Since the release of the Fallout TV Show, fans have been engrossed in discussions about potential retcons in the beloved Fallout game series. This debate has attracted attention from various sources steeped in Fallout lore, including former Interplay developers, Fallout Show creators, and Bethesda Studios' Director, Todd Howard.
Official clarifications have added another layer of complexity to the Fallout timeline. The focus now shifts to the significance of defining canon endings for Fallout games, with a particular spotlight on New Vegas.
Unraveling Conflicting Narratives in the Fallout Show
A controversial retcon in the Fallout TV Show has stirred fans' emotions, as it appears to clash with established events in the game series. Notably, in Season One, Episode Six: The Trap, a timeline suggests the downfall of Shady Sands and the NCR in 2277. However, this conflicts with the NCR's prominence in 2281 during Fallout: New Vegas, creating a timeline discrepancy.
The retcon debate stems from the show's portrayal of Shady Sands' abrupt fall in 2277. Todd Howard's clarification to IGN revealed that the city's demise was a gradual process, with 2277 marking the beginning of its decline, leading to its eventual destruction a few years later.
Canonical Endings Dilemma for Fallout: New Vegas
While the retcon issue is addressed, the Fallout TV Show introduces another unresolved matter regarding canonical endings for Fallout: New Vegas and its impact on the franchise timeline.
Fallout: New Vegas (Base Game)
To justify the NCR's evolution into a major post-war civilization, the canon ending from Fallout: New Vegas must ensure the NCR's survival on the West Coast. This implies that the NCR, Mr. House, or Yes Man endings could all be considered canon.
Fallout: New Vegas Dead Money DLC
The canonical ending of this DLC, where the player betrays Elijah and escapes the Sierra Madre, sets the stage for subsequent DLC events.
Fallout: New Vegas Lonesome Road DLC
With endings affecting the NCR directly, the canon ending for this DLC likely involves Ed-E disarming the missiles or targeting Ceasar's Legion.
While sequels often establish canon endings, concerns arise about player agency in shaping game narratives. The debate over canon endings in the Fallout Show adds complexity to the franchise's lore, raising questions about player freedom and narrative integrity.