With the Fallout TV show now out and millions of players jumping into the Fallout games (either as a newcomer or returning player), there’s no shortage of similar games in the RPG genre that might scratch that itch for more post-apocalyptic greatness. If you’re feeling burnt out on the Fallout games, we’ve got a couple of awesome recommendations that we think you might like: The Outer Worlds and Metro Exodus.
If you’ve already played The Outer Worlds and Metro Exodus, then you already know how good they are. If not, welcome! We’re going to take a closer look at both games, see how they compare or differ to Fallout and why they’re essential games to play if you’re looking for your next fix for the post-apocalypse.
The Outer Worlds
Released in 2019, The Outer Worlds is a sci-fi RPG from original Fallout creators Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky and developer Obsidian Entertainment. Set in a distant alternate future, megacorporations have begun to colonise space and terraform alien planets for resources. You play as the Stranger, the survivor of a shipwreck in space. Tasked with the salvation of the Halcyon system, you journey across space with a crew to ensure humanity’s future and freedom.
Structurally speaking, The Outer Worlds could easily be described as Fallout in space. Gameplay mechanics and systems are nearly identical and there’s a strong focus on exploration and adventure. However, the key ingredient here that makes the game so unique is Obsidian Entertainment itself. The developer brings its A-game, especially to the writing, resulting in some of the most tongue-in-cheek, clever meta-commentary you’ll ever hear in a video game.
It’s clearly anti-corporate in its messaging but that only adds to the dark, cynical humour of The Outer Worlds and how it explores the idea of colonisation, megacorporations running rampant with little to no repurcussions and the price (or consequences) of “freedom” in a society governed by wealthy overlords. To that end, it also shares Fallout‘s penchant for being overly critical of real-world issues in a satirical way. It’s very smart in how it approaches these topics too, always keeping everything neatly framed in an epic space adventure.
You play The Outer Worlds from a first-person perspective. Combat will feel familiar to Fallout players as it mostly follows the same rules, complete with a VATS-like system that lets you briefly slow down time. Like Fallout: New Vegas, you’ll also instantly recognise Obsidian’s excellent role-playing mechanics on full display, down to the branching narrative, brilliant dialogue and how your actions impact the world and characters around you.
The idea of “Fallout in space” was thrown around leading up to the release of last year’s Starfield but honestly, The Outer Worlds not only did it first but did it better. Obsidian Entertainment continues to prove why it’s arguably better than Bethesda at making engaging RPG systems and The Outer Worlds is perhaps the best example of it next to New Vegas. Jump in, create a Stranger, gather your misfit crew and enjoy one of the most unique sci-fi RPG’s on the market.
We recommend picking up The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition available on PC via Steam, PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. The base game is also available on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra.
Metro Exodus
Released in 2019, Metro Exodus is a survival FPS developed by 4A Games. It’s the third entry in the Metro video game series based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novels. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players control Artyom, a survivor journeying across the desolate lands with his crew after fleeing the Moscow Metro. The world has been ravaged by war and death, radiated creatures run wild and the last remnants of humanity show just how dark things can get without the law holding them back.
On a darker note, Metro Exodus is a lot less colourful than The Outer Worlds, both in its presentation and storytelling. It tends to take itself very seriously, offering a more grounded and grim take on Fallout‘s upbeat post-apocalyptic template. That said, it’s also one of the most riveting, intense games you’ll likely ever play.
For the most part, you don’t have to know much or have played the previous two games, Metro 2033 and Metro: Last Light, to enjoy Exodus. The game does an excellent job of reintroducing the key characters to you, including protagonist Artyom, and his journey so far with his crew. 4A Games designed Exodus in a way that makes it very accessible to newcomers without alienating die-hard fans, telling a new story in new locations with only brief mentions of past events or major plot details. We’d suggest maybe watching a recap video on YouTube to be safe.
Metro Exodus isn’t open world. Similar to The Outer Worlds, it features large, explorable zones or regions, each teeming with different dangerous wildlife, harsh weather conditions and locations to discover. The story unravels in chapters as you journey from one key area to the next, learning more about the world, its politics, rich history and people – friendly or hostile – as you go. If you’re up for a darker game similar to Fallout that’s distinct enough with its own unique storytelling, gameplay systems, lore and a gripping apocalyptic world, look no further than Metro Exodus.
We recommend picking up Metro Exodus on PC via Steam, PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.
