How Does the Fallout Show Fit into the Overall Timeline?
Officially, the Fallout show is set in the year 2296, which is later than any other Fallout game currently released. This is an exciting development for fans of the game series, as it introduces new events and lore to the timeline. The show, which is now streaming on Prime Video, has been confirmed to fit within the canon of the games by Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard and Fallout: The Series executive producer Jonathan Nolan.
According to Howard, the showrunners approached him with the idea to blow up Shady Sands, the first capital of the New California Republic and a significant location in the Fallout video games. Initially shocked by the idea, Howard recognized the potential impact of this story moment and worked with the showrunners to ensure consistency with the games.
Why is Shady Sands a Big Deal? Is There a Retcon?
The destruction of Shady Sands in the Fallout show caused some confusion among fans. Shady Sands is still standing as of the events in Fallout: New Vegas, released in 2010, so some wondered if the show was retconning the game’s events. However, Todd Howard confirmed that both the events of the game and the show are consistent with the timeline. While there may be some confusion in certain places, the show remains faithful to the history established in the previous games.
How Todd Howard and Jonathan Nolan Agreed on the Fallout Timeline
When discussing the potential adaptation of Fallout for television, Howard and Nolan agreed that the show should stand as another entry in the series, moving the timeline forward and offering new storylines and possibilities. They both emphasized the importance of honoring the established universe and the meticulous timeline set up by Bethesda. They didn’t want the show to be completely divorced from the games’ reality, as it would be less meaningful for the viewers.
What is the Complete Fallout Timeline So Far?
Bombs Drop – Year: 2077
The Fallout timeline begins with the Great War in 2077, when a nuclear war transforms the world into the Fallout wasteland we know.
Fallout 76 – Year: 2102
Fallout 76, the earliest game in the series, takes place 25 years after the bombs fell during the Great War. It explores the harsh post-apocalyptic landscape of Appalachia.
Fallout 1 – Year: 2161
The first Fallout game is set 84 years after the Great War and follows the Vault Dweller’s quest to find a new Water Chip for their Vault.
Fallout Tactics – Year: 2197
Fallout Tactics focuses on the origins of the Brotherhood of Steel, a powerful faction in the wasteland. It follows their journey to find Vault 0.
Fallout 2 – Year: 2241
Fallout 2 is a direct sequel to the first game and follows a descendant of the Vault Dweller as they uncover the rise of the New California Republic and the threat of the Enclave.
Fallout 3 – Year: 2277
Fallout 3 takes place in the former Washington D.C. area and follows the Vault-Dweller’s search for their missing father as they uncover mysteries and clash with the Enclave.
Fallout: New Vegas – Year: 2281
In Fallout: New Vegas, players take on the role of a Courier on a mission to deliver a package to New Vegas, where a territorial war is threatening the entire region.
Fallout 4 – Year: 2287
Fallout 4 is set in the Commonwealth, encompassing pre-war New England, and revolves around the Sole Survivor’s quest to find their missing child while navigating factions and discovering the truth about Synths.
Fallout TV Show – Year: 2296
Fallout: The Series, set in the year 2296, follows Lucy MacLean as she searches the wasteland for her kidnapped father, uncovering the truth about The Great War and the fate of Shady Sands.
This is the complete timeline of the Fallout franchise, as confirmed by Todd Howard. With Fallout 5 already confirmed as a future game, the future of the series is full of possibilities. If a second season of Fallout: The Series is greenlit by Prime Video, fans can expect further exploration of this rich and immersive world.
For more insights and in-depth interviews about the Fallout series, check out IGN’s full interview with Todd Howard and Jonathan Nolan.
