Fallout Season 2 Timeline: When Does the Story Unfold?
The much-anticipated second series of Fallout is set in 2296, picking up just after the first season and marking the furthest point in the franchise’s chronology.
The second instalment of the Fallout television series is set in the year 2296, establishing it as the most recent chapter in the saga’s timeline. This detail was confirmed in SFX magazine, which noted that the new series commences only a handful of days following the conclusion of the first. The narrative resumes with the Ghoul and Lucy embarking on their journey towards Vegas, travelling on foot.
“It’s a short amount of time after we left [the Ghoul and Lucy] at the end of season one. It’s been days, not hours, and they are on their way to Vegas on foot,”
producer James Altman explained. Meanwhile, scenes featuring Cooper Howard set in the 'past' are rooted in 2077, the pivotal year of the Great War that reshaped the Fallout universe.
Positioning on the Fallout Timeline
Pinpointing the exact placement of the second series within the broader Fallout chronology is somewhat intricate. The events unfold fifteen years after Fallout: New Vegas, which was set in 2281. Other major entries in the franchise include Fallout 3 (2277) and Fallout 4 (2287). The principal timeline is as follows:
- Cooper Howard flashbacks – 2077
- Fallout 76 – 2102
- Fallout 1 – 2161
- Fallout 2 – 2241
- Fallout 3 – 2277
- Fallout: New Vegas – 2281
- Fallout 4 – 2287
- Fallout season 1 – 2296
- Fallout season 2 – 2296
Thus, the second series stands as a direct sequel to New Vegas, both in terms of setting and chronology, and continues the story in the iconic city.
New Vegas Revisited
Set in the same year as its predecessor, the new series returns to New Vegas, following up on the events of the 2010 classic. Mr. House, portrayed by Justin Theroux, is set to play a significant part in the unfolding drama. The creative team has discussed the current state of the city’s factions, hinting that the series will delve into the aftermath and future of this much-loved RPG locale. However, the show deliberately avoids tying itself to any particular ending from New Vegas, ensuring it does not contradict the varied experiences of players.
Behind the Scenes and Creative Choices
Insights from Todd Howard and other producers shed light on the development process and the series’ relationship with the original games. The intention is to honour the established lore while providing fresh perspectives for both long-time fans and newcomers. By situating the story at the furthest point in the timeline, the creators have granted themselves the freedom to explore new narrative territory without being constrained by previous instalments.