Fallout 5 - everything we know so far

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Fallout 5 is in development, but likely a long ways off

Fallout 76 Wastelanders screenshot showing three characters in Power Armor, standing side by side at the bottom of a sun drenched canyon
(Image credit: Bethesda)
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While Fallout 5 has yet to be officially revealed, we do know that it is being worked on in some respect, and that it'll follow Bethesda's next RPG: The Elder Scrolls 6. Unfortunately, this means it is likely many years off from coming out.

Ranking among the best RPGs of recent memory, Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 offered memorable, and deeply affecting stories. Reinforced by generous environmental storytelling, these games have been some of the most immersive sci-fi offerings to ever grace PCs and consoles. Now, they've even been adapted into a TV show, which has been a hot with critics and fans alike.

Though information on a potential sequel is scarce, there are scattered morsels of information here and there which we've collated for your reading pleasure. Read on to learn everything we know about Fallout 5.

Fallout 5: cut to the chase

  • What is it? The next installment of the Fallout franchise
  • When can I play it? TBC
  • Which console will it be on? Likely not PlayStation

Fallout 5 story and setting - where could it be set?

A barren post-nuclear landscape with pylons dotted into the distance

(Image credit: Bethesda)

If you've ever played a Fallout game, you'll know the series revels in its nuclear-ravaged American setting. Fallout games have all been set in a US state, so it would stand to reason this aspect wouldn't change. Fallout 3, for example, was set in Washington while Fallout 4 took place in Boston.

In fact, Todd Howard recently commented on Fallout's American setting in an interview with Kinda Funny. In it, he explains that the series' main themes are inherently tied to America:

"My view is part of the Fallout schtick is on the Americana naivete. And so, you know, it's okay to acknowledge some of those other areas but our plan is to predominantly keep it in the US"

For those looking for a different experience, however, modders have been hard at work crafting their own takes on other locations in the Fallout universe. You don't have to look far to see fans discussing and fantasizing about where Fallout 5 will take place.

It is possible that a new Fallout game could be set in New Orleans given that a trademark application for 'Fallout New Orleans' was spotted online way back in 2016.

We've already visited swampy areas in Fallout, but a game set entirely around the deep South would certainly be an interesting take, especially given New Orleans' distinctive urban environments.

Fallout 5 news

A character in Power Armor, with the shot focused on the helmet in side-profile

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Todd Howard isn't putting a date on Fallout 5 anytime soon
In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard revealed that he is avoiding putting even a rough date on Fallout 5. He confirmed that the team is currently working on Elder Scrolls 6, but added that this 'doesn't mean that we're not making plans for other things.'

Fallout TV show is "almost like Fallout 5"
Speaking to Total Film (via Gamesradar), Fallout TV director Jonathan Nolan described the series as "almost like Fallout 5".

Fallout 5 is coming after The Elder Scrolls 6
In an interview with IGN, Todd Howard confirmed that Fallout 5 will be Bethesda's next major project after The Elder Scrolls 6.

"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" Howard told the publication. "We have some other projects that we look at from time to time as well."

Work has begun...sort of
Work has started on Fallout 5 but don’t hold your breath for seeing it any time soon. Speaking to IGN in November 2021, regarding the impending release of The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, Bethesda studio director Todd Howard revealed that a “one-pager” design document was already in place for Fallout 5, being a very early blueprint for what the studio has planned for the game.

Being a “one-pager”, the design document is a high-level outline and there is, therefore, little to share. With Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6 both up first, it’ll be a while before we hear more about Fallout 5.

As for whether or not Obsidian—the studio which handled development duties on the Xbox 360-era Fallout: New Vegas—could have some involvement, Howard said "We've worked with other people from time to time. I can't say what's gonna happen...If I could wave my hand and have [Fallout 5] out...you know, I'd like to find a way to accelerate what we do, but I can't really say today or commit to anything... other than [the fact that] our cadence is Starfield then Elder Scrolls 6".

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Cat Bussell
Cat Bussell
Freelance contributor

An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.

A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game. 

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