Context
Bethesda’s Capital Wasteland story unfolds in 2277.
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Historical Record
By 2277 the Capital Wasteland runs on fragile arrangements. Purified water, scavenged technology, and tenuous truces keep the region balanced while old conflicts simmer. A sequence of investigations and skirmishes draws multiple factions into the open: scientific teams protecting their work, wastelanders defending markets, and patrols enforcing competing visions of order. Radio hosts document the day‑to‑day—supply runs, missing persons, and sudden firefights along the Potomac.
The year is significant because core infrastructure moves from rumor to reality. Decisions about water distribution, sanctuary access, and scientific stewardship become public rather than private. The Capital region learns how quickly a single breakthrough can shift power, fear, and hope. Procedures for escort, quarantine, and negotiation mature under pressure, setting precedents that later settlements across the East Coast will follow.
Related
When does Vault 76 Reclamation Day take place? (2102) — Timeline
When does the First Battle of Hoover Dam take place? (2277) — Timeline
When does the Great War in Fallout take place? (2077) — Timeline
FAQ
Q: When does Fallout 3 take place?
A: Fallout 3 happens in 2277 .