Post-apocalyptic games might be all the rage right now, but there was a time when this genre was fairly novel. It was around that time that the firstFalloutgame was released by Interplay Entertainment to positive critical and commercial reception. Interplay was the king of role-playing games at that point, andFalloutwas a game that put all their amazing storytelling skills on display. However,Falloutwouldn’t solely remain Interplay property for too long, and Bethesda would over the reins later on.
With the Creation Engine, Bethesda released two games that are beloved among theFalloutfanbase —Fallout 3andFallout 4. These two titles have their fair share of hardcore fans, with both groups fighting tooth and nail over the quality of both these games and debating the superiority of one title over the other.
Updated June 21, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:With theFalloutTV show invoking more interest in the series than ever before, it’s easy to see why so many people are interested in either replaying theFalloutgames or diving into them for the first time. The world is a tantalizing one that lets players explore a post-nuclear apocalypse. Bethesda’s single-player outings are a blast that players can’t get enough of. The decision between playingFallout 3and its numbered sequel can be a hard one to make. It’s easy to see why players would want a guide of sorts that helps them decide which title to try out first.
17FALLOUT 3: Pursuing The Lone Wanderer’s Father Feels Like The Show
Perfect For Players Who Loved Lucy’s Story
There are three protagonists in the TV series. Among them Lucy is a Vault Dweller who escapes the safety of her vault to track down her father, who has apparently been captured by raiders. Fans ofFallout 3will be more than aware of how similar this setup is to the story of the Lone Wanderer in the game.
While the TV series features a twist that turns this concept on its head, players who want to enjoy a more nuanced and predictable take on this setup will love whatFallout 3has to offer. That moment when players finally step out of the Vault for the first time is a magical one. Most people won’t forget it anytime soon, compelling them to explore the Capitol Wasteland in a bid to save their father.
16FALLOUT 4: The Power Armor Feels Just Like The Show
Lets Players Unlock A Power Fantasy
One thing that many people loved in theFalloutTV show was the sheer strength displayed by the show’s version of the Power Armor. Humans and mutated creatures alike struggled to make a dent in it. The brutality of this souped-up armor makes it a blast to witness on-screen, making it clear why so many people loved how the Power Armor was respectfully depicted in the series.
Out of all theFalloutgames, most people would argue thatFallout 4has the best implementation of this Power Armor to date that makes the most sense. With heightened power and ease of use, it’s easy to see why most people would prefer to just stay in this suit as long as they have the Fusion Cores to spare.
15FALLOUT 3: Stepping Into The Ravaged Post-Apocalyptic World Is Amazing
A Magical Moment That Is Unparalleled In The Fallout Series
There are many iconic moments in a slew of Bethesda games, andFallout 3is no exception to this golden rule. After living out their entire life in a Vault, the very first moment the player steps out into the ruthless world ofFalloutis one of the most memorable moments in video gaming.
14FALLOUT 4: The Graphic Fidelity Is Brilliant
Easily The Best-Looking Fallout Game To Date
Most people did end up lambastingFallout 4’s graphics — with the bulk of the criticism levied on the textures — after its launch. Still, most couldn’t deny the fact that the game looked strikingly beautiful when all the elements were working right.
This contributed to an adventure that always had some striking discoveries present in some form or the other.
13FALLOUT 3: Getting The Power Armor Feels Significant
A Culmination Of All The Hard Work
Fallout 4might have a more engaging system when it comes to Power Armor, but one can’t deny the fact that this suit of near-invincibility was way more special to attain inFallout 3.
InFallout 3, you need to go through numerous and cross a ton of bridges before even getting a whiff of this legendary armor. Meanwhile,Fallout 4gives players the Power Armor within the first hour of the game.
12FALLOUT 4: The Combat Has Been Significantly Enhanced
The Best-Feeling Combat In A Fallout Game To Date
The advancement of Bethesda as a game development studio can be clearly seen when one compares the gunplay ofFallout 4to its predecessor. Pretty much everyone will be of the opinion that the former is infinitely better in this regard.
Aiming, sprinting, bashing, and chucking grenades feel just way smoother inFallout 4, and contribute to some intense combat scenarios.
11FALLOUT 3: Players Can Enact The Role They Want To
Role-Playing Has More Of A Focus In This Title
WhatFallout 4gains in technical achievements, it loses when it comes to player freedom. The player feels more like they’re experiencing a tale that has already been set up for them, instead of one that they create themselves. This is mainly due to the restrictive systems ofFallout 4.
The same can’t be said forFallout 3, where the player can actively get invested in the life of a character that feels like a projection of themselves in a post-apocalyptic world.
10FALLOUT 4: A High-Stakes Story About Tracking Down Your Child
Arguably The Most Story-Heavy Fallout Game Developed By Bethesda
WhileFallout 4’s story might feel more restrictive, there’s no denying the fact that it’s an absolute blast to play through regardless.
Going through the twists and turns that the story has in store for the player as they track down Shaun is quite entertaining, and actually compels the player to focus on the main story for once instead of getting distracted by all the side content… as is the norm for most Bethesda games.
9FALLOUT 3: Actions Have Consequences
The Lone Wanderer’s Character Is Shaped By The Player
Compared to the major decisions made inFallout 4, one must say thatFallout 3just feels more impactful when it comes to the role you may play in shaping the world through your actions.
A great example would be when the entire town of Megaton can be completely obliterated by your decisions during a particularly memorable quest in the game.
8FALLOUT 4: The Crafting System Is Well-Implemented… For The Most Part
Adds A Layer Of Complexity And Strategy
Fallout 4includes a crafting system that can add some much-needed spice to the gameplay and make it all the more varied and interesting. This crafting system extends to the management of settlements as well, which can prove to be a fun distraction from the main story of the game.
