Fallout 4 takes place in the year 2287, ten years after the events of Fallout 3 and 210 years after the Great War, a war between the United States and China over natural resources that ended in a nuclear holocaust in 2077. The setting is a post-apocalyptic retro-future, covering a region that includes Boston, Massachusetts and other parts of New England known as "The Commonwealth". Unlike the previous titles, Fallout 4's story begins on the day the bombs dropped: October 23, 2077. The player's character (voiced by either Courtenay Taylor or Brian T. Delaney) takes shelter in Vault 111, emerging exactly 210 years later, on October 23, 2287.

The player assumes control of a character referred to as the "Sole Survivor", who emerges from a long-term cryogenic stasis in Vault 111, an underground nuclear fallout shelter. After witnessing the murder of their spouse and kidnapping of their son, the Sole Survivor ventures out into the Commonwealth to search for their missing child. The player will subsequently explore the game's dilapidated world, complete various quests, help out factions, and acquire experience points to level up and increase the abilities of their character.

New features to the series include the ability to develop and manage settlements, and an extensive crafting system where materials scavenged from the environment can be used to craft drugs and explosives, upgrade weapons and armor, and construct, furnish and improve settlements. Fallout 4 also marks the first game in the series to feature full voice acting for the protagonist.

It’s been ten years since players first stepped out of Vault 111 and into the post-nuclear world of Fallout 4.

To mark the occasion, Bethesda Game Studios is thrilled to announce Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition. This is the ultimate celebration of a beloved classic, bringing together the complete Fallout 4 experience. The Anniversary Edition will be available digitally on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on November 10.

This special release includes the base game and the six official add-ons: Automatron, Far Harbor, Nuka-World, and the Workshop expansions. Whether you’re building settlements, battling robots, or exploring the mysteries of the Commonwealth, every adventure is here.

But that’s not all!

The Anniversary Edition also bundles over 150 pieces of Creation Club content, including fan favorites and previously unreleased items designed to enhance your journey. From new weapons and different Dogmeat breeds like a husky or a Dalmatian, to gameplay tweaks and quest expansions, there’s something for every Vault Dweller.

The Anniversary Upgrade comes to the same platforms, and players on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus will be able to access the DLCs and/or Creations content via two Upgrade options.

Creations Come to Fallout 4!

For the first time ever, Creations are coming to Fallout 4! The Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition introduces a brand-new in-game Creations menu, making it easier than ever to discover, download and enjoy content from professional developers and passionate enthusiasts alike. That means you’ll see even more new content coming to the Commonwealth, ready to transform your adventure in exciting new ways.

Whether you’re a longtime Sole Survivor or a newcomer to the wasteland, the Anniversary Edition is the definitive way to experience Fallout 4.

 The team also announced that the Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition will arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026. 

Key Features:

• Freedom and Liberty!: Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours.
• You’re S.P.E.C.I.A.L!: Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
• Super Deluxe Pixels!: An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
• Violence and V.A.T.S.!: Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
• Collect and Build!: Collect, upgrade, and build thousands of items in the most advanced crafting system ever. Weapons, armor, chemicals, and food are just the beginning - you can even build and manage entire settlements.

Currently available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox SerieS X|S and PC, Fallout 4 is coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.