A number of titles out there can be categorized as games like Fallout 3, but we’ve chosen to make a more comprehensive list instead. What we mean to say is that we haven’t chosen just one aspect of the said title to focus on. Bethesda’s classic is an RPG at heart, but at the same time, it’s an open world sandbox and features a gritty portrayal of a post-apocalyptic future. It’s all these aspects of the title which we’ve chosen the offerings listed below based on. Released in 2008 for multiple platforms, FO 3 is one of the best rated titles of all time, and it has provided memorable experiences to all those who’ve played it. Be it the title’s excellent RPG mechanics, its stunning post-apocalyptic world, its interesting characters and dialogues, its open-ended gameplay or any other appealing aspect, FO 3 impresses by all means. Keeping these facets in mind, we’ve chosen a few interesting offerings which you can have a go at with an aim of gaining similar experiences. Let’s have a brief look at them.
1 – Mass Effect 3
Mass Effect 3 came out last year, and brought with it the final chapter in the much acclaimed trilogy based on a futuristic science fiction universe imagined by RPG experts, BioWare. This entry provides you with a completely non-linear narrative which is based not only on decisions you make while playing it, but also on choices you had made in the previous titles from the series. Mass Effect 3’s story revolves around an alien race’s attempt to wipe off all other beings from the universe.
It’s the war against this race that you need to organize by playing diplomat, forging partnerships and all things political. Amongst all this arise combat opportunities which are a treat to indulge in thanks to Mass Effect 3’s fantastic third-person shooter mechanics.
2 – Metro: Last Light
Released in May this year, Metro: Last Light is a first-person shooter, and it kicks in stealth gameplay as well. It’s set in the universe of a Russian novel focused on the Moscow Metro which has become a dwelling place of the last survivors of a global nuclear holocaust.
It’s this post-apocalyptic feel which makes Metro: Last Light a fit submission for this list of games similar to Fallout 3. A poignant story awaits you within this title, complemented by a scary atmosphere and striking visuals.
3 – Rage
Rage held special significance even prior to its release due to the fact that it was being developed by id Software, the video game veterans who’ve given us classic franchises like Wolfenstein 3D, Doom and Quake. And they didn’t disappoint! It is set in a post-apocalyptic future wherein the impact of the asteroid 99942 Apophis has left the Earth in a ravaged state, inhabited by few good survivors as well as bandits and mutants.
Role-playing elements have been infused into Rage by means of an inventory system, a looting system and more. Additionally, this semi-open world first-person shooter features a stunning art style which reminds you of the Mad Max movies from back in the day.
4 – Borderlands 2
2012’s Borderlands 2 is often described as a hybrid of a first-person shooter and a role-playing game. It’s the imperceptible fusion of these two genres that makes it such a remarkable offering to jump into. Moreover, the entire campaign is available to be played in cooperative fashion with a maximum of three other players. You can assume the role of any of the four characters who’re described as Vault Hunters.
As you progress, your skill trees will expand, thus granting you different abilities. Borderlands 2 includes central quests as well as optional side-missions, but despite this it features limited open world. The randomly generated loot system is one more highlight of this fourth pick for our collection of Fallout 3 alternatives.
5 – The Last of Us
Taking PS3 gamers by storm, The Last of Us came, saw and conquered with its utter brilliance when it was released earlier this year. Developer Naughty Dog is no stranger to providing engaging third-person shooter experiences riddled with cinematic sequences, and it’s this ability which has helped it deliver one of the foremost contenders for Game of the Year awards this year. The Last of Us takes place in a post-apocalyptic United States which has been brought to its current state by a deadly fungus growing on the brains of humans.
You play as Joel who’s need it is to escort young Ellie across the country for completing an important objective. Although the game contains a linear story, it strangely resonates inside your hearts, and involves you into its characters so much so that you’re left baffled. Its combat and stealth-based gameplay is polished to perfection, and so are its dazzling visuals. One of the best offerings of this generation, The Last of Us is a must play.
6 – Far Cry 3
A massive open world filled with lots of different activities to indulge in as well as a decisions-based ending are two of the many factors that make Far Cry 3 an apt fit into this compilation of games similar to Fallout 3. It renders for you a huge tropical open world setting that’s brought alive by its flora and fauna.
Its open-ended gameplay lets you choose how you want to tackle your missions by throwing a flurry of options at you. An immersive story filled with memorable characters – Vaas in particular – awaits you within Far Cry 3.
7 – STALKER: Call of Pripyat
Released in 2010, STALKER: Call of Pripyat is part of the much loved STALKER series which revolves around an alternate reality focused on the Chernobyl disaster. The story involves a second explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant some time after the first one, which results in strange changes within the areas around it.
This first-person shooter is the third entry to the series, and has been infused with excellent survival horror elements. Dangerous enemies, a dreary ambiance and a superb story characterize STALKER: Call of Pripyat.
Conclusion:
That ends our catalog of games like Fallout 3, and we’d like to end it by saying that there are a large number of titles out there that can be compared to the said one, but if someone’s looking for such offerings, these definitely won’t disappoint.