The 8 best Fallout games ranked in 2024

War. War has changed a lot, actually. And before the die-hard fans of Fallout, the beloved post-apocalyptic series, decide to toss us into a pit with radscorpions for messing with the iconic quote, hear us out. While the reasons behind wars may stay the same, how we depict them can, and does, change – the Fallout series is a prime example of that. From the turn-based, old-school, isometric vibes of Interplay’s masterpieces to Bethesda’s more action-packed entries, and even the ambitious yet initially buggy multiplayer world of Fallout 76, we’ve been exploring post-nuclear wastelands in all sorts of ways over the years.

Now, “It’s the end of the world, all over again”, as we venture forth yet again into the radioactive unknown with Amazon’s Fallout TV series. If you’re itching to see if you’d fare better in the wasteland than our slightly gullible and naive Lucy MacLean, maybe it’s time to dive into one of the games. The time is especially right since Bethesda has cut the prices of the franchise to celebrate the release of the TV series!

But with such a vast array of titles spanning over three decades, where do you even begin? Lucky for you, we’re here to help. So grab your plasma rifles, suit up in your power armor, and don’t forget to pack those stimpacks and rad-xes – because we’re about to embark on a highly biased and subjective ranking of the best Fallout games out there. Let the journey through post-apocalyptic America begin!

Ranking of the best Fallout games

We’re not going to sugarcoat it – putting together a list of the best Fallout games ranked from worst to best was no walk in the irradiated park (bad pun, totally intended). With the series evolving so much over the last three decades, nostalgia definitely had a say in the matter. Those of us who are only marginally younger than dinosaurs still cherish memories of hunting for the water chip in the post-nuclear wasteland of Fallout 1. Meanwhile, our younger team members have a soft spot for their journey tracking down the baby kidnapper in Fallout 4.

Still, we’ve done our best to come up with a list that’ll hopefully resonate with many fellow wasteland wanderers. And if you’ve got opinions to share, don’t hold back – drop them in the comments below. We’re always happy to have a respectful conversation, like civilized vault dwellers. Oh, and one more thing – while we know many of you may have developed a fondness for the radioactive wastelands after watching the Amazon series, we assure you that this ranking will remain completely spoiler-free for those who haven’t seen the show yet. 

8. Fallout Shelter

You know what’s great about radioactive wastelands? Not having to go there! Instead, you can kick back in a cozy vault in Fallout Shelter, a free-to-play building and management game where you play the role of a vault overseer. Your job is to keep everything running smoothly – power, food, water, and the happiness of your vault dwellers. The game was initially released only on mobile devices as a nice little distraction while everyone was waiting for Fallout 4 to drop.

Now, don’t get us wrong – despite being bottom of this list, Fallout Shelter is far from a game you should avoid. In fact, there are three big reasons why it’s pretty awesome. First off, there’s something oddly satisfying about watching your Vault grow from a tiny underground outpost to a bustling behemoth of a city, with all your dwellers carrying out their tasks. Secondly, this time you get to play the role of the jerk overseer, sending dwellers you don’t like on risky missions into the wasteland above. And lastly, it won’t cost you anything, as it’s free to play on all consoles, so what’s there to dislike? Still, because Shelter lacks any real plot and is more of a laid-back, chill experience, it couldn’t have ranked any higher here.

7. Fallout 76

As the release of a new Fallout game remains unconfirmed, we turn our attention to the most recent installment in the series: Fallout 76. Initially, the concept of a massive multiplayer survival game set in the post-nuclear wastelands of West Virginia sounded as great as a bottle of cold, refreshing Nuka Cola after a hard day of work. However, what we were served turned out to be more like radroach meat – technically you could try it, but it was likely to give you poisoning and radiation.

Jokes aside, Fallout 76 faced a barrage of negative reviews from players, and for good reason. It was plagued by numerous technical issues, from bugs and glitches to performance problems. The decision to exclude NPCs meant the game relied heavily on holotapes and other environmental storytelling methods, which didn’t sit well with many gamers. Adding to the frustration were Bethesda’s other questionable decisions, such as aggressive microtransactions and poor communication with the player base. However, with several patches and updates, Fallout 76 has become a more enjoyable experience. So, if you can find a good deal on it, it might be worth giving it a shot now.

6. Fallout Tactics

It’s no secret that games like Fallout offer rich post-apocalyptic worlds teeming with danger, secrets, and vibrant characters – perfect for immersive role-playing experiences. But with a slight twist, they can also transform into brutally demanding, tactical squad-based games, where charisma and persuasion take a back seat in favor of strategy and positioning. We believe that it must have been what Micro Forté had in mind when they crafted the highly underrated Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel – a tactical turn-based game similar to classics like Jagged Alliance and XCOM.

In Fallout Tactics, the focus shifts squarely onto combat as we become leaders of a squad within the legendary Brotherhood of Steel. Yes, that’s right – the enigmatic, power-armored warriors dedicated to restoring order in the wasteland. Oh, but don’t expect to use those shiny suits right away! No, no, initiate, here is your rusty rifle and armor fashioned from the brahmin hide. Now go, rescue locals from the clutches of raiders – a tactical experience we wholeheartedly recommend!

Why, then, does Tactics claim position number 6 on our list? While it offers engaging tactical action, we think those seeking a deeper immersion into the wasteland, especially after watching the Fallout TV series, should start with more plot-focused entries. However, if strategy is the name of your game, Fallout Tactics is well worth a try. And if the syndrome of “one more turn” hits you hard, check out our curated list of the best turn-based games in 2024.

5. Fallout 4

“Oh no, they didn’t!” you might shout, aiming a Fat Man personal nuclear warhead launcher our way. “They placed Fallout 4 so low in their ranking!” Yes, we admit we did, but before you pull that trigger, let us explain why. Firstly, we simply couldn’t overlook the bugs and technical issues that marred the game’s production initially. Fortunately, these were gradually fixed as patch after patch was added. However, our bigger gripe lies in the game’s shift towards action, resulting in more constrained and linear dialogues – a change not all RPG fans will appreciate.

Still, don’t let this harsh introduction deter you from playing the game. While Fallout 4 may be lackluster in some areas, it more than delivers in others. We thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced gunplay, insane customization options, great music, and occasionally stunning graphics. And though the main storyline, which has us tracking down our kidnapped baby son, isn’t particularly thrilling, the sheer joy of discovering the secrets of the Commonwealth more than compensates. Plus, with DLCs like Nuka World and Far Harbor, Fallout 4 becomes one of the most memorable rides through the radioactive wastelands you can imagine.

4. Fallout 3

“If you don’t let my daughter go, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you,” declared the renowned actor Liam Neeson in the blockbuster movie Taken. But in our case, it’s a role reversal as we embark on a quest to find our protagonist’s father, voiced by none other than Liam Neeson himself. Enter Fallout 3. 

What can we say? Everything about Fallout 3 is an absolute thrill ride, and the post-apocalyptic ruins of Washington, D.C., will engulf you if you let them. Sure, the graphics may be a bit dated now, but the gameplay is as solid as ever. The only reason it didn’t make it into our top three is our highly subjective opinion that, well, Obsidian did it even better with a different entry. Still, we can’t recommend this one enough. And if the game turns you into a real wasteland adventurer seeking more experiences, be sure to check out our list of the best post-apocalyptic games to play in 2024.

3. Fallout

We kick off our top three of the best Fallout games with none other than the iconic original Fallout — the isometric, gritty RPG that revolutionized the genre and left an indelible mark on gaming history. Unlike previous entries where personal quests for missing family members drove us onward, this time we’re thrust into a high-stakes mission: saving the lives of everyone in our vault. The water chip, vital for our vault’s survival, is on the verge of failure. Our job? Nothing serious. Leaving the safety of our familiar vault, venturing into the unknown, dangerous wasteland, and securing a replacement. And if we fail, everybody in the vault dies. Talk about no pressure, right?

Despite its age, Fallout remains a cornerstone of gaming: a timeless classic that continues to captivate players. Its rich, immersive world, compelling storyline, and innovative mechanics — from the groundbreaking S.P.E.C.I.A.L skill system to the revolutionary V.A.T.S. — ensure that Fallout’s legacy endures. If you’re curious about the origins of this legendary series and can spare the cost of a cup of coffee today, we highly recommend giving this gem a try.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

Picture yourself as a courier navigating the unforgiving post-apocalyptic terrain. And no, we don’t mean the kind of courier who carries a baby in a tiny, portable glass tank and fights shadowy nightmares along the way. Rather, a regular courier hustling in the Mojave Desert. However, one fateful day, you are jumped by a gang of thugs, led by a slick-suited gentleman. Before you can react, he spouts cryptic words about a rigged game, then callously puts a bullet in your skull. Miraculously, you survive. And now, you want revenge. But above all, you want answers. Welcome to the scorching sands of the Mojave Wasteland and the captivating neon glow of Fallout: New Vegas.

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment in 2010, New Vegas is clearly not a new Fallout game in the franchise, but it continues to hold a special place in our hearts, and is often regarded as the pinnacle of the series. Set in the vast and perilous Mojave Wasteland, the game grants players unparalleled freedom in tackling quests, whether through persuasion, cunning, or good old-fashioned firepower. Add to it a compelling storyline, a meticulously crafted environment, a little bit of dark humor, and a cast of unforgettable characters like the ruthless Caesar of the Legion or the enigmatic Joshua Graham, and it’s clear to see why FO:NV sits so high up on our list. Rumor even has it that Bethesda may have secretly envied Obsidian for their success with New Vegas, but regardless of speculation, one thing is certain: Fallout: New Vegas is a must-play for any fan of the series, offering an unparalleled post-apocalyptic adventure. Unless, of course, you’re willing to journey back to the isometric, two-dimensional world, in which case we present to you the winner of our ranking.

1. Fallout 2

Without further ado, and probably surprising absolutely nobody, we present to you Fallout 2: our personal top pick among Fallout games ranked from the worst to the best. This time around, we assume the role of The Chosen One, a champion of the Arroyo tribe and descendant of the original Fallout protagonist. Tasked with a monumental mission to save our village from impending destruction, we set out on a quest to find the mythical GECK — a powerful terraforming device capable of sustaining life in the post-apocalyptic world.

Following the tried-and-tested Hollywood formula, Fallout 2 aims to outdo its predecessor in every aspect, and it succeeds admirably. The game presents a larger and more treacherous world, teeming with super mutants, radscorpions, and other hostile creatures. Fortunately, we have access to a wider array of deadly weapons and powerful armor to combat these dangers. Additionally, the game introduced a lot of quality-of-life improvements, such as better companion management. (This improvement alleviates a common pain in the neck from Fallout 1, where companions could often just block doorways or refuse to move.)

To sum up, if you’re a fan of the Fallout TV series on Amazon and crave a similar, though slightly more gritty and unforgiving RPG experience set in the wastelands, Fallout 2 is an excellent choice you simply shouldn’t miss.

Congratulations, fellow wasteland wanderers! You’ve reached the safe harbor and the end of our ranking of Fallout games. Take a seat, and let’s share some Mirelurk jerky and ice-cold Nuka Colas as we discuss our choices. Just remember to keep the comments spoiler-free when it comes to the TV show. Truth be told, we haven’t all seen it yet 😉