Fallout 4

Overview

Fallout 4 is a 2015 RPG for Windows from Bethesda Game Studios. You play the Sole Survivor, stepping out of Vault 111 into the Commonwealth after nuclear war has left the world in rough shape. It is built around open-world exploration, faction choice, crafting, and combat that can swing between V.A.T.S. and real-time gunplay.

The game gives you a wide set of systems to shape your run. You can build a character with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system, pick from hundreds of Perks, customize weapons and armor, and manage settlements across the map. The world includes hundreds of locations, characters, and quests, with Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts region forming the main setting.

On Steam, Fallout 4 supports single-player play, Steam Achievements, full controller support, save-anytime functionality, Steam Cloud, and Remote Play on phone or tablet. It also offers multiple language options, including full audio support for some entries. The PC version asks for 30 GB of storage and a 64-bit Windows 7/8/10 system.

Why play it

• Open-world RPG with broad player choice
• Character builds use S.P.E.C.I.A.L. and Perks
• Settlement building and crafting are central
• Full controller support on Windows

Quick facts

Beginner walkthrough

Start with your character build

Use the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system to shape your stats, then choose from hundreds of Perks. The game supports different playstyles, including diplomacy, stealth, and Power Armor-heavy combat.

Use V.A.T.S. or real-time gunplay

Combat can slow down with V.A.T.S. for targeted attacks, or stay in real time if you prefer to aim and fire directly. Weapons can be customized, and the game includes over 50 guns with more than 700 modifications.

Treat settlements as part of progression

You can craft and deconstruct buildings, then use the materials to create settlements. They can be powered, defended, supplied with food and water, and populated by merchants and NPCs.

Key characters

• Sole Survivor player character

  The Sole Survivor leaves Vault 111 and searches the Commonwealth while the world around them keeps falling apart.

• Dogmeat companion

  Dogmeat returns as a companion who can join the player during the journey through the wasteland.

Our take

Fallout 4 is a broad, systems-heavy RPG that leans hard into freedom of approach. The mix of character building, scavenging, crafting, and settlement management gives it a lot to do beyond the main story. If you want a focused, linear RPG, this is not that. If you want a large open world with plenty of knobs to turn, it fits the brief.

FAQ