Fallout 5 Is Officially Greenlit—But Don’t Expect It Anytime Soon

Bethesda has reportedly begun formal development on Fallout 5, but fans should expect a long wait.

Matthew Kevin Mitchell
July 16, 2025
4:04 pm

After years of speculation, Fallout 5 has reportedly been “fully greenlit” by ZeniMax, said Windows Central’s Jez Corden during the latest Xbox Two podcast (props to GameSpot for the tip). This milestone signals the long-anticipated sequel has moved past the concept phase and into formal development. But despite this exciting update for Fallout fans, key details—like the studio, scope, and release window—are still under wraps.

What Does This Mean for Bethesda?

Will Bethesda Game Studios develop Fallout 5? — Image via Bethesda Game Studios

Internal Momentum Confirmed

While Bethesda Game Studios hasn’t been officially confirmed as the developer, Jez Corden suggests their primary teams are still focused on Starfield DLC and The Elder Scrolls VI. This opens the door for another internal team—or even an outside partner—to lead development on Fallout 5. Naturally, this has sparked speculation about Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas. Could they return to the Wasteland for a spiritual successor? It’s still up in the air, but the idea has certainly energized the fanbase.

Reallocation of Resources

According to Corden, Microsoft has shifted development resources away from a now-shelved MMO project, codenamed Project Blackbird, and funneled them into Fallout 5. It’s a move that signals Microsoft’s growing preference for proven IP over untested concepts—doubling down on what they know fans will rally around.

Don’t Hold Your Breath

Even with this greenlight, Fallout 5 is a long way off. With The Elder Scrolls VI still in pre-production and Bethesda known for extended development timelines, it’s likely we won’t see the next Wasteland adventure until the early 2030s.

Why This Fallout 5 Rumor Matters

Promotional Art for Fallout 76 — Image via Bethesda Game Studios

Classic Tone, Modern Tech

Bethesda is reportedly committed to keeping Fallout rooted in its signature post-apocalyptic Americana aesthetic—even as they modernize gameplay mechanics, engine performance, and visual fidelity.

The Franchise Still Has Heat

The success of Amazon’s Fallout TV series in 2024 reignited mainstream interest in the Wasteland, proving there’s still a deep appetite for storytelling in this universe.

Microsoft Is Betting on Familiar Ground

By shifting resources from a shelved MMO to Fallout 5, Microsoft is making a clear statement: it’s safer—and smarter—to invest in a beloved, battle-tested franchise rather than gamble on unproven experiments.

What Comes Next for Fallout 5 Fans?

Will Fallout 3 remake tide us over until Fallout 5? — Bethesda Game Studios

Who’s Leading Development?

Will Fallout 5 stay under the watchful eye of Bethesda Game Studios, or could Obsidian Entertainment—developers of the fan-favorite Fallout: New Vegas—make a long-awaited return? No studio has been confirmed yet, leaving room for both cautious optimism and wild speculation.

Where Will Fallout 5 Be Set?

The guessing game is already in full swing. Popular theories include new territory like New Orleans, Chicago, or Detroit, while some fans are hoping for a return to the West Coast—perhaps San Francisco or even further afield.

What to Play While You Wait for Fallout 5

Given Fallout 5 is likely years away, fans may have other Wasteland content to hold them over. Possibilities include a remastered Fallout 3, continued expansions for Fallout 76, or deeper tie-ins with Amazon’s TV series to keep the lore alive.

Fallout 5 might be years away, but for fans of the franchise, this greenlight is the clearest sign yet that the Wasteland’s next chapter is on its way.