One would be hard-pressed to talk about some of the most legendary gaming franchises of all time without mentioning the behemoth that is theFalloutseries. Originally a product of Interplay Entertainment,Falloutswitched publishers and ended up with Bethesda, which did a fine job of bringing over the complexity and nuance of theFalloutseries into a first-person perspective withFallout 3andFallout 4.
However, there’s a sizable section of the fanbase that believes that theFalloutseries wasn’t really done justice by Bethesda themselves, but rather by another video game development studio that took over the reins and delivered a role-playing experience that was more in line with the franchise’s roots. It doesn’t take an expert to state that the studio in question here is Obsidian Entertainment, with their titleFallout: New Vegasbeing widely considered by many to be superior to Bethesda’s offerings.
However, this topic has been the subject of furious debate time and time again, with both sides putting forth valid points in favor of their preferred game. To contextualize this argument, here are five points each detailing out why one of these games surpasses the other in terms of quality.
Updated July 01, 2025, by Ritwik Mitra:Fallout is one of the hottest gaming IPs right now, in no small part because of the significant boost given by the TV show. Players have fallen in love with the amazing world of this adaptation, and the significant boost in player count proves it. When players are thinking about jumping into this series, the two easiest titles to jump in includeFallout 4andNew Vegas.Both games have their strengths and are worth checking out, but players who want to make an informed decision and only invest time in a single Fallout game from the two will find these comparisons to be right up their alley.
17FALLOUT NEW VEGAS — Gives More Context To The Show’s Ending
A Treat For Fans Of New Vegas
Fans ofFallout: New Vegaswere up in arms about a background detail in the show that made them fear the canon the TV series was following. While a lot of this controversy was fabricated,New Vegasfans are understandably hoping that the series does justice to what they consider to be the bestFalloutgame ever made.
Thankfully, the ending of the series makes it clear that New Vegasis going to play a major role in season 2 ofFallout. Fans who want to acquaint themselves with this area before it’s shown in all its majestic splendor in the TV show will find it amazing to play throughNew Vegasand understand what makes this title so popular.
16FALLOUT 4 — Channels The Power Armor From The Show
The Game’s Iteration Of Power Armor Is Similar To The TV Series
One of the best parts of theFalloutseries is the way Power Armor is portrayed. The sheer power of this armor makes it a force to be reckoned with. Anyone with proper Power Armor training can traverse the wasteland without worrying about too many things going for their head.
This iteration of Power Armor is very much in line with the suit’s implementation inFallout 4, which is a step above whatNew Vegasbrings to the table. Carrying around individual Power Armor pieces isn’t the most stimulating thing, so it’s easy to see why players would love to step into the suit and seamlessly use the suit like a second skin, as it should be.
15FALLOUT NEW VEGAS — The Superior Role-Playing Experience
The Perfect Amalgamation Of Old And New Fallout
If there’s one aspect ofNew Vegasthat has received universal praise from fans, it’s the fact that the game’s systems are expertly crafted to help players get through, regardless of their build.
This means that every stat in the game is meaningful in some way, allowing gamers to engage in a role-playing experience unlike anything else released at that time.
14FALLOUT 4 — The Superior Gameplay Experience
The Fallout Game With The Best Gameplay To Date
WhileNew Vegasmight emerge as the clear victor when it comes to the narrative, it falls short by quite a wide margin when it comes to gameplay.
As a modern product,Fallout 4has refined its gunplay to a T, allowing gamers to enjoy a myriad of interesting combat situations that always put their skills to the test without feeling too boring or repetitive.
13FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS — Craft A Personalized Tale
The Courier Genuinely Feels Like A Stand-In For The Player
Most of the systems present inFallout 4are somewhat rigid, meaning that gamers can’t really go through the game as they please. Compromises need to be made to adhere to the limits set byFallout 4.
The same can’t be said forFallout: New Vegas, which provides gamers with so many options to complete quests and tasks that the player truly feels like The Courier is an extension of their being.
12FALLOUT 4 — An Engrossing Plotline With High Stakes
Trying To Find Shaun Makes For A Great Motivation
Fallout 4might not have the level of freedom thatNew Vegassports, but it makes up for this with an overarching goal that any player would find it easy to get behind — finding their lost son.
This makes the plot ofFallout 4feel all the more personal, especially with the fully-voiced protagonist adding a level of emotion that was left unheard until this title.
11FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS — The Side Content Is A Blast
Every Corner Of The World Houses Something Memorable
The best part aboutNew Vegasis that the main plot isn’t the only section of the game that is narratively rich — the same can be said for pretty much every side story in the game.
This makes the exploration of the entirety ofNew Vegasan absolute must so that players don’t miss out on some excellent content.
10FALLOUT 4 — The Environments Can Be Truly Breathtaking
Arguably The Most Beautiful Fallout Game To Date
Fallout 4’s graphics look incredible, especially when compared to the games that preceded it. Roaming around the wasteland feels incredibly immersive due to the amazing graphical fidelity present in the game.
No player can be blamed for getting lost in the hypnotic landscapes of The Commonwealth, which is easily the most beautiful yet bleak setting present in any video game.
9FALLOUT: NEW VEGAS — Memorable Characters
Memorable Writing Helps Personalities Stand Out
One thing that absolutely needs to be commended inFallout: New Vegasis the diverse cast of interesting characters, each of whom is an absolute blast to interact with.
Taking part in the quest lines of all these characters is an absolute must for anyone who’s just getting into the game and wishes to make their experience as memorable as possible.
8FALLOUT 4 — Weapon Mods Personalize Combat Even Further
Makes The Game’s Combat More Dynamic And Exciting
Fallout 4combat’s enough of a joy as is, but Bethesda didn’t stop there — they also gave the player options to attach weapon mods to their firearms, making combat even more dynamic and interesting as a result.
Unloading on enemies with a powerful weapon that is customized with state-of-the-art upgrades is one of the most satisfying moments in the entire game.
