Step into a world irrevocably altered by nuclear war, where survival is a daily struggle and the remnants of humanity cling to existence in scattered settlements and underground Vaults. This role-playing game, released in 1997, places you in the shoes of a Vault Dweller from Vault 13, tasked with a critical mission: to venture into the irradiated wasteland of post-apocalyptic California to find a replacement for a broken water purification chip essential for your Vault's survival. Your journey will unfold across a desolate landscape, populated by desperate survivors, mutated creatures, and distinct factions, each with their own agendas and stories.

The Wasteland Awaits

The narrative is set in a timeline where global conflicts over dwindling resources escalated into a full-scale nuclear exchange in 2077. Decades later, the world is a scarred and dangerous place. As the first individual to ever leave the safety of Vault 13, you are equipped with a Pip-Boy 2000, a vital tool for tracking your objectives, mapping your surroundings, and managing your inventory. The currency of this new world is bottle caps, a constant reminder of the scarcity that defines everyday life.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

This title blends deep character building with strategic turn-based combat. Players will engage in a Western RPG-style progression, allowing for a wide range of character specializations. The world is brought to life through extensive branching dialogue trees, offering meaningful choices that can shape your interactions with the various inhabitants of the wasteland and influence the unfolding story. Exploration is key, as you navigate the ruins of civilization and discover the secrets hidden within the irradiated landscape.

What makes this game unique?

The game's distinct appeal lies in its mature and complex narrative, set against a backdrop of societal collapse and moral ambiguity. The emphasis on player choice, through its intricate dialogue system and consequence-driven gameplay, allows for a highly personalized experience. Furthermore, the tactical, turn-based combat system encourages careful planning and strategic thinking, offering a different pace compared to real-time action titles.

Character Development and Progression

How do players develop their characters?

Character development is a central pillar, allowing players to shape their protagonist's abilities, skills, and traits. This system directly impacts how you approach challenges, from combat encounters to social interactions within the wasteland.

Exploration and Interaction

What can players expect to find in the wasteland?

The post-nuclear California is a vast and varied environment. Players will encounter diverse settlements, each with its own unique culture and challenges. Interactions with NPCs are driven by a robust dialogue system, where your choices can lead to alliances, rivalries, or entirely unforeseen outcomes.

Technical Information

This main game was originally released on October 10, 1997. It is available on multiple platforms, including DOS, Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), OnLive Game System, and Mac.