Fallout fever has reached an all-time high. Thankfully, there are plenty of Fallout games for you to play if you want to start your own wasteland adventure. But what can you do if you’ve already played all of them and don’t want to do another playthrough?
To help with that conundrum, here’s a list of ten games similar to Fallout you can play right now.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds is a close cousin to Fallout, developed by Obsidian Entertainment—the same team that worked on Fallout: New Vegas. As you play this game, you’ll notice plenty of similarities.
The Outer Worlds and the Fallout series also share several similarities, such as skill-based progression, companions with different backstories and abilities, dialogue-driven narrative that shapes the story, and factions that open new questlines. However, The Outer Worlds has a more focused tone about corporate absurdity, unlike the cynicism featured in some Fallout games.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
If The Outer Worlds is Fallout’s cousin, Skyrim is its sibling. Both titles were created by Bethesda, which means they share a design approach and familiar elements such as large, ambitious worlds, flexible character builds, and numerous side quests to complement a main story.
The main difference between the two is their setting: while Fallout is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Skyrim takes place in a fantasy world filled with dragons and magic.
Skyrim won’t be for you if you’re after a post-apocalyptic vibe. But if you’re after a vast open-world game emphasizing exploration and discovery, character development that rejects strict class systems, and a narrative supplemented by countless side quests, then Skyrim should be next on your list.
Wasteland 2
If you love the classic Fallout games (1 and 2), Wasteland 2 could be considered a close relative.
That’s because Wasteland 2 was developed by inXile Entertainment, founded by Brian Fargo—one of the executive producers for Fallout 1 and 2. As a result, Wasteland 2 also features turn-based tactical combat that focuses on action points and strategic positioning, a robust skill system that impacts dialogue options, and a harsh, post-nuclear war wasteland setting.
Metro Exodus
Although Metro Exodus is an entirely different game than Fallout, they share some key similarities that could appeal to the same player. The most notable is their setting—they’re both set in a world devastated by nuclear war, with crumbling remnants of pre-war society, harsh environments, and dangers like radiation and mutated creatures.
However, unlike Fallout’s American perspective, Metro Exodus primarily occurs in claustrophobic tunnels and ruined urban settings in post-nuclear Russia. The Metro series is based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels, and 4A Games, a Ukrainian studio, develops the game. As a result, the game is a more tightly focused and linear experience within a heavily atmospheric, almost horror-tinged rendition of the post-apocalypse.
Mad Max
Both Mad Max and Fallout envision a world destroyed by catastrophic events. Mad Max portrays the aftermath of social collapse driven by resource wars and dwindling oil supplies. Fallout, on the other hand, emerges from the ashes of all-out nuclear war. Yet, in both settings, the world is a harsh, unforgiving desert wasteland dotted with the ruins of old civilization.
The main difference between the two games lies in their gameplay focus. Mad Max prioritizes vehicular customization and combat. Players upgrade their cars to monstrous war machines equipped with battering rams, armor plating, harpoons, and flamethrowers. Although Fallout lacks this level of vehicular combat, cars (or their rusted remnants) provide a vital element of the desolate landscape.
In both franchises, factions, and gangs rule the wastelands in the absence of civilization. Players encounter and interact with ruthless raider tribes, warring communities vying for power, and the occasional enclave struggling to hold onto some semblance of order. Lawlessness is the norm, and morality is often blurred.
Starfield
Like Skyrim, Starfield is a close cousin of Fallout. As expected, both games have plenty of similarities.
While Fallout is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth, Starfield takes us amongst the stars. There’s the thrill of discovering uncharted territory, the remnants of past civilizations, and the potential dangers hidden within.
Of course, Bethesda games are known for their extensive character creation systems. Starfield continues this tradition with in-depth customization and skill trees. You’ll define your character’s background, strengths, and weaknesses similarly to Fallout‘s SPECIAL system and perks.
Starfield also promises a strong focus on branching dialogue and player choices. You’ll shape conversations, make decisions impacting factions and characters, and potentially forge alliances or make enemies.
Disco Elysium
The connection between Fallout and Disco Elysium is less about direct gameplay mechanics and more about themes and storytelling techniques. Their similarities lie in the fact that they’re both narrative-driven RPGs. However, Disco Elysium abandons traditional combat and the post-apocalyptic setting for a focus on dialogue and psychological internal conflict.
Disco Elysium and the Fallout games (especially the classic titles) present worlds in varying states of decay. Both games send players exploring derelict buildings and broken societies. They also employ a darkly humorous, often satirical tone to paint their worlds and characters.
Disco Elysium‘s focus on internal dialogue and skill checks is similar to older Fallout titles. It was less about direct combat prowess and more about how your character’s skills enabled you to talk your way through situations or unlock alternate solutions.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Exploring abandoned ruins and piecing together fragments of the past is the key to both Horizon Zero Dawn and Fallout. Both games offer expansive, open worlds to roam. But unlike Fallout‘s bleak landscapes, Horizon Zero Dawn presents a prettier vision of the world long after human decline.
Engaging with hostile forces is central in both games. Horizon Zero Dawn focuses on battling robotic creatures with bows, traps, and tactical approaches. Meanwhile, Fallout emphasizes firearms and VATS-driven combat.
Unlike Fallout, which allows players to influence their characters’ motivations, Horizon Zero Dawn focuses on Aloy’s journey of self-discovery.
Far Cry New Dawn
If you’re a fan of Fallout‘s gritty, post-apocalyptic world and scrappy survival gameplay, you’ll love Far Cry New Dawn.
Far Cry New Dawn takes place after a nuclear event, just like Fallout, but the world is blooming with color. Lush overgrowth covers crumbling structures, mutated wildlife bursts with color, and a wild, almost punk-rock energy is infused into everything.
You’ll also liberate outposts, scavenge for parts to build crazy weapons, and upgrade your home base. But with Far Cry New Dawn, you’re taking it a step further with makeshift sawblade launchers, taking over outposts with a granny wielding a flamethrower, and maybe even taming a mutated boar as your companion.
Sure, you won’t be dealing with radiation or Super Mutants, but New Dawn‘s world is full of its own dangers and surprises.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series
Instead of Fallout‘s ’50s Americana wasteland, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. throws you into the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone—a landscape littered with abandoned Soviet structures and warped by otherworldly forces. Radiation is a constant, invisible threat, forcing you to manage your supplies carefully and watch every step you take.
Mutated creatures stalk forgotten corners, and inexplicable anomalies can tear you to shreds in a heartbeat. In S.T.A.L.K.E.R., It’s a battle for survival with a sci-fi horror twist that Fallout rarely achieves. It’s all about scrambling for resources in a world that actively wants you dead.
Like Fallout, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. gives you incredible freedom to explore and forge your path. You tackle missions, discover hidden stashes, and interact with hardened factions, each with their own agendas. Your choices matter, and the Zone feels like a living (and terrifying) place that reacts to your presence.
