Fallout, the renowned video game franchise from Bethesda, marks a 25th birthday this year. The first entry, released in 1997, redefined the role-playing genre on PC and set the stage for expansive adventures that evolved across multiple generations of consoles. Today, the series remains active, with Fallout 76 standing out as its most popular online installment. To celebrate this milestone, the game will be free to play on all major platforms through October 11. Players can dive into Fallout 76 and its latest update, Pitt, across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox without any purchase required during the promotion period.
In October of 1997, the Fallout universe introduced players to a post-nuclear world filled with memorable characters, eerie environments, and difficult choices that could alter the course of gameplay. The franchise not only helped define PC RPGs but also sparked a long-running expansion into other media, including tabletop games and an in-progress television adaptation. The celebration is a nod to the enduring legacy of Fallout and its influence on gaming history, as the community reflects on the franchise’s impact across generations.
Amid the anniversary festivities, Fallout Shelter—the mobile title in the franchise—will receive its first major update in four years. The new content brings an alien-threat storyline with fresh missions and enemies, along with new weapons, ways to recruit residents, and Vault decorating options themed for the celebration. This update adds depth to the mobile experience while honoring the broader Fallout universe.
Fallout 76 is also featured in promotions through Amazon Prime Gaming and Xbox Game Pass. Amazon Prime subscribers can access Fallout 76 on PC via Prime Gaming until November 1, expanding the free-to-play window beyond the game’s console availability. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members gain access to the title until October 24 as part of the subscription’s benefits. Bethesda acknowledged the excitement surrounding this anniversary, inviting players to join the broader community without needing a Sanctuary to participate in the celebration. The message from Bethesda’s official channel underscored the sense of anticipation for fans who have followed Fallout since its debut and are eager to explore the Pitt update and ongoing content in Fallout 76.