Fallout 4 is the only mainline single-player game in the series to release in the PS4/Xbox One generation. The online spin-off Fallout 76 didn't recapture the same magic as its predecessors despite the developer's best efforts. As a result, many fans have gone back to Fallout 4 thanks to the depth in the single-player, replayability, and of course the fan-made mods.
However, for those looking to play either something similar or with a dangerous setting that matches the Fallout series' wastelands there are other good options to choose from.
Updated September 20, 2021, by Damien Lykins: Fallout fanatics are likely to have a long haul ahead of them when it comes to anticipating another entry in the storied mainline series — however, there are still plenty of RPGs out there for people looking to get a fresh scratch for that post-apocalyptic itch. We've revisited this piece with a few more choice selections for the discerning post-nuclear aficionado.
16 Remnant: From The Ashes
- Developer: Gunfire Games
- Released: 2019
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One/Series X|S, PC
Remnant: From the Ashes borrows heavily from the Soulsborne niche in terms of gameplay elements, though it leans into third-person shooter territory quite heavily. Where Fallout players are likely to delight, however, is in terms of the setting and established aesthetic.
Cast as a survivor of an apocalyptic invasion by the extradimensional Root, players must test themselves against the ravaged wastelands of Earth (and beyond) to put a stop to them and stave off extinction. As mentioned, the wasteland vibes are heavy here, both in terms of level and character design. It's also a multiplayer-friendly experience, so feel free to bring a couple of friends.
15 The Ascent
- Developer: Neon Giant
- Released: 2021
- Platform: Xbox One/Series X|S, PC
The Ascent is a twin-stick shooter with RPG elements set in a vibrant Cyberpunk world, but the gritty futuristic aesthetic and pulse-pounding, pseudo-tactical combat is likely to strike a chord with Fallout fans.
The top-down perspective isn't the most immersive, but from its seedy bars and neon-washed alleyways to its grimy industrial underbelly, the well-realized world of Veles is more than enough to sink your teeth into. The simple and streamlined progression mechanics are pretty solid to boot, integrating smoothly enough to the action that they don't even interrupt the relative chaos of a four-player co-op session.
14 Dying Light
- Developer: Techland
- Released: 2015
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC, and macOS
Released in 2015 as a spiritual follow-up to Techland’s own Dead Island franchise, Dying Light is arguably one of the most polished zombie horror games available. The studio worked diligently making sure the game was a smooth experience with many patches and DLC content.
It has surprisingly deep RPG mechanics that share some similarities with the Fallout series and an excellent post-apocalyptic world to explore. The expansions like The Following add an element of Mad Max-style craziness and the parkour makes traversing the environment an enjoyable experience. Dying Light 2: Stay Human is set to release in December 2021 across most major platforms.
13 Cyberpunk 2077
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- Developer: CD Prokekt Red
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
At launch, Cyberpunk 2077 was released in a controversially unfinished state. There are still a lot of kinks to iron out but as the year has progressed the developers at CD Projekt Red have been working hard behind the scenes to patch up the bugs and improve on the game’s formula.
However, even with all the issues, Cyberpunk 2077 offers a lot of content, a stunning futuristic world that takes its inspiration from Blade Runner and Mad Max, and a good story. The game doesn’t offer the same kind of freedom that the Fallout series has but the combat and atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience on more powerful hardware.
12 Scarlet Nexus
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4, PS5, Xbox One/Series X/S, and PC
Released in 2021, Scarlet Nexus is an action RPG from a studio that worked on the Tales series, Code Vein, and God Eater. It’s set in an alternate almost post-apocalyptic universe the remainder of humanity fights to survive against mutated monsters that seem set on destroying humanity. Its vision of the future was self-dubbed as "Brain Punk" thanks to its characters being permanently connected to an “internet of all things”. Visually, it shares many themes with cyberpunk although it does feature a destroyed and desolate world outside the boundaries of civilization.
Thematically, Scarlet Nexus is a very different experience when compared to Fallout 4. It’s about as anime as it gets when it comes to characters and storytelling. However, for those looking for a different take on the post-apocalyptic setting then Scarlet Nexus has a lot to offer.
11 Mad Max
- Developer: Avalanche Studios
- Released: 2020
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, and PC
When it comes to influential and post-apocalyptic themes there’s nothing in entertainment that matches the Mad Max films. It’s inarguable that the Fallout series also borrows heavily from the Mad Max films. Whether it’s the “Apunkylpse” characters, barren wastelands, or a dog companion, the Fallout franchise shares many of the same aesthetics.
Released in 2015, the Mad Max videogame was developed by Avalanche Studios, and it is a standalone story that’s separate from the movies starring Mel Gibson and Tom Hardy. Compared to Fallout 4 it’s very RPG-lite and there’s a heavy focus on driving but the open-world, fluid combat system, and story is a great fit for Fallout fans.
10 Horizon Zero Dawn
- Developer: Guerilla Games
- Released: 2017
- Platform: PS4 and PC
Released on the PlayStation 4 in 2017, Horizon Zero Dawn is a post-apocalyptic action RPG set in a future where robotic dinosaur-like creatures roam the earth and humans have reverted back to living in Celt-like tribes.
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best-looking games in a generation. The setting focuses on nature's beauty as opposed to the desolate wastelands seen in Fallout. Its gameplay also has a lot in common with the Assassin’s Creed series. However, the world-building and epic battles put it in a class of its own.
9 Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Released: 2019
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia
Released in 2019 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and the PC, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is an action RPG that improves on its predecessor in every possible way. With its focus on loot, Division 2 has more in common with the likes of Diablo and Destiny.
However, the apocalyptic world on the brink of collapse is great for fans of games like Fallout 4. In addition, the RPG mechanics in the gunplay should appeal to fans of Fallout's stat-based combat system.
8 Elex
- Developer: Piranha Bytes
- Released: 2017
- Platform: PS4, Xbox One, and PC
Released in 2017, Elex is an action RPG developed by Piranha Bytes the same studio that created the Risen and the Gothic series. As with its predecessors, Elex is an open-world RPG that's developed something of cult status among open-world RPG fans.
Despite its bumpy launch and janky combat system, Elex is a more polished experience now. Its world-building sets it apart and the setting that combines medieval and post-apocalyptic sci-fi feels original and unique. The developers have announced that they are currently working on Elex 2.
7 Darksiders: Warmastered Edition
- Developer: Vigil Games
- Released: 2010
- Platform: PS3, Ps4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Switch, Stadia, and OnLive
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition is an Xbox One/PS4 remaster of the original 2012 game that first launched on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the Nintendo Wii U. Thanks to the remaster, it's widely available on most modern platforms and worth another if you missed it the first time.
From a gameplay perspective, Darksiders is doesn't have much in common with the Fallout series. However, those this dark fantasy spin on a post-apocalyptic future that incorporates elements of The Legend of Zelda and Portal.
6 The Deus Ex Series
- Developer: Crystal Dynamics
- Released: 2000, 2003, 2011, and 2016
- Platform: PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox One, Wii U, and macOS
The Deus Ex series is an open-world action RPG set in a science fiction cyberpunk world as opposed to an apocalyptic one. However, the branching storylines, open-ended levels, gameplay, and great stories make it one of the best sci-fi RPG series ever developed.
The two most recent titles Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided are the most accessible and easily available. In addition, they are also prequels to the original game released in 2000 and work as standalone titles.
5 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
- Developer: Warhorse Studios
- Released: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One
Released in 2018, Kingdom Come: Deliverance is a medieval open-world RPG that’s set in a world with no magic or dragons. However, its bleak foreboding world is just as tough and even more interesting to explore than the Fallout series.
There’s an exceptional amount of love and attention that has been poured into Kingdom Come, and the developers absolutely nailed the difficulties of living life in a medieval world. The combat is difficult but rewarding for those willing to learn and the environment as harsh as it is beautiful.
4 NieR: Automata
- Developer: PlatinumGames
- Released: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One
Developed by PlatinumGames, Nier: Automata is an action RPG for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One that was released in 2018. Coming from the same studio that created Bayonetta and Metal Gear Solid: Rising the action is blisteringly fast and exciting.
Its post-apocalyptic world is beautifully developed characters, and the branching storyline is one of the best of the generation. Nier: Automata is ambitious, original, and a must for fans of emotional stories. Fans should look also dive into the remastered Nier: Replicant to fully understand its universe.
3 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Developer: Bethesda
- Released: 2011
- Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Stadia, and Switch
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an open-world action RPG developed by Bethesda, the same studio that developed Fallout 4. Despite its high fantasy setting, Skyrim shares much of the same DNA as its sister series.
As a game similar to Fallout 4, Skyrim has the same sense of freedom that feels unique in every playthrough. Additionally, the world-building and the sheer volume of content will keep Fallout fans entertained for a long time. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S anniversary edition will release in late 2021.
2 Metro Exodus
- Developer:
- Released: 2019
- Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, PC, and Stadia
Released in 2019, Metro Exodus is the third entry in the post-apocalyptic survival horror/RPG series. The third entry is a more open-world experience than its predecessors and the depiction of its destroyed Earth rivals that of the Fallout games.
There is a deep emphasis on survival Exodus that conveys a sense of fear and desperation that's lacking in Fallout 4. In addition to the harsh yet stunning environments, Metro: Exodus has a thought-provoking narrative that will keep players gripped from start to finish.
1 The Outer Worlds
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Released: 2019
- Platform: Xbox One, PS4, and PC
Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Worlds is an open-world RPG from the same studio that created Fallout: New Vegas. New Vegas is highly regarded by fans of the series as the only modern title that captured the humor and spirit of the first two Fallout titles.
Just like New Vegas, The Outer Worlds is filled to the brim with content, wonderfully weird characters, and a humorous script that takes its players to different planets and colonies. The Outer Worlds not only feels like the true successor to New Vegas but it expands on the brilliant faction mechanics from that game and offers players an immense amount of freedom. Bethesda's team should follow The Outer World's lead for their upcoming sci-fi RPG Starfield.