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With the vast world of Fallout now on display in Amazon Prime Video's TV adaptation, Screen Rant put together a complete guide for the show's most essential elements, including characters, locations, and lore. Based on the video game franchise launched in 1997, Fallout instantly became one of the most anticipated video game adaptations since its official development announcement in 2020. Rather than adapt any specific game or popular spinoff, the Fallout show blends notable aspects of the post-apocalyptic world with a thrilling narrative set in the game franchise's canon.
Screen Rant's guide to the world of Fallout features the most significant elements needed to bring the beloved video game series to life. The guide will include breakdowns of Fallout's characters, including origin stories of new and existing characters. There will also be a deeper look into the franchise's apocalypse, the resulting factions that popped up, and various timelines. Of course, considering the game's unforgettable settings, the Fallout show's various locations will also be highlighted, including New Vegas. Lastly, an examination of the games' deeper lore will be on display, including changes and retcons to the games.
Fallout Show's Characters
Custom image by Yailin Chacon Amazon's Fallout features a large cast led by Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Moisés Arias, Xelia Mendes-Jones, and Walton Goggins. These are, however, new characters for the show rather than existing game characters. Out of the cast, the show primarily focuses on Lucy (Purnell), Maximus (Moten), and The Ghoul (Goggins), who are on very different journeys that eventually interweave within the Wasteland by Fallout's ending.
In addition to Fallout's core cast, the show incorporates numerous villainous figures, in addition to appearances from characters linked to the games. Whether it's Dogmeat or Mr. Handy, Amazon was sure to fit in recognizable non-human characters. That also leads to some fun cameos, especially regarding Matt Berry's exciting role in the show.
Fallout Show's Apocalypse & History
image via Prime Video As heavily showcased in the games, the foundation of Fallout stemmed from a nuclear apocalypse that wiped out much of the world. The show remains focused on the United States, which was decimated over 200 years before the events of the main story. While there were survivors, a segment of the population still resides in the Wasteland, dealing with the ongoing effects of dangerous radiation.
In addition to the apocalyptic history, it's also important to take a look at who exactly is responsible for the disastrous events, something that comes as a shocking reveal by the end of Fallout season 1. The timeline of events gets a lot of attention throughout the show, even causing some confusion in regards to what's known from the games. Still, Fallout effectively dives deeper into the history of nuclear attacks and what transpired following the destruction.
Fallout Show's Vault Details
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury The Vaults themselves are one of the most crucial aspects of the Fallout universe. Having been created by Vault-Tec, the locations were built all over the US to give a portion of the public a chance to survive nuclear threats. When the threats came true, those who paid for their placement in Vaults were given refuge and a new community to live in. Vault Dwellers aren't just the names given to those who live in Vaults, they are also the playable character at the focus of several Fallout games.
In the Fallout TV show, the most prominent Vault Dweller at the center of the story is Lucy, a young woman who willingly leaves the confines of her Vault to chase after a mystery involving her family. Having grown up in Vault 33, Lucy has certainly learned a lot about the Wasteland, but she doesn't have much first-hand experience with that environment. However, aside from her own Vault, a few other Vaults come into focus in season 1, including some surprises they contain.
Fallout Show's Notable Factions
Image via Prime Video
It wouldn't be a Fallout show without a slew of factions on display. Thankfully, there's no shortage of organizations and groups vying for control over the Wasteland, whether above ground or below. While some factions operate from the shadows based on their power, others do whatever they can to make themselves known, acquiring more enemies along the way. Speaking of enemies, many of the factions do not get along, causing more conflict alongside the lingering nuclear-related dangers.
Fallout Show's Locations
Custom image by Sean Morrison Since Fallout is set in the post-apocalyptic United States, the franchise's various locations are important to the fictional world. In the games, players traverse certain parts of the country for special missions or for scavenging. The Amazon adaptation embraced the video game world for its live-action counterpart, including several notable locations and brand-new settings.
General Fallout Location Guides
Custom Image by Kate Bove To bring all of the Fallout show's locations together, a map guide can be found below, highlighting locations like the numerous Vaults, Filly, and Red Rocket. There's also a look into where the Fallout adaptation was filmed within the United States and beyond to capture the fitting environment for a post-apocalyptic world.
Shady Sands
Shady Sands is one of the key locations in the Fallout show. Not only does it come into play with Lucy's family history, but it also has a link to Maximus and his tragic past. Interestingly, Shady Sands exists in the video games, but a few canon details surrounding the community are changed based on show revelations. The town's history and connection to another faction stands as one of the biggest reveals in season 1.
New Vegas
The New Vegas tease at the end of Fallout season 1 is a massive talking point, especially for those familiar with the games. The location is the basis for the 2010 spinoff game and will become a major focus in a potential season 2 and beyond. While New Vegas is a territory for what's left of Las Vegas, the characters connected to that location could give insight into who could appear in the show's next chapter.
Fallout Show's Lore & Retcons
Custom Image by Robert Pitman Aside from characters, history, factions, and locations, there is also a ton of Fallout lore worth explaining. In a role-playing game that relies on an expansive world to explore, there are plenty of elements that have made the game so popular. Whether it's Vault-Tec details like the Vault Boy mascot, the mascot's origins, or the device that Vault Dwellers wear on their wrist, the Fallout show made sure to include the prominent details. There are also the Wasteland threats through dangers like Ghouls, mutant creatures, and radiation, all of which could require consumable medications.
Though the Fallout show made great efforts to use many of the game's most memorable aspects, the creators took some liberties with the live-action adaptation. This results in some changes and tweaks to the game canon. Considering the show wasn't based on a particular game, it's difficult to say whether it was faithful or not, but based on Fallout's impressive reviews, the consensus highlights Amazon's success in effectively embracing the universe into a fun extension of the games.
