Fallout 2 is the first sequel to the Post Nuclear Role Playing Game. It’s what officially made Fallout into a series, and we’ve been here for it ever since.
With its apocalyptic retro-future aesthetic and classic turn-based combat, Fallout 2 is an absolute classic RPG game. We’re here to discuss gameplay, timeline placement, and, of course, the best PCs to play it. Pop open a bottle of Nuka-Cola and read on!
Fallout 2 Gameplay
Fallout 2 is set 80 years after where the first Fallout left off, and the village of Arroyo is doing what it can to survive. You play as the Chosen One, with finding the G.E.C.K., otherwise known as the Garden of Eden Creation Kit. It’s believed this device will help save your budding civilisation from starvation and drought.
Post-Nuclear World
In terms of gameplay, Fallout 2 is very similar to the first game. Using a pseudo-isometric view, it is an RPG with turn-based combat. The engaging story, extensive skill tree, and evolved battle environment all come together to enhance the experience.
You build your character in the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. creation system, configuring strength, perfection, endurance, charisma, intelligence, agility, and luck… Hey, I see what they did there! These seven attributes are the building blocks of your Chosen One, determining the skills and perks you earn down the line. There are eighteen skills to master in Fallout 2, ranked between 0% and 300%. Depending on how you build your character, some of these skills will rank a little higher than the rest, but all can be improved as you level up. Every three levels you go up, you unlock a perk, which will grant special effects like taking more actions in combat rounds.
With your specially honed skillset, you’ll travel the wastelands on your quest for the G.E.C.K. Along the way, you’ll face crippling radiation, mutants, and fearsome foes. But your journey will uncover a web of lies, deceit, and treachery. Is it really worth trying to make a new life in the Wasteland?
When Does Fallout 2 Happen in the Timeline?
Fallout 2 takes place 80 years after the first game. It is set in 2241, and you even play as the original protagonist’s grandchild.
What Platforms Can I play Fallout 2 on?
Fallout 2 is a PC exclusive, available from Steam, Epic Games, and GOG.com. It is also a singleplayer adventure, so there is no multiplayer support. We do think it is the perfect fodder for some old-school streaming sessions, though!
Fallout 2 Official Specifications
What do you need to find the G.E.C.K.? Here are the official specifications for Fallout 2.
| Component | Minimum Specs |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows |
| Processor | Pentium 90MHz |
| Memory | 16MB |
| Graphics | SVGA |
| DirectX | Any |
| Hard Drive | 565MB |
| Sound | DirectSound or SoundBlaster Compatible |
Best PCs to Play Fallout 2
Considering we can legitimately say Fallout 2 came out last century, it’s no wonder that the specs are more than a little modest. There are few gaming PCs and laptops around today that couldn’t handle the demands, so it’s unlikely that you’ll need an upgrade in order to play. However, should you be on the lookout for a boost to your gaming performance for all your other faves, we have picked out a selection of gaming PCs and laptops here. Plus, our full collection is only a click away.
Refract Gaming Crimson Pre-Built PC
- Pre-built gaming PC – fully tested and ready to ship
- AMD Ryzen 7 8600G APU with integrated RX Vega graphics
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Enjoy 1080p gaming with high frame rates
- Covered by our three years parts and labour warranty
OcUK Gaming Quartz Pre-Built PC
- Pre-built gaming PC – based on our best-selling specs
- Intel Core i5-12400F CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM and SSD storage
- Covered by our three years parts and labour warranty
Gigabyte G5 Gaming Laptop
- 15.6” gaming laptop with FHD 144Hz display
- Intel Core i5-13500H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
- 16GB DDR5 RAM and PCIe SSD
- WINDFORCE cooling technology
OcUK Gaming Kestrel Configurable PC
- Configurable PC – adjust the PC case, cooler, and more
- Choose an AMD Ryzen 5000 Series CPU
- Pick an AMD Radeon RX 6000 or 7000 Series GPU
- Up to 64GB DDR4 RAM
- Flexible storage – choose up to two SSDs
OcUK Gaming Dagger Configurable PC
- Configurable PC – adjust the PC case, WiFi, and more
- Choose a 13th Gen Intel Core CPU
- Pick an NVIDIA RTX 30 or 40 Series GPU
- Up to 32GB DDR4 RAM
- Flexible storage – choose up to three SSDs
Live that nuclear apocalypse lifestyle with the merch to match! We have an exciting range of officially licenced Fallout products just waiting to be added to your set-up.
More Fun in the Wasteland
The Fallout franchise has been going for 25 strong years. Check out more games from the series!
Ready to Walk the Wastelands Again?
Is Fallout 2 your favourite from the franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
PC specs are subject to change.
- 5 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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