If you‘re wondering if you can download and play the original Fallout 1 and Fallout 2 games for free, the good news is yes, you absolutely can! For a limited time from October 18th-25th, 2022, Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout Tactics are available completely free on PC via the Epic Games Store. This is an incredible opportunity for both nostalgic fans and newcomers to the series to experience the classics that started this legendary franchise at no cost.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting Fallout 1 and 2 for free including:
- How to claim the games on Epic Store
- Why the original Fallouts are worth playing
- How to get the old games running on modern PCs
- Additional tips and facts about the classic Fallouts
- And much more to help you enjoy these retro RPGs!
Let‘s dive into how you can add these free post-nuclear classics to your PC game library.
A Quick Background on the Fallout Franchise
For some gamers, the Fallout franchise might only mean the modern 3D games like Fallout 3, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76. But the series originated over 20 years ago in 1997 with the release of the first Fallout game from developer Interplay Entertainment.
Fallout and Fallout 2 are isometric computer RPGs featuring turn-based combat, open world exploration, moral choices, non-linear quests, and a fascinating post-nuclear retro-futuristic setting. They were groundbreaking at the time for their open ended gameplay and sparked a beloved franchise.
After going bankrupt, Interplay sold the rights to Fallout to Bethesda, who revived the series years later to great success. However, many hardcore RPG fans still consider those original pixelated Fallout games to be the best in the franchise. And now thanks to Epic Games, you can experience where it all began for free!
Step-By-Step: Claiming Fallout 1 & 2 on Epic Games Store
Getting the original Fallout and Fallout 2 for 100% free is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:
Visit the Epic Games Store: Go to www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/ on either your desktop web browser or mobile device browser.
Search for "Fallout": In the search bar at the top of Epic Store, search for "Fallout." This will bring up Fallout, Fallout 2, and Fallout Tactics.
Add to Library: On each game‘s store page, click the "Get" button to add that game to your Epic library free of charge.
Claim Before 10/25/22: Be sure to add all three free Fallout games to your account before the promotion ends on October 25th, 2022.
Download Epic Launcher: When ready to play, download the Epic Games Launcher, log into your account, and you‘ll have access to your free Fallout games!
It only takes a couple of minutes to follow the steps above and claim these classics for $0. Take advantage before the Fallout freebie offer expires!
Why Fallout 1 and 2 Are Must-Play Retro RPGs
Think old games from 1997/1998 can‘t be worth playing in 2022? Think again! Here‘s why the original Fallouts absolutely hold up today and are must-play RPGs:
Timeless Open World Exploration
The open-ended exploration of the post-nuclear world was mindblowing for the time. Even today, few RPGs provide such freedom to tackle objectives in any order while discovering side quests organically. The world design still shines.
Gray Morality Choices With Consequences
Fallout was one of the first RPGs where your actions feel like they have weight via its karma system tracking your deeds. The moral choices are often gray with no clear good option. Who to help or hurt is up to you.
Excellent Writing Quality That Holds Up
Many retro games have cringey writing by today‘s standards. But Fallout‘s writing stands the test of time with clever dialog, dark humor, and quality quests that rival modern big-budget RPGs.
A Unique Retro Sci-Fi Vibe
The retro-futuristic look that blends 1950‘s fashion and music with dystopian future tech creates an incredibly unique atmosphere that instantly pulls you in. The visuals are dripping with flavor.
Deep Roleplaying Gameplay Systems
Underneath the dated graphics lies deep CRPG mechanics like traits and perks that let you customize your character. The combat also offers many tactical options. Fallout doesn‘t hold your hand.
Huge Replay Value For The Price of FREE
These may be old games, but they offer a meaty 30-60 hours of gameplay each and high replay value trying new builds. That‘s incredible value for the price of zero dollars!
So in summary, even 25+ years later the original Fallouts absolutely live up to their reputation as classics of the CRPG genre. The open worlds, moral choices, great writing, cool retro style, and deep roleplaying systems come together to create an experience every RPG fan should try!
Making Fallout 1 and 2 Work on Modern PCs
A common question when it comes to playing older games is "will it even work properly on my modern PC?"
Thankfully, Fallout 1 and 2 can definitely be made to run great on modern Windows. Here are some tips:
Set compatibility mode – Right click the Fallout .exe file, go to Properties, Compatibility tab, and check "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and select Windows XP SP3. This makes it emulate older Windows.
Install game fix mods – Fan patches like Fallout FIXT and Fallout 2 Restoration Project fix a ton of bugs and issues with the originals. Search for them on ModDB.
Use DgVoodoo or DgVoodoo 2 – This wrapper improves graphics compatibility with modern GPUs so Fallout will render correctly.
Check pcgamingwiki – This site has fan-made tweaks and mods to get games working smoothly on current hardware. Invaluable resource!
With a few quick and easy steps like the above, you‘ll be surviving the retro Wasteland in no time. A bit of tinkering is well worth it to properly experience these classics!
Helpful Tips and Facts About Fallout 1 and 2
Here our some additional pointers to get the most out of exploring the original Fallouts when you claim them for free:
Save often – Quicksave and hard save frequently across multiple slots. These games can be unforgiving if you aren‘t careful.
Talk to everyone – Dialogue is key in Fallout. Speak to all NPCs you encounter to unlock quests and story info.
Take your time – Slowly exploring lets you fully appreciate the retro atmosphere. There‘s no need to rush.
Try builds – Replay as different character builds like brute force or smooth talking diplomat. Adds replayability.
Read the manuals – Yes, these came with manuals! Reading them will give invaluable gameplay info and background lore. Search online.
Use early save exploits – Save scumming skill checks can help mitigate the games‘ difficulty when learning.
Mod lightly at first – For your first playthrough, keep mods light to appreciate the original Fallout experience.
Now you have the tips and facts to make the most of these free classics! Time to explore the retro post-nuclear world.
Fallout Freebie FAQ:
I know you must have some questions about getting Fallout 1 and 2 free, so let‘s go over some commonly asked questions:
Is this really free, or is there some catch?
There is no catch! Fallout 1, 2, and Tactics are 100% free to claim and own during the promo. Epic Store gives out free games each week.
Do I need to install another game launcher?
You don‘t need the Epic Launcher just to claim the games, but you will need to install it to download and play Fallout 1/2 on PC.
Can I mod the free Fallout versions?
Absolutely! One benefit of the giveaway is it opens up modding the original Fallouts to more players. Feel free to mod to your heart‘s content.
How long will it take to beat the games?
Fallout 1 can be finished in around 30-40 hours. The massive world of Fallout 2 will take around 50-60 hours to complete fully. Great value for free titles!
Should I play Fallout 1 before 2?
It‘s recommended to start with 1, as 2 is a direct sequel with returning characters and references to the original. But you can jump right into 2 if desired.
What about Fallout Tactics? Is it worth playing?
Tactics is quite different as it‘s a tactical strategy spin-off, but still fun in its own right for Fallout fans. Grab it while it‘s free too!
In Conclusion
The ability to legally add Fallout, Fallout 2, and Tactics to your PC gaming library at no cost is an incredible opportunity that should not be missed! These classic CRPGs absolutely hold up today and are ideal for first-timers or nostalgic fans to revisit.
Just be sure to claim the free Fallout games from Epic Games Store before the October 25th, 2022 deadline. Follow our steps above, get the games running smoothly on modern PCs, and enjoy this amazing freebie. Time to experience the beginnings of one of gaming‘s most beloved franchises!
Have fun on your adventures in the retro post-nuclear Wasteland and happy gaming! Let us know if you have any other questions.
