Fallout is one of the most famous gaming universes alongside GTA, The Witcher, Elder Scrolls, and Assassin's Creed. Currently, the series includes 9 computer games and 1 mobile game. The first part is now 27 years old.

If you are playing Fallout for the first time, you might wonder: where to start? What is the logical sequence of the parts? And which ones have not stood the test of time? Let's find out.

Fallout and Fallout 2

The first two parts can be easily grouped into one category. They are classic old-school RPGs with a distinctive old-school atmosphere that might not appeal to everyone. These parts are truly appreciated only by connoisseurs. If you love the first Sims and GTA before Claude, then these are for you.

There's practically no shooting here. Nor are there any spectacular gunfights. In the menu, you just choose a weapon and a target, and then the shot happens. The game decides for you whether you hit and how much damage you dealt. The battles are turn-based. Right after you make a shot, wait for a counterattack from the enemy.

However, there are full-fledged elements of tactics and abilities. For example, if you have a low level of Intelligence - one of the standard attributes in the Fallout series - you will hardly be able to communicate with local NPCs.

The open world here is truly vast, especially for games of that time. One of the advantages is the ability to install modifications.

Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel - the first spin-off in the series. The game's appearance has changed little, except for more detailed environments and models. The battles are no longer turn-based - now you can move and fight in real-time. You will control not one character but a whole squad. Tactics became the main focus of this spin-off, as its name suggests.

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel - the second spin-off, released before the third part. It was released only on consoles, so it's not certain you will be able to play it now. The controls and visuals are appropriate for consoles. Fallout Tactics differs in this regard from the console version, so you might still be able to play it.

Fallout 3

Starting with Fallout 3, Bethesda Game Studios began working on the series. This part became a full-fledged shooter with RPG elements, rather than the other way around. Full 3D was introduced, with third-person gameplay and the beloved V.A.T.S. mode. It was present in previous parts, but here we see it in a more familiar form.

The game did not fit the canons of the previous series, so it was received lukewarmly, if not negatively, by players. But this did not affect the ratings - Fallout 3 remained popular and laid the foundation for all subsequent parts and spin-offs in the Fallout universe.

Fallout 3 also has drawbacks. The main one is the poorly developed shooting system. The problem is that regular shots deal critically low damage. However, in V.A.T.S., you can take out enemies with a few attacks. Meanwhile, the player's vulnerability is reduced by 75%. It's unclear why this was done - perhaps to promote the V.A.T.S. mode? But the fact remains.

Fallout: New Vegas

Although Fallout: New Vegas is a spin-off, players consider it a full-fledged part of the series. It took the best elements from previous parts: the graphics of Fallout 3 (and even better), and the logic, leveling system, and quest content of Fallout and Fallout 2.

Unlike the third part, Fallout: New Vegas offers significantly more options for behavior and character development. The shooting system here is better and more refined. The V.A.T.S. mode is no longer mandatory for dealing any damage. Now it is more suitable for snipers and stealth players.

Fallout 4

Fallout 4 is one of those parts that is excellently executed in terms of graphics, visuals, and technology. It is suitable for those who generally do not accept old games and outdated graphics. This part matches its time and looks good. Although it was released almost 10 years ago,

It has everything: a well-developed shooter, a huge open world, interesting locations, enemies, an extensive system of perks, abilities, leveling, and crafting. The only thing it lacks is a rich and deep storyline. Unfortunately, this is where Fallout 4 falls short compared to previous parts. Some quests offer nothing interesting except a new legendary weapon or a merchant on the map.

The ending options are very limited. Without spoiling the plot, let’s say this: you predominantly play for one faction, destroying all others. The character is either good or bad. Yes, there is always a dominant faction that the player will side with. This is normal logic for most similar games. But compared to, for example, Starfield and Fallout: New Vegas, there are far fewer character development options, and those that exist are not very well thought out or interesting.

Fallout Shelter

Fallout Shelter is the first mobile game in the series. It should be discussed separately because its gameplay is weakly connected to previous parts. But it is still worth mentioning.

Fallout Shelter is indeed a pleasant time-killer in the fun cartoonish style of the series. Your task: build the largest possible shelter where refugees will live. Your home turns into a huge underground hotel with apartments, shops, entertainment venues, clubs, and much more. Residents periodically explore the surface to bring back useful resources. You decide who is worthy of living in your haven and who should be thrown overboard.

You won't learn much about the Fallout series, but you will definitely feel part of its atmosphere.

Fallout 76

Fallout 76 is the first multiplayer part of the series. And possibly the last. The reasons are mixed reviews. Players complain about the lack of content and the low quality of what the developers decided to add.

The only plus is a large open world that can be interesting to explore. The cons are an outdated engine, bugs, and the absence of NPCs, which could have made the world feel "alive". Essentially, you are just wandering through these huge but empty locations, occasionally donating to get in-game perks. This is the impression most players have had. Critics consider Fallout 76 to be literally Bethesda's worst decision.

So, here is a conditional top of where to start and what to try:

• Fallout 3/New Vegas;
• Fallout 1/2/BOS;
• Fallout 4;
• Fallout Shelter;
• Fallout 76.

Of course, this top is conditional, and you should always rely primarily on your own opinion and tastes. This selection is just a recommendation you can follow if you are getting acquainted with Fallout for the first time.