How To Play: Fallout

Fallout is a thrilling board game where character development, resource management, and quest navigation are key. Smart resource gathering, trading, and efficient use are crucial. Prioritize quests wisely, use fast travel, and keep an eye on quest levels. With these strategies, you can master the wasteland and win the game!
Fallout - Fallout, Fantasy Flight Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Overview

Welcome, wanderers! In this guide, you’ll find a handy outline of the game rules for Fallout. We’ll also dive into some of the best strategies for winning. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned survivor, these tips will help you make the most of your wasteland adventures. Grab your Pip-Boy, it’s time to conquer the post-apocalyptic world!

What’s in the box

  • 21 Map Tiles
  • 4 Scenario Sheets
  • 34 Quest Cards
  • 21 Encounter Cards
  • 4 Faction Cards
  • 3 Settlement Cards
  • 12 Vault Cards
  • 4 Character Cards
  • 35 Special Cards
  • 100 Caps Tokens
  • 27 S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Tokens
  • 55 Enemy Tokens
  • 35 Loot Tokens
  • 16 Trait Tokens
  • 12 Quest Markers
  • 10 Number Tokens
  • 12 Activation Tokens
  • 2 Green Dice
  • 3 Red Dice
  • 1 Rulebook
  • 1 Reference Sheet

How To Play Fallout: Rules Summary

Setup

  1. Unfold the game board and place it in the center.

  2. Each player picks a character and takes the matching figure, card, and token.

  3. Shuffle the asset, loot, and encounter decks and place them on the board.

  4. Set up the agenda cards and scenario cards as instructed in the rulebook.

  5. Give each player a starting loot, and place their figure on the starting space.

  6. Last, determine the first player by rolling the dice or choosing the youngest player.

Gameplay

  1. On your turn, you perform two actions: move, explore, fight, or rest.

  2. When moving, you move your figure up to two spaces on the board.

  3. To explore, draw and resolve an encounter card from the matching deck.

  4. For fighting, roll the dice and compare results to the enemy’s stats.

  5. Resting allows you to heal one damage or recover a used item.

  6. End your turn by drawing a new encounter card if you’re on a marked space.

Winning

  1. Players earn points by completing quests and defeating enemies.

  2. The first player to reach a certain number of points, as stated in the scenario, wins. Simple!

  3. If there’s a tie, the player with the most loot wins.

Special Rules & Conditions

  1. Event cards can change the rules, so read them carefully.

  2. Some scenarios have unique rules, which are explained on the scenario cards.

  3. If a character dies, they respawn at the settlement, but lose half their loot.

  4. Use your Pip-Boy to keep track of quests, items, and character progress.

  5. Trading with other players is allowed only in settlements.

That’s it! By following these rules, you’ll master how to play Fallout and have a blast with your friends.

Best Fallout Strategies

Mastering Character Development in Fallout

Want to crush your friends in Fallout? Start by mastering character development. With the right approach, you’ll dominate the wasteland in no time.

1. Choose Your Perks Wisely

  1. Focus on perks that enhance your strengths.
  2. Avoid spreading perks too thin.

2. Balance Your Skills

  1. Invest in both combat and non-combat skills.
  2. Adapt skills to current game needs.

3. Equip the Right Gear

  1. Select gear that complements your perks.
  2. Constantly upgrade your equipment.

4. Plan for Team Synergy

  1. Coordinate character builds with friends.
  2. Make sure everyone has unique roles.

By focusing on these steps, you’ll ensure your character is ready for any challenge the game throws at you.

Mastering Resource Management in Fallout

Resource management is key to surviving and thriving in Fallout. You need to gather wisely, trade smartly, and use resources efficiently. Here are some tips:

Gather Wisely

  1. Always loot everything in sight, but prioritize essentials like ammo, medkits, and food.
  2. Use companions to carry extra items you can’t handle by yourself.

Trade Smartly

  1. Trade with NPCs to get better gear and supplies. Barter skill helps.
  2. Sell junk items to free up inventory space and earn caps.

Use Resources Efficiently

  1. Craft items instead of buying them to save caps.
  2. Repair and upgrade weapons and armor regularly to keep them in top shape.

Ultimate Quest Navigation Tips for Fallout

Navigating quests in Fallout can feel like trying to herd radioactive cats. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some tips that will keep you on the right path and make you the Wasteland legend you were born to be.

1. Prioritize Main Quests

  1. Focus on main quests first to unlock key features and areas.
  2. They often provide valuable rewards and new avenues to explore.

2. Know Your Side Quests

  1. Side quests can offer unique rewards and experiences.
  2. Understand which side quests align with your character build.

3. Use Fast Travel Wisely

  1. Fast travel saves time and resources.
  2. Plan your fast travel to hit multiple quest points in one go.

4. Keep an Eye on Quest Levels

  1. Match quest difficulty with your character level.
  2. Don’t be afraid to grind a bit if you’re under-leveled.

5. Read Your Pip-Boy Journal

  1. Your quest log holds all the nitty-gritty details.
  2. Refer to it often to stay on track and avoid wasting time.

And there you have it! Follow these tips to become a master quest navigator in Fallout. Happy exploring!

Master the Wasteland!

So, my fellow vault dwellers, you now have the tools to conquer the wild world of Fallout. Remember, character development is key; become a jack of all trades or a master of one, but choose wisely. Manage your resources like your life depends on it—because it does! Lastly, follow those quests like a bloodhound sniffing for steak. With these tips, you’ll be the wasteland’s greatest hero—or its most feared villain. Either way, you’re winning!

If you enjoyed this guide and want to see more, check out my article on ‘How To Play Fallout’ for deeper insights. And as always, if in doubt, blame the radroaches and keep playing!

Want to know what we think of Fallout? Read our detailed review of Fallout here

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.