Fallout 5 hasn't been officially announced but there’s confirmation that Bethesda has plans for it. That said, it's not coming any time soon. The team is currently focused on The Elder Scrolls 6, which means Fallout 5 is likely years away from release.
The Fallout series is a long-standing favourite with its dark, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. For some, the unsettling environments and eerie storylines can feel like stepping into a wasteland horror game. Even though I find most horror games terrifying, the Fallout series has always struck a different kind of fear. It’s scary, but in a way that keeps me coming back.
Where Might Fallout 5 Take Place?
The Fallout games have stuck to post-nuclear American settings. Fallout 3 took us through the ruined streets of Washington, D.C., and Fallout 4 took place in the irradiated remnants of Boston. In a recent interview, Todd Howard confirmed that the series' themes are closely tied to America’s past, so it’s unlikely they’ll stray far from this formula - so don't expect Fallout: London!
One location that has sparked speculation is New Orleans. There was a trademark for “Fallout New Orleans” back in 2016, but we’ve seen no further news on that front. It would be interesting to see how Fallout handles the unique atmosphere of the American deep South, with swampy landscapes and decaying towns. It's the kind of environment that feels naturally unsettling.
Current Fallout 5 News
Though there isn’t much official information, here are some updates that we know:
- No Rush on Fallout 5: Todd Howard has said in multiple interviews that Fallout 5 is not a priority right now. With Starfield released last year and The Elder Scrolls 6 in early production, it will be a long wait before Fallout 5 is fully underway. At the moment, it’s nothing more than a concept on paper.
- The Fallout TV Show: While we wait, the Fallout universe has expanded in other ways. The Fallout TV show was described by director Jonathan Nolan as “almost like Fallout 5.” It won’t replace the game experience, but it may provide some insight into where the series is headed.
- Early Planning Stages: Bethesda has confirmed that a very early design document exists for Fallout 5. This “one-pager” is a basic outline of the game's direction, but don’t expect any concrete details soon. For now The Elder Scrolls 6 is the main focus.
- Obsidian’s Role? Fans of Fallout: New Vegas have been hoping for Obsidian’s involvement in Fallout 5, but there’s no confirmation of that. Howard has stated that while they’ve worked with other studios before, there’s no set plan for Obsidian to be involved this time around.