Overview
The Fallout record tracks the collapse and rebuilding of society after nuclear war reshapes the world in 2077. The Great War marks the end of the pre war era and the beginning of a long period defined by survival, adaptation, and fragmented authority. In the immediate aftermath, vault systems preserve parts of the population while the surface becomes a network of hazardous zones, abandoned infrastructure, and emerging settlements. Over time, communities re establish trade routes, governance structures, and local economies, often under difficult conditions and with limited resources.
As the timeline progresses, distinct regions develop their own identities and conflicts. By 2102, vault populations begin returning to the surface, marking a shift from isolation to reconstruction. In the following decades, groups such as militias, traders, and regional powers shape new forms of order. The late 2200s bring major conflicts over strategic locations like Hoover Dam, where control of water and energy becomes central to stability. These events are recorded through radio transmissions, settlement records, and coordinated responses between factions.
By 2287 and beyond, the timeline reflects a more complex network of societies that balance cooperation and conflict. Technological remnants of the old world continue to influence decisions, while new cultural patterns emerge from shared hardship. Later entries in the 2290s show a renewed level of communication and cultural exchange, suggesting that the wasteland is evolving into something more structured. This hub presents these developments as a continuous historical record, focused on dates, locations, and publicly observable outcomes.
Key Timeline Records
When does the Great War happen in Fallout? (2077)
The nuclear exchange of 2077 reshapes the world and ends the pre war era.
Open event →When does Reclamation Day happen in Fallout? (2102)
Vault 76 opens in 2102, marking a return to the surface in Appalachia.
Open event →When does Fallout 3 happen in Fallout? (2277)
The Capital Wasteland events unfold in 2277.
Open event →When does the First Battle of Hoover Dam happen in Fallout? (2277)
Regional forces clash over Hoover Dam around 2277.
Open event →When does Fallout: New Vegas happen in Fallout? (2281)
The Mojave conflict develops in 2281.
Open event →When does the Second Battle of Hoover Dam happen in Fallout? (2282)
The decisive battle for the dam occurs around 2282.
Open event →When does Fallout 4 happen in Fallout? (2287)
Events in Boston unfold in 2287 as new systems of control emerge.
Open event →When does the Fallout TV series happen in Fallout? (2296)
Later developments in Los Angeles are recorded in 2296.
Open event →FAQ
When does Fallout begin in timeline order?
The defining starting point is 2077, when the Great War occurs. This event establishes the conditions that shape all later entries in the timeline.
How is the Fallout timeline structured?
The timeline is organised around major public events such as wars, vault openings, and regional conflicts. These are recorded through broadcasts and settlement records, creating a consistent chronological framework.