The Ultimate Guide to the Locations of all Fallout Games

The Fallout series presents a dystopian vision of the United States, devastated by nuclear warfare and left as desolate remnants of its former self. Throughout the series, players have had the opportunity to explore different regions and witness how the nuclear catastrophe has impacted the land and its inhabitants. Each Fallout game excels at showcasing a diverse range of environments, from deserts and mountains to dilapidated urban structures, offering players numerous locales to discover within a fractured United States.

While the majority of the games focus on the aftermath of the nuclear destruction within the US, certain entries introduce more unusual settings such as Mothership Zeta and Nuka World, albeit as downloadable content areas. Despite the vast array of locations already explored in the Fallout series, there are still many places throughout the US that remain unrepresented. Venturing beyond these familiar settings to witness the global repercussions of the Great War could potentially be an intriguing direction for the series, especially considering the extensive time spent developing the post-apocalyptic United States.

Fallout 1 – New California

Fallout 2 – New California

: The initial two games of the franchise transport players to the remnants of the West Coast following the destructive consequences of the Great War, during which the New California Republic emerged as a ruling power, encompassing a considerable portion of California, along with sections of Oregon, Nevada, and Mexico. Within Fallout 1, players have the opportunity to explore significant urban centers within New California, such as Junktown, the Hub, and Necropolis, and witness how distinct groups, including Super Mutants, Ghouls, and surviving humans, have adapted to this post-apocalyptic environment. This New California map holds immense significance within the series, as it provided players with their initial glimpse into the vast Fallout world, consequently serving as the foundation for subsequent installments.

Continuing where the first game left off, Fallout 2 transports players to New California, where they have the opportunity to explore a variety of new locations such as Vault City, New Reno, and Klamath. Taking the map of New California from Fallout 1 as a starting point, Fallout 2 expands it northwards to encompass areas of Oregon and northern Nevada, while also incorporating the upper section of Fallout 1's map. The result is an extensive and interconnected map that serves as the foundation for Fallout's expansive post-apocalyptic United States.

Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel – American Midwest

Fallout 3 – Capital Wasteland

While often labeled as the outlier of the series, Fallout Tactics stands out for its less appreciated element – the exploration of a region seldom ventured into in other installments. The game commences in the remnants of Chicago but ventures through the vast American Midwest, specifically the Great Plains, heading towards the Rocky Mountains in pursuit of Vault 0. Throughout this epic quest, players will embark on a journey spanning post-war Missouri, Kansas, and even as far as Colorado, uncovering the secrets of this legendary vault.

Fallout 3 marks a significant shift in the Bethesda portfolio as it is the first game set on the East Coast of the United States. Players are transported to the Capital Wasteland, the remnants of Washington, DC, the country's capital. This post-apocalyptic landscape not only showcases iconic monuments and historical sites but also contrasts the bustling inner city with the vast farmland and settlements on the outskirts. The inclusion of the underground transit system adds another layer of depth to the game, resulting in a diverse and immersive environmental experience.

Fallout: New Vegas – Mojave Wasteland

Obsidian's beloved game, Fallout: New Vegas, takes players back to the series' origins, venturing into the Mojave Wasteland encompassing regions of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and part of California. While the shimmering city of New Vegas, rising from the remnants of Las Vegas, stands as the most noteworthy feature on the game's map, real-world sites such as the Hoover Dam and Nellis Air Force Base also play crucial roles in the game's narrative. Fallout: New Vegas expands upon the established geographical landscape of its predecessors, introducing the proximity of NCR territory while still providing a distinct and refreshing experience for players.

Fallout 4 – The Commonwealth

Fallout 4 continues the story from Fallout 3, but this time it takes place in New England, specifically in the ruins of Boston and the surrounding Commonwealth. The landscape in this region is characterized by its coastal features, and it also includes references to real-world historical locations such as Lexington, Concord, and the Old North Church. These places are well-known for their significant role in Paul Revere's iconic ride during the American Revolution. In addition, the Far Harbor DLC expands the game's scope by adding a portion of Maine to the map, allowing players to explore more of the New England region in the game.

Fallout 76 – Appalachia

Fallout 76, the latest installment in the Fallout series, takes us back in time, making it the earliest in the chronology. The game begins on Reclamation Day, where the elite minds from Vault 76 emerge and venture into the picturesque countryside of West Virginia. Appalachia, with its towering mountains, dried-up lakes, and lush forests, serves as the backdrop for this captivating adventure. Notable cities like Flatwoods and Point Pleasant add to the allure, as they are steeped in American folklore and known for their mysterious creatures. Although West Virginia may not have the same level of fame as Las Vegas or Washington, DC, the rich history and local tales seamlessly integrate into the Fallout universe, resulting in one of the most exceptional settings in the series.