Fallout as a series features some of the best settings in video games. While we’re used to sci-fi things taking place in the future and showcasing Star Wars-esque technology, this series got stuck in the past with its visual style while adding a bit of nuclear-powered amenities. Fashion and technology aside, certain real-life places have also received changes in most entries for this franchise, which is quite the endeavor. So, if you want to know about all the real-life locations featured in every Fallout game, you’ve come to the right place.
6. Fallout 1 (California)
Since we’re sticking to the mainline entries and the most successful spin-off of the series, let’s begin with the locations of Fallout 1. The first entry of the franchise takes place in Southern California. At the time, the game wasn’t too big in terms of graphical power, so we didn’t get to bask in this state’s glory. Still, it laid the foundations of the big series Fallout is today and allowed developers to experiment with other places.
5. Fallout 2 (California)
Since it was a direct sequel, Fallout 2 featured California again, but it had many more locations than its predecessor. Since the character began their journey outside of a vault, there was more care put into this game’s setting. Places like San Francisco, Reno, and Redding appeared in this game. While the graphics weren’t as modern as the ones we’ve had in recent games, the sequel did a fantastic job of giving a nuclear coat of paint to this state.
4. Fallout 3 (Washington and Its Surroundings)
You might love or hate the color palette of Fallout 3, but one thing’s for sure: its setting is fantastic. Fallout 3 is the game that really broke all boundaries and allowed us to experience Washington in all its radiated splendor. Beyond the White House and other iconic landmarks, players could also see the ruins of Fairfax and other cities near Washington. While it isn’t the biggest map of the series, it is still one of the most beloved by fans and one people keep returning to.
3. Fallout: New Vegas (Nevada and Its Surroundings)
One of the best locations in all Fallout games is New Vegas. As the name implies, it takes place in what was once Las Vegas before the Great War. As a whole, this game takes place in the Mojave Wasteland, which includes places from California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Even if this game has some of the best RPG elements of all the series, which is fitting for an entry made by another studio, we still feel Bethesda is better at worldbuilding, which we’ve seen in other games of this franchise.
2. Fallout 4 (Boston and Other Places from Massachusetts)
Despite not being the newest Fallout game, Fallout 4 features colorful locations throughout the game’s world. Set in Boston, players can explore the iconic locations of this city and beyond. Whether it is a city built in Fenway Park or other towns such as Salem and Lexington, Fallout 4 took the nuclear landscape and made it colorful thanks to this city’s surroundings. So far, it is our favorite place to visit, and the one we feel has the best visual style.
1. Fallout 76 (Appalachia and Atlantic City)
The latest Fallout 76 takes players to Appalachia, Virginia. This is, by far, the biggest map of all Fallout games and has some beautiful locations. Well, it’s beautiful within this franchise’s scope. You can see representations of real-life locations such as New River Gorge and Woodburn Hall, and even spot the Mothman, which is part of Virginia’s folklore. Thanks to its lush forests and rocky mountains, Fallout 76 is also a fan-favorite location, even if performance issues tend to hinder Vault Dwellers’ exploration. If you’re tired of the radiated greenery, you can even take a flight to Atlantic City for some gambling.
Overall, Fallout features fantastic locations throughout its games. While we can’t wait to see what’ll come in Fallout 5, if it ever launches, we are happy with what we can explore in this universe. Super Mutants and Deathclaws aside, you can find beauty in a radiated wasteland, and we’re sure these places won’t be the last we see in the series.
