Guide

The best Fallout alternatives

17/4/2024

Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Has the Fallout show whetted your appetite for a post-apocalyptic setting, but you’ve already played all the games? Here are 12 alternatives that also offer a ruined open world to explore. I’ve also got a few bonus tips for Fallout beginners.

The Fallout games have inspired millions with their massive game worlds. There’s always something new to discover. Their retro-futuristic setting hundreds of years after a nuclear apocalypse is just as important. Then there’s all those oddball characters and a perfect balance of humour against exaggerated depictions of violence. And an unmistakable oldies soundtrack completes the charm.

Amazon’s TV series offers all of this, but only in a passive form. I need a suitable game to travel the Wasteland myself. Only one thing – I’ve already played all the 3D Fallouts extensively. And because they haven’t aged particularly well, I looked for alternatives and came across the following 12 games. In addition to the features mentioned above, the decisive factor for me is whether the game is played from a first-person or third-person perspective. Isometric titles like Wasteland don’t immerse me in the world straight away.

If you’re new to Fallout, I’ve also listed a few recommendations for you at the end of this article.

Rage 2

Rage 2 may not have the role-playing depth of Fallout, but at least the world offers plenty to discover. There’s also a Mad Max-like setting with a focus on tuned cars that you can equip with fat weapons. But even without a vehicle, you can dole out some serious damage. The combat system is much more action-packed than in Fallout and is strongly reminiscent of Doom – no wonder, id Software also had a hand in it. Rage 2 isn’t the most complex game, but it offers a large playground to let off steam.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Mad Max

Speaking of Mad Max, the in-universe game itself shouldn’t be missing from this list either, of course. Here, too, the focus is on vehicles, revered in the world of Mad Max. This allows you to engage in heated chases with armed convoys, decimating them with harpoons, rockets and other weapons. On foot, the game doesn’t shine as bright. Fistfights in particular consist mainly of button mashing. Nevertheless, the world fascinates me like hardly any other. It doesn’t offer the same density of things to discover as a Fallout release, but since you primarily travel by car, that doesn’t matter.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Generation Zero

Generation Zero is a bit slower in comparison. A robot invasion threatens Sweden, a 1980s alternative universe version, that is. Here, too, there’s a huge map to discover. When searching abandoned houses and factories, the focus is on sneaking. Otherwise you’ll usually lose out in a frontal attack against the machines. The setting is refreshingly new and exudes a fabulous surreal atmosphere.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

There’s not much to laugh about in Stalker. On the other hand, the series captures many other Fallout tropes. The post-apocalypse is centred around the destroyed Chernobyl nuclear power plant, a huge region full of secrets. The threats are just as varied as the prey you can find. From strange anomalies to mutated monsters and bandits, everything is out for your life. With the appropriate mods, it even makes modern PCs sweat while still looking snazzy.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

Metro Exodus

The spiritual successor to Stalker relies on a similar setting of monsters and anomalies. However, the series is based on its own book series, moving the setting to the dimly lit corridors of the Russian metro. At least, that was the case until the last part. In Redux, you get a whiff of fresh air most of the time, although the surface is no longer that clean. Here, too, the world is largely uninhabitable after a nuclear war. The game isn’t as open as other titles on this list, but also invites you to explore. There’s also a wide range of homemade weapons and various factions, some of which turn out to be man-eaters.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

The Outer Worlds

With Fallout New Vegas, Obsidian already developed one of the best Fallout games. Unsurprisingly, they achieved this feat once again with The Outer Worlds. The space setting isn’t quite as post-apocalyptic, but the retro-futuristic style is still reminiscent of Fallout’s 50s aesthetic. Apart from the visual style, it also contains everything fans of the series could wish for. Only the game world is less extensive, spread across different planets. But there’s plenty of role-playing and story to be had.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Switch

Borderlands 2

Less story, but more weapons await you in Borderlands 2. The dystopian setting relies on non-stop action, quirky characters and a huge game world. You can choose from different classes, slaughtering your way through hordes of outlandish monsters and screaming bandits with an absurdly astounding arsenal of weapons. The focus is clearly on looting, shooting and levelling. However, the world and its inhabitants do their part to craft an atmospheric ambience. Something that was a little lost in part three, but at least it looks more modern.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series, Switch

Less related, but still worth playing alternatives

Although the following games are somewhat further removed from Fallout, they still satisfy the need for an open game world set in an apocalypse.

Kenshi

Kenshi probably offers the most freedom out of every title listed here. In this sandbox game you can become a thief, warlord, farmer or simply cannibal chow. You can let off steam to your heart’s content across an incredible 870 square kilometres. If you liked the building system in Fallout 4, you’ll also enjoy it here. Entire cities can be built. You can also recruit allies and train them to form a powerful force.

Where: PC

Biomutant

Apart from the fact that the world is made up of mutated rodents and you play one of them, it’s very close to Fallout. The response to it has been mixed, I had a lot of fun.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Switch

7 Days to Die

Story and survival elements are central here. And compared to Fallout, it has a bit too many zombies for me. Otherwise, it still offers a great end-times atmosphere.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series

State of Decay 2

State of Decay 2 features even more zombies and survival. Exploration is an essential task. As you’re only reasonably safe in your base, every trip into the zombie-infested world is nerve-wracking. It focuses more on base-building and group dynamics than Fallout, but also captivates with its apocalyptic atmosphere.

Where: PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series.

Days Gone

The crown for the most zombies undoubtedly goes to Days Gone. So for me, it’s more of a zombie shooter than a Fallout alternative. Ride your motorcycle through a vast world of forests, snow-covered plains and lava fields. You’ll regularly meet survivors who give you missions in ruins and improvised settlements. The dystopian zombie world also offers lucrative prey for the bounty hunter with the stupid name – Deacon St. John.

Where: PC, PS4, PS5

Bonus tips for Fallout newcomers

If you’re watching the Amazon series and have never played Fallout, your decision is easier. Your best option should be Fallout 4. It’s the newest single-player release and still looks good. It may be a little old-fashioned in terms of gameplay, but there are few better regions to explore than Bethesda’s open world.

Fallout 4 is the best place to start for most newcomers.
Source: Bethesda

If you have a high tolerance for outdated graphics, Fallout New Vegas is the better choice. The story and characters are much more interesting in Obsidian’s single entry. The community generally regards it as the best part in the series.

Fallout 3 is in the same style, just with a greener coat of paint. Bethesda’s first Fallout is also always worth a visit.

If you like to play with others, there’s an online survival spin-off, Fallout 76. After a fittingly apocalyptic launch, it’s now apparently in good shape.

With Fallout Shelter, Bethesda released a surprisingly fun mobile game shortly before the launch of Fallout 4. In it, you manage your own Vault.

Then there are the first two games. They were made by Interplay, or Black Isle, and have been around for over 25 years. They’re in 2D and from an isometric perspective. If you believe the fans, they still offer one of the most sophisticated worlds to this day – unfortunately I’ve never played them myself.

I have to admit that none of my suggestions can really satisfy my need for Fallout. So if you know of any other games, let me hear them!

You’ll find even more Fallout in our new podcast Spoilerfabrik. Note: it’s only available in German. In it, we discuss two episodes of the Amazon series per episode – spoilers included. You can find the podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify and in any other podcast app.

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Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

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