Fan theories are the backbone of the wonderful world of fandoms. Though engaging with the subject of one's devotion directly can be riveting, sometimes spending one's time surrounding oneself with everything non-canon, theory related, and wacky enough that is could never happen in the media itself can just be so much more rewarding. Sometimes the original media just isn’t enough to sate the thirsty minds of its viewers and sometimes the original source material leaves gaping holes that leave players and observers unsatisfied. And when that happens, the only thing left to do is turn to the internet. Numerous fans can and will flock to the internet to fill in the gaping holes that always seem to be left behind by the developers and writers.

And the Fallout series is no exception. Though these games are some of the most well-written, developed, and executed games in the sandbox/RPG world, even they have left behind several unanswered questions, plot holes, and questionable story points behind that the people of the internet have so graciously filled in, attempted to resolve, and explain out of existence. These theories include classic questions of consciousness, queries involving extra-terrestrial beings, and even supposed biblical references.

I suppose that a game series as unparalleled as the Fallout series is bound to have theories which are as incredibly in-depth, well written, and creative as the games they were based on. So, without further ado, may I present the good people of the internet with 25 Fallout fan theories that may or may not knock those socks clean off those feet.

25 The End Of Humanity

What if I were to tell you that there are no true humans in the entire Fallout universe? What if the entire species was doomed from the moment bombs were dropped? There is a theory which claims that every single human in the entire game is actually a mutant due to exposure of small amounts of radiation which was able to enter the vaults. This amount was so small that it did not poison the people. Instead, it gave them slightly enhanced abilities (including the ability to withstand exposure to elements, a stronger constitution, and physical hardening) as well as the ability the withstand external attacks.

24 Thumb's The Limit

This is a classic fan theory for the Fallout series. But, I have to admit, that it is one of my favorites. I assume that you’re familiar with Vault Boy’s signature pose; the one where he stands with his arm extended, thumbs up, and winking? Could this be a friendly gesture or something a bit grimmer? During the late 20th century, many people were told to take on a similar pose if they were to see a mushroom cloud appear on the horizon. If the mushroom cloud is bigger than one's thumb, then it was assumed that said person would be in the radiation zone and they would need to seek shelter immediately.

23 Sentient Mannequins

I am but a simple person: when I see a mannequin, I get afraid. Even those cheerful Old Navy mascots give me the creeps. Their hollow, lifeless eyes just seem to look straight through you. Many people experienced a similar feeling of unease when encountering the numerous mannequins scattered throughout the Fallout Commonwealth. But what if I were to tell you that there might be some credence to those fears? One theory claims that inside these mannequins lies a series of surveillance equipment including hidden cameras that were placed there by the Institute in order to spy on anyone who is unfortunate enough to happen by.

22 A Synth In Dog's Clothing

Did you ever think it was weird that Dogmeat just showed up at the Red Rocket at the exact same time that you did? Did you ever stop to question how a purebred German Shepherd made it through the wasteland and why it took such a liking to you? This all seems like odd behavior, especially for an animal to present... unless Dogmeat isn’t a normal dog. One fan theory claims that Dogmeat is actually a synth which was created by Father in order to spy on you. In this wasteland, you can’t trust anybody. Not even man’s best friend.

21 A Barren Planet

The funny thing about most American-centric dystopian films, books, and games is the fact that they rarely mention the rest of the world. Sure, the U. S. of A. is this dumpster fire of a nation, but what about the other countries? What are they up to and how do they feel about the chaos that has overtaken America? One theory, which attempts to shed some light on the circumstances which have befallen the rest of the world, suggests that small pockets of survivors may exist on the Polynesian Islands or in either New Zealand or Australia. But that the “mutually assured destruction” that nuclear war promises effectively wiped out the rest of the planet.

20 A Nuclear California

I think it would be fair to say that “Hotel California” is one of the most iconic songs in the English language. Some fans have pointed out the likeness between the infamous song and the Sierra Madre which players can visit in Fallout: New Vegas. Aspects of the virtual hotel which can be traced back to the song include Vera’s hologram which stands at the main entrance to the resort, the fact that Father Elijah will do everything in his power to prevent you from leaving the premises, the “programmed” nature of the staff, and the fact that many travellers sought out the Sierra Madre as a place of refuge but instead met their untimely ends.

19 Blame The Aliens

Whether or not you yourself believe in aliens, they can be an easy scapegoat for any number of issues. Like the nuclear fallout which the games revolve around. Not following? Allow me to fill you in. Some players believe that the aliens (which were added to the series via a DLC for Fallout 3) are to blame for the nuclear war that nearly wiped out the entire planet. Why? For the simple reason that they wanted to see how humans would prepare, react, and rebuild civilization after the effects of the war subsided and the planet was habitable again. Next time, just try simulation software.

18 We're Not Even Human

Like most technologies, the Synths of the Fallout universe steadily saw improvements to both their appearance and functions with each and every upgrade. By the third generation, they were barely distinguishable from their human counterparts. But are they so indistinguishable that someone could be a synth themselves and have no idea? In an attempt to explain away the flaws of Fallout 4, fans have suggested that the Sole Survivor may be a synth (with a neural implant) himself due to the fact that the perfected versions of the Synths would have been fully operational at the time that he was re-awoken.

17 Strange Vaults

People tend to flock to religion in times of distress due to the comfort, security, and sense of control that it provides. Therefore, it is no surprise that there would be several biblical references scattered throughout the vaults in the Fallout series. For example, Vault 92 house musicians who violently lost their minds thanks to subliminal messaging (referencing Psalm 92 which ends in “...surely your enemies will perish.”) Another example of this is Vault 112. The inhabitants of this Vault were convinced to think that they were living in a Utopian world. Their corresponding Psalm says "They will have no fear of bad news; Their hearts are steadfast."

16 It Was All Just A Dream

Though, admittedly, the “it was all a dream/they were in a coma” is one of the most cliche and overused fan theories out there, I do have to state that within the context of the fourth numbered Fallout game in the series. Fallout 4 begins with an idyllic 1950s scene which quickly turns into a nightmare. You are awoken at the perfect time to watch your wife perish and child be taken from the Vault. This launches our protagonist on a rescue mission but several fans have suggested that this mission was all a figment of our character's imagination as the theory suggests that the unknown figure who took down our wife took us out as well.

15 Who Is The Mysterious Stranger?

There are several theories surrounding the mysterious stranger. In the next few sentences, I will do my best to summarize them as briefly as possible. One theory suggests that the mysterious stranger is our own characters alter ego who helps us keep calm in dire situations. Others suggest that he is merely a hallucination or an other-worldly being (akin to a guardian angel). Another theory suggests that the Mysterious Stranger is not simply one person but rather an agency of helpers who exist to aid the citizens of the Commonwealth when needed.

14 What Happened To The Animals?

There are several theories which attempt to solve the mystery of what could have happened to the animals of the world during the nuclear fallout. Some people believe that there are entire vaults dedicated to each species of animal that humans felt the need to save (which have yet to be opened in case the reintroduction of said animals could have a negative impact on the environment). Others believe that the non-pet animals were left out to face the elements on their own and those that survived were mutated by the radiation they were exposed to. The creatures and remains scattered throughout the games seen to point to the second theory though both could be true.

13 Real World Preparations

Some people believe that this game is a fictional representation of how A.I. will be treated by real-world humans if they are ever created and allowed to roam “free.” This theory uses the Commonwealth’s subjugation of the Synths, as well as humanities history of dividing people into human and “subhuman” groups (and treating them accordingly) as proof that humans would misuse and mistreat these beings if we were ever technologically advanced enough to create them. Though I feel hesitant to accept this theory, it is important to note that humans throughout history have rarely treated those different than the majority fairly without a fight.

12 Big Brotherhood Is Watching You

Okay, so we all know that the Enclave and the Brotherhood of Steel rule the world (in their own ways) within the Fallout series. But how much do we really know about them? There is a theory that states that these two groups are not what they appear to be at first glance. This theory states that the Enclave, though exclusionist, were the good guys all along and that the Brotherhood were hiding their true nefarious intent behind the guise of acceptance.

11 Toy Story Universe

This theory is a bit more fun than anything but I think it’s due time we take a break from the grit and grime of the Fallout series and consider something a bit more whimsical. In several of the games within the Fallout series exists these surveillance devices which are disguised as different items. Many of those cameras are hidden within a series of stuffed monkeys with cymbals attached to their hands, similar to one seen in the Toy Story franchise. Maybe this is simply an easter egg but I, as well as a select group of fans, believe that this is proof that Toy Story and Fallout exist within the same world.

10 Plague 2.0

Imagine surviving the nuclear apocalypse only to perish from the plague. Well, that might be exactly what is happening to MacCready's son. This theory states that the boy has been infected with something referred to as “The New Plague” (which was a biological weapon created by the United States government in the 20th century) and that this illness will spread initially to his parents and will eventually gain enough momentum to wipe out the small amounts of life that linger in the Wasteland.

9 Deacon Comes Out To Play

Deacon has been watching you. Deacon cannot be trusted. Deacon is a spy. Sure, the game makes him look like a good guy. I mean, he wants you to shut down the Institute while he gets to work on setting the Synths free. But when you cozy up to him, you find out that he has lied about several aspects of his backstory, ambitions, and appearance. He admits that he’s been watching us but if he was lying about these trite details, then what else was he lying about?

8 Come To The Feral Side

Everyone that was unlucky enough to be stuck outside during the nuclear war was eventually turned into a ghoul. It happens to the best of us. But there are worse things than being a ghoul. You could become feral. Ferals are volatile ghouls who have lost their humanity and are, in all honesty, a major pain in the neck. Except for Jason Bright. Though feral, he somehow managed to maintain both his sanity and humanity which prompts the theory that both of these things can be maintained if the ghoul in possession of them has the mental and physical health to hold onto them. Perhaps sanity is controlled by free will in this universe.

7 A Vault-Tec Without Morals

The people of the Fallout world had little to no choice when it came to getting involved with Vault-Tec for they were the sole protection against the nuclear apocalypse. And having that sort of monopoly over people allows you to get away with some pretty sketchy stuff (e.g. locking the Vault salesman out of the Vaults he spent his life selling.) But some people believe that Vault-Tec is far more evil than we give them credit for. There is a theory floating around the internet that states that Vault-Tec started the nuclear war in order to sell Vaults, force people into them, and do whatever they want to those inside.

6 Real Life Disasters Revealed

One of the best small aspects of games are the recorded information that can be found scattered through the many explorable worlds. These include books, diaries, recorded tapes, and radio transmissions. But there is something off about the Fallout radio transmissions that have left the people of the internet thirsting for answers. You see, a strange series of morse code occasionally breaks up the regularly scheduled programming, and those codes seemed to have predicted a real-world disaster.