Fallout Season 2 Timeline: When Does the Action Unfold?

The much-anticipated second season of Fallout lands in the year 2296, picking up the story only a handful of days after the first season wraps up. This places it at the very edge of the series’ timeline, making it the most up-to-date entry in the Fallout saga. According to SFX magazine, the new episodes kick off not long after the finale, with the main characters heading off on foot towards Vegas. Producer James Altman put it simply:

“It’s a short amount of time after we left [the Ghoul and Lucy] at the end of season one. It’s been days, not hours, and they are on their way to Vegas on foot,”

giving fans a clear sense of the show’s continuity.

Scenes featuring Cooper Howard, however, take viewers back to 2077—the year the infamous Great War changed everything in the Fallout world. These flashbacks offer a glimpse into the past, contrasting sharply with the post-apocalyptic present of the main storyline.

Where Season 2 Fits in the Fallout Timeline

Pinning down exactly where the second season sits in the broader Fallout timeline can be a bit of a head-scratcher. The events unfold fifteen years after Fallout: New Vegas, which was set in 2281. For context, other major instalments in the franchise include Fallout 3 (set in 2277) and Fallout 4 (2287). Here’s how the main timeline stacks up:

• Cooper Howard flashbacks – 2077
• Fallout 76 – 2102
• Fallout 1 – 2161
• Fallout 2 – 2241
• Fallout 3 – 2277
• Fallout: New Vegas – 2281
• Fallout 4 – 2287
• Fallout season 1 – 2296
• Fallout season 2 – 2296

So, the latest season is set well after the events of the classic games, giving the writers plenty of room to explore new stories without stepping on the toes of established lore.

New Vegas Returns, But With a Twist

Chronologically, the second season acts as a follow-up to New Vegas, with the action shifting to the iconic city itself. Mr. House, portrayed by Justin Theroux, is set to play a significant part in the unfolding drama. The creative team spent time discussing

“what the factions were up to now,”

hinting that the show will delve into the current state of the city and its power players.

Interestingly, the series doesn’t tie itself to any one ending from New Vegas, sidestepping the risk of contradicting the choices players made in the game. This approach keeps things open-ended and respects the varied experiences of the Fallout fanbase.

Behind the Scenes: Staying True to the Games

Insights from Todd Howard and other producers reveal a strong commitment to keeping the show connected to its gaming roots. The team has worked hard to ensure the series feels authentic, both for long-time fans and newcomers alike. By setting the story after all previous games, the writers have the freedom to chart new territory while still honouring the world that’s come before.