The Ultimate Fallout Setting Tier List Revealed!

Fallout 76 is the latest installment in the highly acclaimed Fallout franchise, known for its exceptional RPG games. Bethesda brought it into the modern gaming industry in 2008 with the release of Fallout 3, which revitalized the series and made it a favorite among fans. While the previous single-player titles were renowned for their immersive storylines and well-developed characters, the post-apocalyptic setting has always been at the heart of Fallout.

Throughout the franchise's history, each mainline Fallout game has introduced unique locations in its post-war nuclear wasteland. As the series grew, so did the number of diverse locations, ranging from the earlier entries' similar zones to the expansive landscapes of the more recent first-person shooter-style games. Titles like Fallout: New Vegas set a high standard, making some settings more popular among the majority of players.

S Tier

A Tier

The Mojave Wasteland in Fallout: New Vegas is a desolate landscape filled with the remnants of a destroyed Las Vegas. Despite the devastation, New Vegas stands out as a remarkably well-preserved haven in comparison to the rest of the ravaged nation. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the post-war Fallout world. Beyond the city limits, the expansive Mojave Wasteland offers captivating questlines from various factions, infusing a sense of hope into the harsh environment. While the debate remains open as to whether the Mojave or Capital wastelands are the superior settings in the Fallout series, the ongoing development of Fallout 76 means that the current era of the franchise still has the potential to reach the heights of its illustrious past.

In Fallout 4's expansion, Far Harbor, players find themselves in the haunting setting of "The Island" - a Maine-based location. The narrative of Far Harbor delves into a dark storyline, as factions clash against the backdrop of a foreboding radioactive fog enveloping the devastated island. This mysterious and atmospheric environment contributes significantly to Far Harbor's thematic experience. Notably, the expansion enhances every aspect of Fallout 4's base game, making Far Harbor particularly unforgettable for many players.

The Pitt (Fallout 3) - Located in the ruins of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Pitt DLC of Fallout 3 presents a harsh and unsettling environment. Dominated by hostile raiders and inhabited by deformed individuals, The Pitt immerses players in a truly authentic Fallout experience. With its desolate city infiltrated by the player posing as a slave, this expansion adds a distinct and memorable layer to the already expansive Capital Wasteland, which is why it was incorporated into Fallout 76.

Point Lookout (Fallout 3) - Point Lookout, inspired by the similarly named Maryland state park, stands as one of the rare places in the Fallout universe that remains untouched by the devastating impacts of nuclear war. However, the population of Point Lookout has been negatively affected by a contaminated water supply, resulting in the emergence of dangerous mutants. Evoking a sense of continuity with the main game, Point Lookout delves into psychological themes and is widely regarded as one of Fallout's most exceptional DLCs, largely attributed to its distinctive and prominent setting.

Capital Wasteland (Fallout 3) - Situated around the nation's capital of Washington D.C., the remains of the United States' East Coast transformed into a haunting and desolate landscape in Fallout 3. Representing a daring departure from the original, this setting introduced the series' new direction with Bethesda at the helm. Renowned and celebrated among avid fans of the franchise and RPG enthusiasts alike, the Capital Wasteland captivates with its somber ambiance. The vast ruins evoke a profound sense of emptiness and demise, heightened by its occasional barrenness, ultimately adding to its overall allure.

B Tier

Fallout 76's Appalachia, situated in West Virginia, stands out from the previous installments as the most vibrant setting, despite being chronologically the earliest in the series. While its mutated fauna adds a touch of uniqueness, it lacked the lively presence of non-playable characters (NPCs) until the release of the Wastelanders DLC, almost two years after its initial launch.

The Commonwealth in Fallout 4 is a northeastern region similar to the third game. It is home to The Institute, a technologically advanced faction, and is characterized by the presence of synthetic androids called Synths. While the Commonwealth presents a more realistic portrayal of a post-apocalyptic world, it lacks the atmospheric charm of previous games.

Nuka World, also in Fallout 4, is an amusement park that was once based on the popular Nuka Cola beverage. It has now been transformed into a fortress for hostile raiders. Despite its more linear storytelling, Nuka World effectively pays homage to the series' history through its setting as a themed park.

New California (Fallout 1 and Fallout 2) - Serving as the backdrop for the original Fallout games, New California offered players a glimpse into the iconic post-apocalyptic world. Acting as the birthplace of the franchise, New California played a vital role in establishing the distinct essence of the entire series. Fallout 2 further enriched the experience by introducing a plethora of new settlements, with New Reno standing out as one of the most memorable areas despite originating from the earlier isometric era.

C Tier

Fallout 3's finale, Mothership Zeta, takes players on an extraterrestrial adventure as they find themselves abducted and trapped aboard an otherworldly spacecraft. The unique and outlandish setting of this DLC strays far from the franchise's usual tone, embracing the absurdity in full force. However, its extravagant additions to the lore have often drawn criticism, as Mothership Zeta deviates significantly from the essence of the Fallout series.

Zion Canyon, the setting of the Honest Hearts expansion in Fallout: New Vegas, stands out for its vibrant flora and fauna. This portion of Utah is home to a land-based conflict between various settlers, all vying for its resources. Although Honest Hearts boasts a compelling narrative, the actual location where the events unfold may not captivate as much.

As for Fallout 76, it is accessible on PC, PS4, and Xbox One platforms.