Lecture Notes: Fallout Franchise Timeline

Introduction to Fallout Franchise

• Release and Expansion: Started in 1997 with four mainline games, spin-offs, and a TV show.
• Timeline Complexity: Mixes real-world events with fictional post-apocalyptic scenarios.
• Non-Canon Games: Some games are now non-canon.

Timeline Overview

Divergence from Reality

• Post-WWII Divergence: Between 1945-1961, world diverges technologically.
• 1950s Design Aesthetic: Retrofuturistic world.
• Key Historical Overlaps: Vietnam War, Cold War.

Fallout's Alternative History

• 1970s US Reformation: 50 states reformed into 13 commonwealths.
• Technological Advancements: AI, robotics, atomic power.
• Robert House: Born in 2020, significant for robotics and tech in Fallout.

Key Events Leading to Games

The Resource War

• 2052: Global fossil fuel shortages, Resource War begins.
• US Annexations: US invades Mexico and Canada.
• Project Safehouse (Vaults): 122 vaults begin construction in 2054.

The Great War

• October 23, 2077: Nuclear bombs devastate the world.
• Vaults and Experiments: Vaults are social experiments.

Fallout TV Show Insights

• Character Focus: Coop Howard, Barb, and Vault-Tec's dark truths.
• Major Spoilers: Vault-Tec's intentions to drop bombs.

Fallout Game Events

Fallout 4

• Pre-Apocalypse: Introduction of Vault 111, Sole Survivor's journey begins.
• Cryogenic Freezing: Sole Survivor's family frozen, story continues 200 years later.

Fallout 76

• Vault 76 Opening: First vault to open post-apocalypse in 2102.
• Main Threat - The Scorched: Plague of beasts in Appalachia.
• Factions: Settlers and Raiders, introduction of Brotherhood of Steel.

Fallout (Original Game)

• Year 2161: Hero known as Vault Dweller, mission to save Vault 13.
• Super Mutants and The Master: FEV Virus, Master's plan to use virus.
• Exile: Vault Dweller exiled post-victory.

Fallout 2

• Year 2241: Descendant of Vault Dweller, The Chosen One.
• GECK Mission: Search for terraforming kit.
• Enclave Threat: Enclave's control with evolved FEV.

Fallout 3

• Year 2277: The Lone Wanderer's quest to find their father.
• Project Purity: Water purification in DC area.
• Factions: Enclave (AI President) vs. Brotherhood of Steel.

Fallout New Vegas

• Year 2281: Set in Mojave Desert, thriving New Vegas.
• Mr. House: Preserved life to maintain New Vegas.
• Factions: NCR vs. Kaisar's Legion.
• Courier's Quest: Retrieve Platinum Chip, multiple endings.

Fallout TV Show Timeline

• Year 2296: Takes place with a focus on Vault 33.
• Characters: Lucy McClane, Cooper Howard as a ghoul.
• Narrative Threads: NCR, Brotherhood of Steel, and tech race.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive Timeline: Ties games and TV show together.
• Future Speculation: Ends with possible insights into subsequent narratives in the series.