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The Fallout franchise has earned a special place in the hearts of RPG fans with its post-apocalyptic setting, open-world exploration, dark humor, and flexibility in playing styles. With Fallout 4 released in 2015 and spin-offs like Fallout 76 in 2018, fans are understandably excited for the next mainline entry in the series – Fallout 5.
Though Bethesda has yet to officially confirm Fallout 5’s development or release timeline, there are plenty of rumors and speculations about what the game could offer. In this article, we’ll dig into all the details, news, and possibilities surrounding Fallout 5, like its potential release date, setting, gameplay features, story, and more.
Fallout 5 Release Date
Official announcement still awaited
Bethesda Game Studios, the developers of the main Fallout games, have been completely silent regarding Fallout 5. They haven’t even acknowledged its existence yet.
Fans expect an official announcement to come sometime in 2024 or 2025, as Bethesda is currently busy with Starfield releasing in 2023 and The Elder Scrolls VI after that.
Speculations point to the 2026-2027 launch.
Based on Bethesda’s development timeframes and the gaps between previous Fallout mainline games, speculation is rife that Fallout 5 could see a release around 2026-2027 on next-gen consoles and PCs.
Fallout 3 was released in 2008, then Fallout 4 in 2015 – approximately 7 years apart. If that pattern holds, Fallout 5 could be released around 7 years after Fallout 4, putting it somewhere between 2026 and 2027.
Of course, this is just speculative. The actual development timeline remains to be seen.
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Fallout 5 Platforms
Likely Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC
Given the speculated release timeframe, Fallout 5 will almost certainly be designed exclusively for the latest consoles – Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.
Being a Bethesda game, a PC version is also guaranteed. Xbox exclusivity is possible but unlikely, as Microsoft seems to keep Bethesda titles multiplatform for now.
Fallout 5 Setting and Location
Possibilities include Chicago, New York, Alaska, etc.
Where Fallout 5 will be set is anyone’s guess right now. Fan theories have suggested locations like:
- Chicago – Mentioned in previous Fallout games, and could see a conflict between the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel and OTHER groups.
- New York – A diverse, urban environment that contrasts Fallout 3 and 4’s Washington and Boston.
- New Orleans – Blends urban and swamp environments for a wholly new setting.
- Alaska – Offers a cold, remote wilderness – a drastic change from previous entries.
- Space / Moon – A long shot, but it allows for an otherworldly setting unlike anything seen before in Fallout.
Bethesda could even opt for an entirely new, unexpected location no one has speculated yet. We’ll have to wait for official word to know for certain.
Fallout 5 Gameplay and Features
Enhanced graphics and physics
As a next-gen title, Fallout 5 will leverage the latest hardware advancements for enhanced graphics, textures, lighting, physics, and more immersive environments.
Fallout 4 was criticized for looking dated even in 2015, so a visual overhaul is expected. Ray tracing support could bring greater realism to the nuclear post-apocalyptic setting.
New weapons and gear
The Fallout series is known for its diverse arsenal of rifles, pistols, explosives, and melee weapons combined with armor sets and power suits. A new mainline entry is an opportunity to expand these options even further.
Fallout 5 could introduce weapons like bows, crossbows, spears, or fully automatic ballistic weapons together with original power armor models and gear.
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Base building improvements
Settlement building was a huge addition in Fallout 4, allowing players to construct and manage their own communities. However, the system felt a bit basic and limiting.
With Fallout 5, Bethesda could significantly expand construction options for more elaborate, customizable bases. Features like movable walls/stairs, logic systems, NPC automation, and new decorations could vastly improve settlement building.
Co-op multiplayer mode
Previous main Fallout games have been single-player only, but Fallout 76 introduced multiplayer to the franchise. As such, Fallout 5 has some form of optional co-op or multiplayer, which looks very plausible.
Being able to explore the wastelands and complete quests with a friend could be an exciting feature if implemented well. Of course, single-player would still remain the primary focus.
Fallout 5 – Launch Trailer
Check out this Fallout 5 trailer we found on YouTube.
Fallout 5 Story and Lore
New factions expected
A new region means the scope for entirely new factions beyond the Brotherhood of Steel, Super Mutants, Enclave, etc. We could see evolved survivors forming unique civilizations and power structures based on the setting.
The Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel could be key if Chicago is the location. And an Alaskan setting may feature Russian remnants (as hinted in the previous games).
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Focus likely on rebuilding civilization.
With Fallout 4 and 76 both highlighting the series’ core theme of starting again after devastation, Fallout 5 is likely to continue that focus – but on a grander scale.
Rather than small settlements, players may get to engage with advanced factions trying to rebuild functioning societies, cities, and infrastructure after decades of lawlessness. This opens up possibilities for more complex moral choices.
Wrap Up
While concrete details remain unknown, the rumors and possibilities surrounding Fallout 5 are certainly tantalizing for longtime fans. A next-gen leap bringing enhancements across graphics, gameplay, and world-building could make for an incredible next chapter in the legendary post-apocalyptic RPG franchise.
Hopefully, Bethesda will share some official news sooner rather than later. For now, all we can do is speculate and eagerly await whatever lies ahead for Fallout 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Fallout 5 be released?
A: No official release date, but speculation points to 2026-2027 based on Bethesda’s development timeframes.
Q: Will Fallout 5 have multiplayer?
A: Possibly an optional co-op mode, but single-player will remain the core experience.
Q: What will the setting be?
A: Most rumors point to locations like Chicago, New York, or Alaska, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Q: Which platforms will it release on?
A: Likely Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC as a next-gen title.
Q: What can we expect from Fallout 5 gameplay?
A: Enhanced graphics, new weapons and gear, improved settlement building, and other next-gen advancements.
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