Whether you’re new to the Fallout universe or returning to explore it all over again, knowing the right order to play the games — and their DLCs — can make a huge difference. Fallout is packed with interconnected lore, recurring factions, and world-altering choices that span centuries of in-game history. This guide breaks it all down, from the earliest timeline entries to the most recent releases, including how each expansion fits into the experience.

All Fallout Games in Order

We’ve included two different ways to play the Fallout games in order, depending on the kind of experience you want. The chronological timeline is great for lore fans, but most players stick with release order since the gameplay and world-building evolve a lot from game to game.

Here’s how to play the Fallout games in Chronological Order:

1. Fallout 76 (starts in 2102)
2. Fallout (2161)
3. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2197, commonly treated as non-canon)
4. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2208, commonly treated as non-canon)
5. Fallout 2 (2241)
6. Fallout 3 (2277)
7. Fallout: New Vegas (2281)
8. Fallout 4 (2287)

Here’s how to play the Fallout games in Release Order:

1. Fallout (1997)
2. Fallout 2 (1998)
3. Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001)
4. Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004)
5. Fallout 3 (2008)
6. Fallout: New Vegas (2010)
7. Fallout 4 (2015)
8. Fallout 76 (2018–present, live service)

How to Play the Fallout DLC in Order

Now that you know how to play the Fallout games in order, you might be wondering about each game’s DLC. Since most versions come bundled with the expansions now, it’s easy to jump in out of sequence. Below is the best order to play the Fallout DLC for each entry, so you don’t miss any major story beats or standout content.

Fallout 1 DLC

• None — The original game released as a complete experience.

Fallout 2 DLC

• None — Like its predecessor, Fallout 2 had no official DLCs.

Fallout Tactics DLC

• None — Fallout Tactics also shipped as a standalone title without expansions.

Fallout 3 DLC Order

Play these after completing the main story up to the final quest, or use the Broken Steel DLC to extend the ending:

1. Operation: Anchorage – Simulated pre-war military mission
2. The Pitt – Slave uprising in post-apocalyptic Pittsburgh
3. Broken Steel – Continues the main story after the ending
4. Point Lookout – Swampy survival horror in Maryland
5. Mothership Zeta – Alien abduction chaos in space

Fallout: New Vegas DLC Order

Best experienced after reaching Level 15+, ideally post-main quest:

1. Dead Money – A deadly survival challenge in the Sierra Madre
2. Honest Hearts – Tribal conflict in Zion Canyon
3. Old World Blues – Sci-fi chaos and humor in Big MT
4. Lonesome Road – Finale of the Courier’s story, ties all DLCs together
5. Gun Runners’ Arsenal & Courier’s Stash – Equipment packs, optional but helpful

Fallout 4 DLC Order

You can mix exploration DLCs during the main quest, but story-heavy ones like Far Harbor are best tackled later:

1. Automatron – Robot enemies and a new companion
2. Wasteland Workshop – Adds buildable traps and arenas
3. Far Harbor – A massive island with deep faction quests
4. Contraptions Workshop – More crafting options
5. Vault-Tec Workshop – Build your own Vault
6. Nuka-World – Raider-themed park, with a branching endgame

Fallout 76 DLC & Updates

Since Fallout 76 is a live service game, its content is released in major expansions and seasonal updates. Key story content includes:

• Wastelanders – Introduced human NPCs and factions
• Steel Dawn/Steel Reign – Brotherhood of Steel storyline
• The Pitt – Return to Fallout 3’s location, in expedition format
• Atlantic City – Newest addition, expanding the world again

Final Thoughts

The Fallout series is legendary for a reason — its bleak yet witty tone, massive world-building, and moral choices make it unlike anything else in gaming. Whether you’re exploring the classics or jumping into Fallout 4 and 76, following the right order enhances the entire journey. Don’t skip the DLCs either, as they provide some of Fallout’s best storytelling hides there.

Ready to explore the Wasteland? Start with the original, or jump into Fallout 3 for that first-person RPG experience. Whatever path you choose, war never changes, but how you experience it is up to you. Check out our Fallout hub for guides on our favorite entries in this iconic franchise.