Highlights

  • The next Fallout game could bring a fresh take on the series by introducing a new setting and storyline.
  • New Orleans offers a unique and iconic backdrop that would work well for a Fallout game thanks to its rich history and cultural influences.
  • A Fallout game set in New Orleans might also satisfy fans looking for a spiritual successor to the popular Fallout: New Vegas.

Fallout has an extensive past and a deeply dedicated fan base going back to the original, highly renowned CRPGs, which introduced players to an immersive and darkly humorous post-nuclear apocalypse atomic-age America. The first two titles became classics of the genre and are still celebrated today. Later, Bethesda Studios, known prior for its Elder Scrolls franchise, acquired the rights to Fallout and produced an FPS RPG title in 2008 that was a big change from the previous direction, but put the series firmly in the mainstream.

Following that, Bethesda contracted Obsidian Entertainment to create Fallout: New Vegas in 2010; considered by many to be better or at least a more "genuine" Fallout experience than Bethesda's handling of the series. Some fans might be aware that Obsidian is/was composed of some developers who had worked on the IP before it passed to Bethesda, and the studio's familiarity with the property is often cited as a major reason for this. Although Fallout 5 is still far off, as Bethesda is currently developing the next Elder Scrolls, there is a good argument for it to be set in New Orleans, as doing so would address two items simultaneously.

Fallout 3 protagonist the Lone Wanderer exploring the wastelands with Dogmeat
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Fallout 5 Taking Place in New Orleans Could Cover Two Angles at Once

New Orleans Is Already A Great Fallout Location

While Fallout's settings are generally well-realized, ranging from the Capital Wasteland of Washington, D.C., California, Boston, and the Appalachian Mountain region, they aren't necessarily quite as distinct in terms of iconic elements in the way New Orleans is. Arguably the most similar setting so far to a New Orleans vibe might be Fallout 3's Point Lookout DLC, set in rural Maryland's marshes and swamplands. With its storied history and blend of cultural influences from a diverse range of backgrounds, however, opportunities for a plethora of excellent content and avenues for Fallout adventures in the Big Easy and nearby locales abound.

New Orleans' occult voodoo vibe already brings zombies to mind, which FO essentially has covered in the form of ghouls, but they could be more thematically stepped in the supernatural/spiritual side specific to the area, with figures like Papa Legba and Baron Samedi providing inspiration for Fallout versions; perhaps as part of a series of side quests similar to Fallout 4's Silver Shroud missions, but with their own unique spin rooted in tradition. Native animals such as alligators and crawfish could also be creative enemies, maybe appearing as Deathclaw variants. New Orleans and its surrounding areas present a perfect playground and a wealth of subject matter for F5 to recreate and draw from.

Fallout 5 Being Set in New Orleans Might Feel Like a New Vegas Successor

After the positive reception to Fallout: New Vegas, speculation persisted that a follow-up could happen, if not a direct New Vegas 2, then a spiritual successor, closer to NV than Fallout 3 in style and spirit. It would have been a welcome turn, but never materialized. If F5 were possibly set in New Orleans, though, it would likely feel very much like the desired sequel to New Vegas that fans have been calling for. With Obsidian and Bethesda now both first-party Microsoft developers, chances are theoretically better than ever for one to happen. Although this doesn't seem likely currently, the opportunity for cross-collaboration still exists, and would be an excellent surprise if F5 ended up being along those lines.

Obisidan reportedly pitched an Elder Scrolls spin-off/sequel in the vein of New Vegas , and held early talks with Bethesda regarding one, but the project was ultimately rejected.

New Vegas also had an extensive reputation system which was absent from F4. This could return in a New Orleans setting, with many possible groups stylized around various eclectic aspects of the city's heritage, showing what kinds of organizations formed in the wake of post-apocalyptic society in an incredibly interesting way. Though little is known about Fallout 5's setting at this point, it would be a fascinating and fun angle if Bethesda and/or Obsidian decided to consider placing it in New Orleans.