Fallout 3 FAQ



What is the release date?
Fallout 3 will be available for PC, Xbox 360, and PLAYSTATION 3 in North America October 28th, 2008 and Europe October 31st, 2008. Japan gets it December 4th, 2008.

How long has it been in development?
Since 2004.

Where does Fallout 3 take place?
In the Capitol Wasteland in and around Washington, DC.

When does Fallout 3 take place?
In 2277, 200 years after the bombs fell and 30 years after Fallout 2 took place.

What is Fallout 3 rated?
Fallout 3 has been rated  M for Mature (Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, and Use of Drugs) by the ESRB.

What are the PC system requirements?


    Minimum System Requirements:

Windows XP/Vista 
1GB System RAM (XP)/ 2GB System RAM (Vista) 
2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor 
Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 256MB RAM (NVIDIA 6800 or better/ATI X850 or better) 

Recommended System Requirements:

Intel Core 2 Duo processor 
2 GB System RAM 
Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 512MB RAM (NVIDIA 8800 series, ATI 3800 series) 
Supported Video Card Chipsets: 
NVIDIA GeForce 200 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 9800 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 9600 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 8800 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 8600 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 8500 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 8400 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 7900 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 7800 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 7600 series 
NVIDIA Geforce 7300 series 
NVIDIA GeForce 6800 series 
ATI HD 4800 series 
ATI HD 4600 series 
ATI HD 3800 series 
ATI HD 3600 series 
ATI HD 3400 series 
ATI HD 2900 series 
ATI HD 2600 series 
ATI HD 2400 series 
ATI X1900 series 
ATI X1800 series 
ATI X1600 series 
ATI X1300 series 
ATI X850 series 
Is Fallout 3 a Games for Windows games? Will it require Vista?
It will be a Games for Windows title. Fallout 3 will work on PCs running either Windows XP or Vista. 

Will Fallout 3 include multiplayer?
No, Fallout 3 is a single-player game only. 

What perspective do I play the game in, first or third-person?
Both. The game is meant to be played first person. However, you can toggle the view with the press of a button/key to an over-the-shoulder view that can be zoomed in/out on your character. Both views are available throughout the entire game.

Will an editor be available?
At this time we cannot confirm whether an editor will be available for the PC version.

Does the story in Fallout 3 pick up where Fallout 2 ended?
No, the story in Fallout 3 is a different story unto itself and isn't directly connected to any of the other storylines. Obviously it builds on the lore and history of Fallout, but you don't have to have played the previous Fallout games to know what's going on in this one.

I have lots of ideas and questions, where do I send them?
We encourage you to register on our official forums and post your ideas and questions in the Fallout 3 section, where our fans and developers share and discuss ideas and answer questions about the game and what they'd like to see.

Are those real screenshots or are they renders?
All the screenshots are 100% authentic screenshots taken while playing the game. 

Where can I get more information on the game?
Continually visit our website and check our previews and interviews sections. Information will slowly be revealed on the game until it is released. You can also check our Blog which is regularly updated with insights and opinions from members of the development team.

How can I sign up to beta test Fallout 3?
We have no plans to do external beta testing.

Where can I get more information on the game?
Check out our official site, fallout.bethsoft.com, where we continually update our sections for art, previews, interviews, and more. You can also visit PrepareForTheFuture.com  to explore all the different channels and get a taste of what to expect in the game or  visit  our Blog which is regularly updated with insights and opinions from members of the development team