention. It’s a system that offers a huge amount of depth and variety.
The Immersive Post-Nuclear World
The setting of Fallout is as iconic as its gameplay. After the nuclear apocalypse, society has crumbled, and humanity is left in a brutal and often immoral state. Whether it’s drug addicts, mafia-like factions, or towns ruled by power-hungry leaders, Fallout shows us a world where survival is often a matter of doing whatever it takes—be it good or bad.
Cities are filled with danger, from bandits lurking on every corner to monstrous creatures like Deathclaws and Centaurs. But despite the chaos, there are pockets of hope. You’ll find towns governed by honest mayors or sheriffs, where a semblance of the old world’s values still survives—though often with a dark twist beneath the surface. This world is vast, filled with intriguing NPCs, and every corner hides some form of mystery or danger.
Choices, Consequences, and Quests
One of the standout features of Fallout is the way your decisions influence the game. Your actions determine your reputation and karma, affecting how NPCs treat you. You can choose to be a hero, helping those in need, or a villain, causing chaos wherever you go. This freedom is key to the game’s depth. You may find yourself aiding a desperate town, only to later betray its people for personal gain. Or you might find yourself caught between two warring factions, trying to figure out who’s more deserving of your allegiance.
Quests are what propel the story forward, but they also lead to incredible side adventures. Whether you’re solving the mystery of the Garden of Eden Creation Kit to save a village or helping someone escape slavery, the tasks you undertake will impact both the world and your character’s development. And the great thing is that there’s no time limit—you can wander, explore, and tackle quests in any order.
The Thrills of Combat and Strategy
Combat is an essential part of the Fallout experience, and it’s where the game’s turn-based system shines. You can approach fights in a variety of ways, whether it’s using guns, melee weapons, or energy weapons. The variety is impressive, and figuring out which tools to bring into each fight adds an extra layer of strategy. Sometimes you’ll face off against mere raiders, but more often than not, you’ll find yourself squaring off with terrifying mutated creatures, like Deathclaws, which can spell an instant end for you if you’re not prepared.
The Fallout games also excel in the range of tools you have at your disposal, from medical kits to powerful firearms. At the start, it’s tough to survive, but as you progress and gather better equipment, your chances improve. The key is to constantly evolve your tactics, especially with NPC companions who can be both a boon and a burden depending on how you manage them.
The Beauty of Fallout 2: Refining the Formula
While Fallout was groundbreaking in its own right, Fallout 2 took everything the first game did and improved on it. The world is larger, the characters more fleshed out, and the plot even more engaging. In Fallout 2, you play as the descendant of the Vault Dweller, tasked with saving your village from famine and pestilence by finding the mythical Garden of Eden Creation Kit. As you travel through the wasteland, you’ll encounter more cities, more characters, and more factions, each with their own motivations and problems.
The game builds upon its predecessor’s foundations, offering greater control over NPC companions, including their combat strategies, equipment, and tactics. You can even dress them in better armor, a feature absent in the first Fallout. The improvements to AI and companion management make Fallout 2 feel like a smoother, more refined experience.
A World Worth Exploring
What truly sets Fallout apart is its ability to immerse you in a world that feels alive, with a narrative that adapts to your choices. Whether you’re exploring the vast wasteland, interacting with quirky NPCs, or uncovering hidden locations, the game encourages exploration. It's a place where you can never fully predict what will happen next, and that's part of the charm.
The soundtrack, a minimalistic blend of electronic and tribal music, perfectly complements the bleak setting. Every tune adds to the sense of doom and desolation that hangs over the wasteland. The atmosphere is further enriched by the sound design, which brings the broken world to life.
Fallout 3 and the Bethesda Legacy
While Fallout 3 marked a shift in both gameplay and presentation, it still drew heavily from the roots established in the original games. The vast open-world design, moral choices, and atmosphere of decay are all present in Bethesda’s version of Fallout. If you’ve played Skyrim, you’ll notice the similarities in mechanics and world-building. Both games offer the freedom to explore, make choices, and shape your destiny, with Fallout's post-apocalyptic setting acting as the perfect backdrop for this kind of gameplay.
While the graphics may not stand up to modern standards, Fallout and Fallout 2 still look great for their time. Their storytelling, deep RPG mechanics, and atmospheric world-building remain as captivating today as they were when the games were first released.
Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
Fallout and Fallout 2 are true RPG masterpieces. Despite their age, they still hold up remarkably well, offering deep and engaging gameplay, complex moral dilemmas, and a post-apocalyptic world that feels rich with history and possibility. Whether you’re a veteran fan or a newcomer, these games are worth revisiting—or playing for the first time. They’re some of the most influential RPGs ever made, and their legacy continues to influence the genre to this day.
But be warned—these games are addictive. Once you start, you might lose hours—or even days—lost in the wasteland.
Fallout: New Vegas – A Journey Through a Broken World
Perhaps it’s my own fault for diving into a long series of tasks and possessions in Fallout: New Vegas, rather than opting for shorter, more immediate quests. Wandering through the endless subway tunnels, navigating the ruins of a devastated Washington, and encountering enemies every so often felt like a frustrating, artificial extension to the game for me. What I really wanted was to rush through the story because, well, it’s fantastic.
Fallout: New Vegas is by no means a perfect game. In fact, it falls short in several areas. However, the vast majority of its flaws aren’t the fault of Obsidian—they’re remnants of the engine and mechanics inherited from previous developers. In almost every other respect, it outshines Bethesda’s work and stands as a worthy successor to its iconic predecessors. I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but... it’s the truth.
The story’s beginning is familiar to anyone who’s followed the game’s pre-release hype. You play as a courier, who is shot for reasons unknown during a delivery. Miraculously saved by a robot, your character wakes up in Goodsprings, a small town, where a local resident nurses you back to health. It’s a modest start—nothing too exciting or cinematic—but it’s the quiet prelude to an unfolding, captivating tale. If you’re expecting a linear, cinematic narrative, New Vegas may disappoint. If you’re patient and open-minded, however, you’ll be hooked.
Once you get past the introduction, the game’s true beauty emerges. Both the world and its story are remarkably open-ended. You’ll constantly be making decisions that affect not just your fate but also the balance of power in the region, the attitudes of local residents, and even the prices at shops. For example, you may help a community restore order, only for the local shopkeeper to raise all his prices by 50% to cover the new taxes. These little details make the world feel alive and dynamic, as if your every action has a tangible effect.
The decisions you make in New Vegas matter. There’s no hand-holding here—if you want to understand the consequences of your choices, you’ll need to pay attention to the world around you. The game doesn’t give you obvious hints like “this choice will alienate faction X.” You’re expected to learn and adapt, and if you fail to do so, you may find yourself regretting decisions that permanently alter the game’s landscape. But that’s part of the fun. As with previous Fallout games, New Vegas thrives in its moral gray areas. No faction or character is purely good or evil. Even “villains” may have honorable motives, and “heroes” might harbor dark secrets.
Conversations with NPCs are far more engaging than in Fallout 3. Every character has their own personality and dialogue style—some may be master orators, others not so much. The tasks are divided into three categories: traditional multi-stage quests, simpler side quests, and “loose suggestions” that may not even appear in your quest log. These rumors and whispers often evolve into fully-fledged missions, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.
One of the highlights of New Vegas is the freedom you have in approaching quests. You can solve most problems through brute force, persuasion, bribery, or scientific knowledge. Often, you’ll have multiple solutions to a single problem, which rewards diverse playstyles. It’s not just about combat; it’s about using your character’s skills and traits to influence the world in creative ways. If you’re interested in non-combat playthroughs, this is the game for you. The level of choice is almost unparalleled.
But the true beauty of New Vegas lies in exploration. After 25 hours of gameplay, I had uncovered only a fraction of the world, and there was still so much more to discover. The game’s open world is vast, and each location feels rich with history and lore. If you really want to complete everything, you’ll likely need around 100 hours—though I confess I haven’t explored every nook and cranny yet. If you get hooked on this game, make sure you’ve got plenty of time to dedicate to it.
As for mechanics, New Vegas introduces a variety of new features that enhance the experience. Crafting is more developed and diverse, allowing you to create meals, concoct poisons, and even produce your own ammunition. The ability to break down old weapons and recycle materials for crafting is a welcome touch. Additionally, weapon upgrades—like new optics, extended magazines, and reinforced locks—add more variety to the combat system. You can also find unique weapons, often as rewards for quests or hidden in non-obvious locations.
The VATS system remains largely unchanged, but real-time shooting is now more refined, making snipers particularly happy. You no longer have to rely on skill-based calculations for long-range shots, which makes hitting targets at a distance feel more satisfying.
And then there’s Hardcore mode. This mode changes the game in a fundamental way, introducing a survival aspect where you need to drink, eat, and sleep regularly. The impact is immediate and noticeable—dehydration and hunger will quickly affect your stats, and in the worst case, lead to death. It forces you to think more strategically about your resources, especially when you realize that even ammunition now has weight. For me, this mode is the only way to experience New Vegas. Playing without it feels like you’re missing out on a key part of the experience.
The reputation system is another noteworthy addition. You can earn favor or hatred from factions and communities based on your actions, and this directly influences how NPCs perceive you. The system is deep and nuanced, and there’s always a delicate balance to maintain. You can choose to align with one faction, but doing so might antagonize others. However, if you’re clever, you can find diplomatic ways to navigate this web of alliances and betrayals.
That said, the game is not without its technical flaws. The engine is still prone to bugs and oddities, such as characters getting stuck in place or strange physics glitches. However, New Vegas is surprisingly stable, with only a few major bugs during my 60 hours of gameplay. These were easily fixed by reloading previous saves, but it’s still worth noting.
Graphically, New Vegas doesn’t push the envelope, and it’s clear that the game relies on older technology. The textures are sharper than before, and there are a few new models, but overall, the visuals are hardly groundbreaking. However, this isn’t a game that relies on cutting-edge graphics, and most players won’t mind. What matters here is the atmosphere, the world, and the story—and in these areas, New Vegas truly excels.
Ultimately, Fallout: New Vegas is a game of exploration, choices, and consequences. It’s a world full of stories, characters, and challenges that you can approach in countless ways. The story may not hit you with cinematic flair, but if you’re willing to invest in the world, the rewards are immense. This game is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its open-ended design, it’s an experience unlike any other.
Fallout: New Vegas was the kind of game we should have seen years ago. Obsidian managed to do what Bethesda couldn’t. They proved it’s possible to create a true Fallout experience in 3D with real-time combat, a first-person perspective, and a vast open world. If you love post-apocalyptic settings, open-world exploration, decision-making, crafting, endless quests, collecting bits of junk, interacting with fascinating NPCs, and prefer shades of gray over black-and-white morality, then Obsidian’s Fallout: New Vegas is a gift to you. It’s impossible to think of a title more eagerly awaited in recent years.
The announcement of Fallout 4 sent waves of excitement through the community, though it also raised some concerns. Either way, the game was on everyone's mind. After Bethesda took over the Fallout franchise, they turned this post-apocalyptic universe into one of the most iconic in gaming. While Bethesda can be criticized for various things, there’s no denying that without them, we might never have ventured into the vaults. Not everyone was fond of the shift in Fallout 3, but New Vegas offered a glimmer of hope that the "classic Fallout" might still be possible. These hopes were carried over into Fallout 4.
Having spent hundreds of hours across the Fallout series (and ironically, the top of that list isn’t even Fallout 3 or its expansion), I consider myself somewhat of an expert. Honestly? When Fallout 4 was announced, I was nervous. I feared what it would be. I was anxious watching the trailers, anxious when I installed it, and anxious when I started playing... but the real fear came later, after I’d finished it. For very different reasons.
Fallout 4 starts off true to the series—with character creation. A brief but atmospheric intro sets the tone, introducing us to the protagonist, standing before a bathroom mirror. Here, we’re introduced to the character creation system, which is absolutely amazing. The tool is incredibly intuitive, offering endless combinations to mold the face and appearance of our hero. This is a key draw for RPG fans, and it’s one of the best parts of the game. Moving on, we’re asked to choose our initial stats. But we’ll dive into that later—let's focus on the start of the adventure.
Unlike previous Fallout games, Fallout 4 kicks off before the Great War, in 2077. Getting to experience the pre-apocalypse world is a treat, and while everything looks a bit plastic and shiny, it does have its charm. But that idyllic moment doesn’t last long. Soon, an atomic bomb strikes, and we rush to Vault 111 for safety. There’s a surprise waiting, though—we end up in cryostasis. We emerge 210 years later to find our son kidnapped, and thus begins our quest for him.
The beginning of the main story intrigued me. While it might echo the search for a missing family member from Fallout 3, the way it’s presented sucked me in. Vault 111 is small, and after just a few minutes of exploration, I finally step into the wasteland, ready to dive deeper into the plot. But soon, I realized the story I had hoped would be captivating was mediocre at best. The plot becomes clichéd, predictable, and often disjointed. There are several potential endings, but the one I experienced after joining the Brotherhood of Steel was a massive disappointment. Without spoiling too much, let's just say: we’ve seen this before, and worst of all, the story never makes us feel like we’ve truly impacted the world.
However, I won’t pretend that Fallout 4 didn’t have moments of brilliance. Exploration is where the game truly shines. The world is full of interesting locations, each with its own untold history. One of the best parts of the game is collecting items like comics, books, retro games, and figurines that boost your stats. These are hard to find but immensely rewarding. But when it comes to other items, the opposite is true. Weapons, armor, and meds seem to drop from the sky. Items are so abundant that I stopped picking up even the most powerful ones after a while. This surplus of items takes some of the magic out of scavenging and exploration, which once felt so rewarding in the series.
Then there’s the matter of power armor. In previous games, getting a suit of power armor felt like a monumental achievement. In Fallout 4, we get our first set within the first hour of gameplay, and it’s a constant companion throughout the game. While it’s fun to use and feels immensely powerful, it loses some of its weight when it’s so readily available. On top of that, the game introduces fusion cores, which fuel the armor. At first, these are scarce, but before long, they’re plentiful. The armor is fun to use, but its accessibility ultimately undermines the sense of rarity and excitement that came with it in past games.
Another interesting new feature is the ability to upgrade your armor and weapons. The number of customizations available for both is impressive. The armor can be modified in various ways, from changing colors to adding practical features like a jetpack. There’s also a robust weapon crafting system that, while initially overwhelming, becomes an enjoyable part of the game as you dive in.
Then, there's the settlement-building mechanic. At first, I wasn’t too keen on it. But after investing time in it, I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. Using the junk you collect to build homes, fortifications, and shops is strangely satisfying. While the mechanics for placing objects are clunky, there’s something enjoyable about transforming the wasteland into a livable space. It’s not the most important aspect of the game, but I found myself spending hours on it.
In the end, while Fallout 4 offers a vast world, enjoyable mechanics, and moments of fun, it falls short in delivering the narrative depth and meaningful impact the series is known for. Despite its flaws, though, it's still a game worth experiencing, especially for fans of open-world RPGs.
Just as the settlement creation and equipment customization systems in Fallout 4 are surprisingly deep, the same cannot be said for the character development system. Unfortunately, this is yet another crucial aspect of RPGs that has been severely simplified in the game.
While the SPECIAL system is still in place, its importance has been nearly entirely overshadowed by the new progression system. Now, with each level gained, we can add points to our stats (unless we choose to invest them in perks), which means there's nothing stopping us from turning our character into an all-around "Mr. Perfect" with near-maxed-out stats in every category. Gone are the iconic skills that used to determine, for example, how well we handled certain weapons.
The perks system attempts to fill the gap left by these missing skills, offering various bonuses, but the way they’re presented is clunky and uninspired. Not only is the interface overly complicated and hard to read, but the vast majority of perks offer minimal impact on gameplay. Aside from a few exceptions, such as the perk that extends fusion core life, most perks are so subtle that I often forgot to use them altogether. That feeling of excitement when leveling up in an RPG is notably absent in Fallout 4. I played until level 36, and honestly, I didn’t feel any stronger or more capable than I did at level 10. The development system is especially lackluster because investing in SPECIAL attributes doesn’t lead to any noticeable benefits. For instance, charisma and intelligence don’t really make a difference in outcomes—persuasion still relies on a dice roll, and even with minimal points invested in charisma, I could convince NPCs with enough luck. In the end, no matter how you allocate your stats, the gameplay remains virtually the same. This simplification in Fallout is, frankly, a disappointment.
Now, moving on to what frustrates players the most since the game’s release: the graphics and technical issues.
Visually, the game is better than expected. While there are times when it looks rough, especially in areas with poor lighting, most of the world—particularly the open spaces—looks decent, even with the bright, vibrant color palette. I won’t dwell too much on the visuals, but the animations, on the other hand, are a different story. It's been years since I’ve seen such stiff, robotic movement in a game. While ghouls can move with surprising agility, other characters seem as if they’re stuck to broomsticks. The facial animations, especially in a game that often uses a cinematic dialogue approach, are embarrassingly bad. In a game where character interactions are so central, it’s simply unacceptable.
Pros:
Fantastic character creator.
Huge world to explore, slightly smaller than expected but still vast.
Many engaging locations that encourage exploration.
Atmospheric sound design.
Plenty of side quests and collectibles to find.
Solid shooting mechanics and a refreshed VATS system.
Well-designed power armor mechanics.
Crafting and settlement building offer satisfying depth and time investment.
Main plot and side missions have some high points.
Cons:
Clichéd, shallow main plot.
Pervasive bugs and graphical issues.
Lackluster dialogue system.
Simplified, shallow character development.
“Too much shooting, too little talking.”
Unintuitive interface.
Emotionless world.
Outdated animations and textures.
As we look back more than three years after Fallout 76’s release, it’s worth asking: did Bethesda learn from its mistakes and improve the game? While the answer is mixed, let’s dive into whether Fallout 76 is worth revisiting now, three years later.
The story begins in 2102, twenty-five years after the Great War. Most of humanity is gone, wiped out in atomic fire, but some survivors are sheltered in Vault-Tec vaults. The character we control is one of the lucky survivors, having avoided any grotesque experiments within the shelter. Our vault, located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, is where the adventure begins.
The big question: is the map worth exploring? Absolutely! The creators crafted a beautiful and diverse world, full of hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes. West Virginia’s varied terrain, which includes lush forests, burning ash, and dilapidated towns, is a joy to explore, and it took me over fifty hours to discover its most intriguing secrets. Fallout 76 isn’t just an open world; it’s also packed with diverse interiors, such as buildings, underground areas, and instances—spaces designed for groups to explore together.
One of the best updates to Fallout 76 is the introduction of NPCs with the Wastelanders expansion. Unlike the launch version, which felt empty and devoid of life, Appalachia is now filled with NPCs representing various factions. Among the most notable additions are the Brotherhood of Steel, which injects much-needed vitality into the world. I often encountered Vertibirds and aerial assaults on mutant positions, reminding me of the Fallout lore I love.
While Fallout 76 has made major strides since its rocky debut, it’s not without its flaws. Many of the complaints from 2018—such as lackluster gameplay and general boredom—have been addressed, but there are still issues that can’t be ignored.
The game is technically an MMORPG, but that’s only true in name. The servers are limited to just 24 players, which means interactions with others are few and far between. I found Fallout 76 to be an introvert simulator—most of my encounters with other players consisted of waving or passive interaction. The party system is capped at four players, and while there’s an incentive to join open teams, the limited player count means these encounters rarely feel meaningful.
One of the most disappointing elements is the lackluster PvP system. To engage in combat with another player, you have to be the one to fire the first shot. This takes away any element of surprise, and more often than not, players simply avoid each other. The system encourages passive behavior, making PvP feel tedious rather than exciting.
The endgame is similarly underwhelming, relying heavily on farming perks and repeatedly battling the final boss, the Scorchbeast Queen. Unfortunately, the vulnerability of the game to cheaters—who can modify weapon stats to kill the boss in seconds—has made this experience frustrating for many players. Until these issues are resolved, the endgame will likely remain unenjoyable.
Overall, Fallout 76 has improved significantly over the years, but it still suffers from deep flaws that undermine the core Fallout experience. The introduction of NPCs, better map design, and the improved quest system are steps in the right direction, but the game still struggles with technical issues, lackluster combat systems, and repetitive endgame content. Whether or not it’s worth returning to depends on your personal expectations and patience with the game's ongoing issues.
At the beginning of the game, we are given a set number of points to allocate across different skills, which we can continue to develop as we level up until we reach level 50. Along with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. points, we will also randomly receive special skill cards. Each card provides a specific effect, and these cards can be combined with duplicates to enhance their power. Every card is tied to a specific S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat, meaning we need to have a sufficient number of points in the corresponding stat to equip it. For example, if we have eight points in Perception, we can use cards that add up to a maximum of eight points. Although this system may sound complicated in theory, it’s quite intuitive and user-friendly in practice. Personally, I find it a great step away from the traditional perk lists that often overwhelm players with too many choices.
In addition to perks, the game also includes a mutation system. If your character becomes sufficiently irradiated, they can gain mutations, which grant both positive abilities and, at times, negative effects that impact stats. These mutations are linked with skill cards, allowing us to mitigate the negative effects of radiation and retain only the positive benefits.
Now, let’s talk about the shooting mechanics. Are they well-executed? Honestly, they’re fairly average, with some bright moments. I’ve never been particularly fond of shooting mechanics in the Fallout series, and Fallout 76 is no exception. While most weapons are solidly designed, using them doesn’t feel particularly exciting — although it’s certainly not a dealbreaker. The VATS system does add some fun when combined with certain weapons. For instance, I found a weapon called "The Fixer," or "Rąsia" in Polish, which, when combined with my character build and VATS, became incredibly effective. I felt a great sense of satisfaction every time I landed a headshot with it.
A core feature of Fallout 76 is the ability to build your own shelter, which uses the familiar Fallout 4 building system. You can construct walls, floors, and entire structures or even underground shelters. This mechanic ties into the game's economy, as players can trade items through special vending machines. I made a nice profit selling toilet paper and ammunition — it turns out, in post-apocalyptic West Virginia, toilet paper is highly valued. Crafting also plays a huge role here; to create weapons and other items, you’ll need to gather materials from your explorations and disassemble parts to learn new crafting recipes. This system closely mirrors what Fallout 4 introduced, so if you’re familiar with that game, you’ll have no trouble navigating crafting in Fallout 76.
The game also features a simple survival system, requiring you to eat and drink. Personally, I only bothered with this system at the start or before particularly tough missions. It's very forgiving — neglecting it won't lead to major consequences, but it can be mildly annoying.
One hotly debated aspect of Fallout 76 is the Fallout 1st subscription. The controversy surrounding this premium service still divides players, with some supporting it and others vehemently opposing it. I haven’t personally used the subscription, so I can’t speak to its benefits in detail, but it’s clear that it’s an optional, yet divisive, feature.
As for the game's visuals, they aren't groundbreaking, but they aren’t ugly either. The graphics are competent, often surprising with some beautifully detailed moments that make you want to take screenshots. Unfortunately, there are also textures that stand out as outdated or poorly rendered. The world doesn’t have the awe-inspiring beauty of something like Red Dead Redemption II, but it's certainly attractive enough in certain moments. On the other hand, the audio is much stronger, with fantastic voice acting and immersive environmental sounds. Whether you’re listening to the wind rustling through the trees or the ambient sounds of ash-covered areas, the atmosphere is well-crafted.
When playing on the base PS4, the game ran at a steady 30 frames per second for the most part, though I did experience drops to as low as 10 fps in intense situations, such as during large fights or instances with many enemies. These frame rate drops made the gameplay occasionally frustrating, and aiming became almost impossible without using VATS. Crashes were also a problem, but they were relatively rare — only occurring four times in over fifty hours of gameplay. While not game-breaking, it’s an issue that could have been addressed more thoroughly.
Unfortunately, I also ran into several bugs. For example, an item necessary for a quest didn’t spawn during my session, which prevented me from completing the quest. These technical issues are less frequent now but still exist.
Overall, Fallout 76 has evolved significantly since its release, but it still evokes strong opinions. Loyal fans will defend it passionately, while others continue to criticize its early mistakes. So, is it worth picking up now, years after its initial launch? That depends on what you're looking for. If the problems outlined here don’t deter you, and if the idea of exploring a vast, post-apocalyptic world with friends sounds appealing, then yes, it’s worth a chance. Fallout 76 is available on Bethesda Launcher, Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Microsoft Store, with a special guide available for newcomers to help them get started.
As for the current state of the game, with the Wastelanders expansion bringing NPCs, expanded storylines, and improvements, Fallout 76 has definitely come a long way. The addition of NPCs and more quests has significantly enriched the experience, though the PvP and endgame systems still leave much to be desired. Whether it’s worth investing time in is ultimately up to you — but if you’re willing to overlook the game’s past flaws, you might find a surprisingly enjoyable experience in the post-apocalyptic Appalachia.
Even high-level elite enemies go down after just a few shots, and the other players are incredibly friendly and supportive. Many of them visit my camp, greet me, and leave behind ammo or other useful items. One time, I even made soup for another player using homemade mutfruit!
Fallout 76 is an intriguing experiment that ditches traditional narrative and moral choices in favor of a pure gameplay-focused experience. While this approach won’t satisfy everyone, the game's ongoing server population shows it has found a solid fanbase.
One of the key features that players enjoyed from the previous installment was the camp-building mechanic, which Bethesda expanded upon. The only major addition was the ability to share these spaces with other players, allowing for group play and collaborative adventures in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
In the game, you take on the role of a Vault 76 inhabitant, sent to explore a world ravaged by nuclear war 25 years after the bombs fell. The main storyline revolves around tracking the Vault Overseer, who ventured out before you to carry out a secret mission. With no limitations on how to explore West Virginia, players can embark on their own journeys and discover the wasteland at their own pace.
Much of the exploration is done by reading journals and listening to recordings, as NPCs are absent from Fallout 76—aside from a few robots. Since players are the first inhabitants of this new world, the surface is mostly populated by mutants and other monsters, which creates a world where we, the players, shape the story through our actions.
Much like Sea of Thieves, the core experience of Fallout 76 revolves around interacting with other players. The game emphasizes a relatively low-stress adventure, where hostile players can’t deal much damage unless you initiate combat, at which point the PvP barrier is lifted. Fortunately, even if you’re killed by another player, you won’t lose any of your equipment—just construction materials. This keeps the survival aspect intact while removing some of the more punishing consequences of player vs. player combat.
However, players must still manage their hunger, thirst, overall health, and weight, which can limit sprinting. Consuming spoiled food will lead to radiation poisoning and reduced stats, which has been tweaked to introduce some new mechanics. As you progress, you gain access to perk cards that enhance specific stats. These cards can be swapped at any time to better suit team dynamics or personal playstyles, with some cards providing bonuses for solo players.
The main gameplay loop revolves around discovering new locations, completing automatically activated missions, battling enemies, and gathering resources to build your own base. You can collect practically everything, from cans to wires, as they all serve as valuable raw materials for crafting and constructing your base—this time, you can place it anywhere you choose.
The game offers a variety of weapons, each of which can be modified, improved, and repaired. Weapon durability is a key concern—when a weapon's durability hits zero, it becomes unusable until repaired, which is crucial for maintaining your best gear in the heat of battle.
The quests are somewhat lacking in depth, with many of them veering into the absurd. Some missions almost seem designed for failure, which undermines the post-apocalyptic atmosphere. A robot frequently sends you on missions that appear to be designed to get you injured or killed. These linear challenges offer little room for creativity, and as a result, they can feel tedious or forced. The main story itself is serviceable, but most side quests lack any significant depth.
Exploring the world is still enjoyable, as the landscape offers a diverse range of locations, but the game’s visuals are noticeably a step back from Fallout 4. The textures are low-quality, lighting and shading are problematic, and character animations look dated. Given the release of titles like God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2, it’s difficult to overlook these shortcomings. Additionally, the game suffers from technical issues, such as connectivity delays, glitches where enemies appear suddenly, and game crashes.
That said, Fallout 76 isn’t a "bad" game by any means, as evidenced by its active player base. The servers may be small, with around 20 players per map, but they are rarely empty. Thanks to clear player markers, it’s easy to find companions, and the option to limit PvP to mutual consent encourages cooperation rather than conflict. The ability to launch nuclear strikes on specific locations introduces a new dynamic—players can turn certain areas into irradiated zones filled with tougher enemies and greater rewards, creating stories and experiences unique to each player.
One of the franchise's hallmarks—character development—has taken a new form in Fallout 76. Gone are the traditional RPG systems of Fallout 3 and Fallout 4; instead, the game uses the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system along with a flexible, card-based perk system. This new system works well in Fallout 76, allowing players to adapt to the ever-changing conditions of the game world. While some may miss the more traditional RPG elements, this approach offers more freedom, especially for those who prefer immediate changes to their character’s build.
PvE remains the strongest aspect of Fallout 76, but it could benefit from more varied content. Exploring the game world and participating in community events is enjoyable, but without more substantial updates, it could become monotonous. Finding a good team is essential to maintaining the post-apocalyptic atmosphere—if your teammates aren’t invested, it can ruin the experience. The building mechanics are a welcome addition, improving upon what was seen in Fallout 4, and making sense in the context of this multiplayer-focused world.
As expected from a Bethesda game, Fallout 76 is rife with bugs. From texture issues and mission markers disappearing, to enemy glitches and game crashes, it’s clear that the game still struggles with technical problems. While the aging engine still fits the Fallout aesthetic, it’s time for Bethesda to consider moving to a more modern engine. On the plus side, the audio and soundtrack, including the iconic radio, are solid.
Upon release in November 2018, Fallout 76 quickly earned a reputation as one of the most hated games of the year. Yet, a year and a half later, the game is still being discussed, and while many would love to see it buried, it continues to evolve and remain profitable.
The internet has spoken—those who still play Fallout 76 are seen as outcasts, some even mocking the game's ongoing development. But as a fan who owns the collector’s edition and subscribes to Fallout 1st, I find myself defending the game. Despite its flaws, Fallout 76 has managed to find a unique place in the Fallout series, and it’s clear that for some of us, the enjoyment is worth the journey.
Years ago, when the news first broke that Fallout 3 would transition away from the classic isometric view to a fully 3D environment, I was incredibly skeptical. Like many others, I feared this change. But when I finally finished Fallout 3, after a long wait, and followed it up with the brilliant Fallout: New Vegas, I was relieved. It was still Fallout, just updated for modern times and technology. What truly ties all the Fallout games together? The atmosphere. The American dream of the 1950s shattered by nuclear devastation.
I had a blast in the world of Fallout 4, where everything clicked perfectly—the idealized American suburbs, characters trapped between two realities, acting as though the bombs had never dropped. And of course, the soundtrack, with the iconic Diamond City Radio playing in the background while I roamed the wasteland or exterminated waves of ghouls, has stuck with me for a long time. Fallout 76 is essentially Fallout 4.5—a larger map, more mutant creatures, and the addition of multiplayer. Looking back, I think the decision to initially exclude humanoid NPCs (before the Wastelanders expansion added them) was a brilliant one. We learned about their robotic nature at the end of quests when we were just about certain we'd finally meet a human. This touch added to the mystery and intrigue, and the colorful world of Fallout 76 draws you in, making exploration irresistible.
If I were to sum up Fallout 76 in a few words, I’d call it post-apocalyptic Skyrim. The developers took the best (or worst, depending on your perspective) elements of Fallout 4 and scaled them up, creating an even bigger world filled with side locations. While many of these areas may not add much to the story, they’re simply begging to be explored without hesitation (and to wipe out any enemies in your way).
In practice, focusing on a single task in Fallout 76 is nearly impossible. Appalachia constantly tempts you with side activities and hidden locations. It’s easy to wander off course, only to realize an hour has passed, and you’ve found yourself in an entirely new part of the map, with a backpack full of loot and magazines emptied along the way. If it weren’t for the plans and blueprints you acquire during story missions, the exploration would be the true highlight. As you wander post-apocalyptic North America, time flies by. After Fallout 76 hits Steam, I’m confident it will become a worthy contender to Skyrim, a game where many players have spent thousands of hours, with one player having logged a staggering 55,000 hours. Why am I so sure? Fallout 76 has a secret that makes it incredibly time-consuming—and it’s worth discussing more in the next section.
Modding and crafting new equipment is another area where Fallout 76 shines. I spent hours selecting and perfecting my gear, searching for missing ingredients, and finally choosing the right paint jobs and skins. This level of customization allows you to make your character truly unique—chances are, you’ll rarely run into a clone.
The sheer number of elements you can personalize in Fallout 76 is astonishing. From weapons, power armor, and regular armor to faces, emotes, backpacks, and camp decorations, there are hundreds of hours to be spent tweaking and creating. These are hours well spent, too. Once your character is fully equipped and your base is secure, you’ll feel ready for the next stage.
A typical combat scene in Fallout 76 could involve your Pip-Boy playing "Mr. Sandman," your fusion core ticking down the last few percentages of power, and your minigun blasting away at super mutants. This dynamic never gets old—just the music, weapons, enemies, and locations change. Combat in Fallout 76 is incredibly satisfying, and it fits seamlessly with the exploration. I love the flexibility in character skills, which allows you to adapt and experiment with different playstyles without resetting your entire build. The ability to change skills on the fly is fantastic, although it would be great to have the option to freely adjust attributes (currently, this is somewhat limited). The absence of a full-fledged V.A.T.S. system is a step backward, but it makes sense considering the game’s multiplayer focus.
The combat experience is also deeply influenced by the type of weapon and combat style you prefer. Fighting a Deathclaw, for example, naturally makes you want to keep your distance. Engaging it up close feels dangerous—yet when you exchange blows, you can almost feel the weight of its massive arms and claws. This immersive element has been a standout feature since Fallout 4 and continues to impress in Fallout 76. And there’s more to discover—little details that bring joy, frustration, and surprise.
Once your character is fully equipped and you’ve explored all there is to explore, it’s easy to think you’ve reached the peak of enjoyment. But then you encounter the small, often overlooked stories that unfold as you play, each adding a layer of depth to the experience. These seemingly insignificant moments are what truly make Fallout 76 special, pulling you deeper into its rich, atmospheric world.
We're talking about the small, often overlooked details: notes left for loved ones, terminal entries, unfinished meals, and other remnants of everyday life abruptly cut short by the war that ravaged the world. While these don't directly advance the plot, they often have a more emotional impact than even the most dramatic plot twists. I’m not sure whether all these little touches were crafted by one person or the entire team, but they certainly deserve praise. It’s a masterful effort that can easily be missed if you're not paying attention. These small stories are a key part of exploration—like a reward for taking the time to thoroughly search an area. There were moments when I found myself so moved by a few lines of text on an old, dusty terminal that I couldn’t help but develop a special attachment to both the author and the place. Stories of people who’ve lost their normal lives—and sometimes their humanity—due to war, of fathers and mothers desperately searching for lost children, and of children left grieving after the death of their parents. Each one tugs at the heart, if you just take a moment to pay attention.
The points I’ve mentioned are purely subjective, of course. Anyone who’s found joy in Fallout 76 could probably come up with their own list. Now, if you’ve made it this far, let me clarify: Yes, I’m genuinely enjoying Fallout 76. No, I don’t love everything Bethesda does, and like you, I question many of their recent decisions. Yes, I’m fully aware of the issues with Fallout 76—it’s not a perfect game by any means. In fact, it’s a bit of a tough love story, riddled with bugs, microtransactions, unfulfilled promises, and untapped potential. It would’ve been a lot easier for all of us if this game had been released as a free expansion for Fallout 4—then we could all be singing its praises.
Does Fallout Predict Our Post-War Reality? The Aftermath of a Nuclear Disaster and the Chance for Survival
When we think of nuclear war, images of decimated cities, radioactive fallout, and survivors fighting for their lives inevitably come to mind. The Fallout series paints a vivid picture of this post-apocalyptic world, but can this fictional scenario become a reality?
Nuclear war remains one of humanity's most terrifying possibilities. The detonation of atomic bombs brings massive destruction, including gigantic fireballs and the release of radioactive particles into the atmosphere. The full extent of such a catastrophe is hard to predict, but one thing is clear: humanity would be pushed to the brink of survival.
The Fallout games offer a chilling portrayal of a world ravaged by nuclear conflict, where the few remaining people must battle for survival amid chaos and ruin. But how realistic is this vision? Studies indicate that a nuclear war could trigger long-lasting effects—radiation, famine, disease, and fierce competition for dwindling resources.
While the horrors of nuclear war are unimaginable, scientists believe there is a possibility for humanity to survive and recover from such a disaster. Preparation and proactive measures would be essential to minimize the damage. This makes it all the more important to understand the risks associated with nuclear weapons and work towards preventing their use.
Though Fallout is a work of science fiction, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility that its post-apocalyptic world could become our own. The threat of nuclear war is very real, and the aftermath may be even more devastating than fiction depicts. This is why it is vital that we remain vigilant, prepare for the worst, and do everything we can to avert such a catastrophe.
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