Fallout 5: Release Date and Everything We Know So Far

As of now, Fallout 5 remains shrouded in mystery, with no official reveal in sight. However, it’s no secret that the game is on Bethesda’s radar. Following the success of Fallout 3 and Fallout 4, often hailed as some of the best RPGs in recent memory, fans eagerly anticipate the next instalment in the series.

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Unfortunately, Fallout 5 is still far off, as Bethesda has confirmed that it will come after The Elder Scrolls 6, which is still in early development. Here’s everything we know about Fallout 5 so far.

Regardless, although we have little official information about Fallout 5, we’ve gathered scattered bits and pieces that offer a glimpse into what might be coming. Let’s dive into everything we know so far about Fallout 5.

Fallout 5 Release Date

In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 will be Bethesda’s next major project after The Elder Scrolls 6, with work on Fallout 5 already beginning, though it is still in its very early stages. In Howard’s words: “Yes, Elder Scrolls 6 is in pre-production, and you know, we’re going to be doing Fallout 5 after that, so our slate’s pretty full going forward for a while. We have some other projects that we look at from time to time as well.

Moreover, Howard mentioned that a “one-pager” design document exists, serving as a high-level blueprint for the game. As for speculation about whether Obsidian, the studio behind the beloved Fallout: New Vegas, might be involved in Fallout 5, Howard remained non-committal on this front, stating, “We’ve worked with other people from time to time. I can’t say what’s going to happen. If I could wave my hand and have [Fallout 5] out, I’d like to find a way to accelerate what we do, but I can’t really say today or commit to anything.”

Nevertheless, given Bethesda’s current development schedule, it seems unlikely the game will launch before 2030. It might seem like a long wait, but it aligns with the lengthy development cycles that have become typical for AAA games.

Fallout 5 Setting

One of the most iconic aspects of the Fallout series is its post-apocalyptic American setting. Each game is set in a different U.S. state, from the Capital Wasteland of Washington, D.C. in Fallout 3 to the Commonwealth of Boston in Fallout 4. Based on recent interviews with Bethesda’s Todd Howard, it seems unlikely that Fallout 5 will stray far from this formula.

In a conversation with Kinda Funny, Howard emphasized the importance of the series’ American roots, saying, “My view is part of the Fallout schtick is on the Americana naivete. And so, it’s okay to acknowledge some of those other areas, but we plan to keep it in the U.S predominantly.”

While modders and fans often fantasize about what Fallout might look like in other parts of the world, this statement seems to imply Fallout 5 will remain true to its roots in the United States. There is some speculation that the game could be set in New Orleans, following a trademark application for “Fallout New Orleans” that was spotted online in 2016. Although we have no confirmation, a game set in the deep South, with New Orleans’ distinctive urban environments, would offer a fresh and intriguing take on the Fallout formula.

Personal Requests for Fallout 5

While concrete details about Fallout 5 are scarce, there are plenty of features from previous games that we hope will return or be improved upon in the next instalment. Here’s a wishlist of what we hope to see in Fallout 5:

• The Return of the Karma System: The Karma system has been a staple of the Fallout series since its inception, adding a layer of moral complexity to the player’s choices. However, it was notably absent in Fallout 4, making choices less impactful. We hope to see the Karma system’s return in Fallout 5, allowing for more meaningful interactions and consequences.
• Single-Player Focus: Fallout 76’s multiplayer approach received mixed reviews, and many fans hope that Fallout 5 will return to the series’ single-player roots. Todd Howard has hinted that this will likely be the case, which should reassure fans who prefer the traditional Fallout experience.
• Improved Settlement Building: The settlement-building feature in Fallout 4 was a great addition, giving players a new way to interact with the game world. However, the mechanics sometimes felt clunky and hard to manage, especially with a controller. We’d love to see this feature refined and expanded in Fallout 5, with more intuitive controls and options for customization.

Related: 5 Best Fallout DLCs Ranked

Parting Notes

Although Fallout 5 is still years away, the anticipation is already building. With Bethesda confirming that the game is in the early stages of development, fans can rest assured that the series will continue.

In the meantime, there’s plenty of Fallout content to enjoy, from the recently released next-gen update for Fallout 4 to the highly anticipated Fallout TV show.

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