Fallout Season 2 Timeline: How the Show Moves the Franchise Forward
Fallout season 2 picks up in 2296, just days after the first season, marking the furthest point in the Fallout universe's timeline. Discover how the new season connects to the games and what it means for the series' future.
Fans eager to know when the next chapter of Fallout unfolds will find their answer in the show's second season. The story resumes in 2296, making it the most recent event in the entire Fallout saga. This new season kicks off only a few days after the dramatic conclusion of the first, keeping the momentum going for both the characters and the audience.
According to producer James Altman,
“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.”
This means the timeline remains tightly connected, with the main characters heading toward a new destination and new challenges.
Where Season 2 Fits in the Fallout Timeline
Placing the second season within the broader Fallout universe can be a bit tricky. The events of this season occur fifteen years after Fallout: New Vegas, which was set in 2281. For context, other major entries in the series include Fallout 3 (2277) and Fallout 4 (2287). The timeline looks like this:
- 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
Flashbacks featuring Cooper Howard take viewers back to 2077, the year the Great War changed everything in the Fallout world. These glimpses into the past add depth to the story, while the main action pushes the timeline further than ever before.
Connections to New Vegas and the Games
Season 2 acts as a direct follow-up to Fallout: New Vegas, with the story set in the same iconic city. The show explores what has happened to New Vegas and its factions since the events of the 2010 game. Justin Theroux steps into the role of Mr. House, a character who will play a significant part in the unfolding drama.
The creative team discussed how to handle the various possible outcomes from New Vegas, ultimately choosing not to lock the show into any one ending. This approach allows the series to respect the choices players made in the game, while still moving the story forward in new and exciting ways.
Behind the Scenes: Building the Next Chapter
Insights from Todd Howard and other producers reveal the careful thought that went into connecting the show to the beloved games. The team wanted to explore what the different factions might be up to now, without contradicting the established lore or the experiences of longtime fans.
By setting the story in 2296 and focusing on what comes next for New Vegas, the show carves out its own space in the Fallout universe. With new characters, familiar faces, and a timeline that pushes the story further than ever, season 2 promises to deliver fresh adventures while honoring the legacy of the games.