In a recent video, Fallout creator Tim Cain delved into the intriguing lore behind the classic 1997 game, revealing insights that fans have speculated about for years. He emphasized that much of this lore, now considered “non-expository,” was never officially documented, leaving Bethesda free to interpret it in different ways. Cain clarified that the initial nuclear war in Fallout began when China, discovering illegal bioweapons research by the U.S., decided to attack first. He explained how the residents of Vault 13 were selected through a rigged lottery to send characters like Max, Natalia, and Albert into the wasteland. Cain also shared creative details about the game's iconic vault suits, which were actually 3D printed, and provided interesting background on characters like Harold, a peculiar mutant embodiment of the bizarre world of Fallout. Overall, these revelations provide fans with a deeper understanding of the game's lore while making clear that none of it is officially canon.

What is the non-expository lore of Fallout?

The non-expository lore refers to the background information and details about characters and events in the Fallout universe that were discussed among the original developers but never documented in design documents. This includes insights like why China nuked the U.S. first and the backstory behind characters and items that fans have speculated on for decades.

Fallout, developed by Interplay and released in 1997, is a post-apocalyptic role-playing game that has since evolved into a beloved franchise with a vast universe. Known for its dark humor and intricate storytelling, Fallout gained a huge following, leading to various sequels and spin-offs, as well as an upcoming Amazon series. The series is noted for its open-world exploration, unique characters, and moral dilemmas faced by players in a world devastated by nuclear war.