Fallout 5 is on the way and Todd Howard has told us that it will remain in America. But what if we could go on adventures outside the US via DLCs?

For years, Fallout fans have debated whether the series should explore the world beyond America’s borders. While the franchise’s post-apocalyptic lore spans a global nuclear war, Todd Howard, Bethesda’s executive producer, has clarified that it will remain in the United States. But as Bethesda gears up for Fallout 5, there may be a way.

Fallout 5 has the chance to take us on a journey. | Image Credit: Bethesda Game Sudios

Bethesda has previously taken players outside of the US mainland before with DLCs like Fallout 3‘s Operation Anchorage DLC which takes place in Alaska. Fallout 5 could use this to take us overseas. It wouldn’t mess with the franchise’s identity and let us have small but good adventures beyond America’s borders.

Fallout 5 Could Take Us Outside The US, But Not In The Way You’d Expect

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Fallout London has been delayed indefinitely due to Bethesda update.
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Todd Howard previously mentioned in an interview that Fallout’s essence lies in its “Americana naivete.” The series parodies American culture, blending corporate greed, 1950s optimism, and post-apocalyptic despair into its world.

This focus is practical as well as thematic. Creating an authentic depiction of a non-American setting would require extensive research and development, especially if Bethesda aims to maintain Fallout’s satirical tone. But this doesn’t take away the possibility of exploring other regions briefly via DLCs.

DLC offers a perfect middle ground with opportunities to explore non-American settings while keeping the main storyline firmly rooted in the U.S. For instance, Fallout 3 had Operation: Anchorage, a DLC set in Alaska during a pre-War conflict. Fallout 5 could do this perfectly.

While still part of the United States, this expansion showcased a fresh perspective within the Fallout universe. Taking this concept further, Fallout 5 could include DLCs set in entirely different countries. Imagine exploring the ruined remains of iconic cities like Paris, Berlin, and so much more.

These bite-sized adventures could allow Bethesda to explore global impacts of the Great War. Howard has expressed a reluctance to fully explore the mysteries of the world outside America.

There is a Proven Market for a Fallout Experience Outside The US

Fans want to see other post-apocalyptic countries.| Image Credit: Bethesda Game Studios

Mods like Fallout: London shows just how much of an appetite there is for Fallout experiences outside the U.S. This fan-made expansion takes players to a post-apocalyptic London, complete with iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the River Thames.

While Bethesda has no plans to officially venture overseas, mods like these demonstrate how the Fallout formula can be taken to new locations without losing its appeal.

One of Fallout’s strengths is its world-building, and international DLCs could deepen its narrative by shedding light on the global impact of the Great War. These settings would complement the franchise’s established themes while giving us a brand new point of view of them.

As Howard emphasized, part of Fallout’s allure lies in the unanswered questions about the world beyond America. DLCs can expand the lore without over-explaining, offering players a taste of the unknown while leaving much to the imagination.

Keeping Fallout predominantly U.S.-based doesn’t mean fans can’t experience the nuclear devastation of the rest of the world. While Fallout’s main storyline may remain in America, the series doesn’t have to shy away from global storytelling.

Which country would you like to visit in a Fallout game? Let us know your choices in the comments!