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Fallout Shelter

Fallout Shelter works best when played as a mobile game- get too addicted to it, and its lack of endgame, and shallowness of mechanics make themselves apparent, and start to create problems.
Fallout Shelter Game Cover
69%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
monetization, stability
71% User Score Based on 10,000 reviews
Critic Score 64%Based on 4 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchAndroidPlaystation 5Playstation 4XboxSteam DeckiPhoneWindowsPlayStationXbox Series X|SPCTabletCloudPhoneXbox OneiPadMobile Platform
Fallout Shelter Game Cover

About

Fallout Shelter is a single player survival role playing game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and was released on March 29, 2017. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

Fallout Shelter is a single-player simulation game that puts you in charge of an underground vault. Experience stellar game mechanics, sensational graphics, and plenty of humor, but be prepared for lots of grinding, annoying ads, and bugs. The game offers an intriguing story with highly emotional moments, creating a unique and immersive experience for players.

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71%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,000 reviews
story282 positive mentions
monetization751 negative mentions

  • Engaging gameplay with a fun mix of resource management and character development.
  • Charming graphics and humor that resonate well with Fallout fans.
  • Optional ads for rewards that do not disrupt the overall experience.
  • Frequent crashes and loading issues, especially when trying to access vaults.
  • Repetitive gameplay that can become tedious after reaching a certain point.
  • Difficult controls, particularly when trying to select and move dwellers during emergencies.
  • story
    1,477 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story aspect of "Fallout Shelter" has received mixed reviews from players. While many appreciate the engaging quests and humorous dialogue that add depth to the gameplay, others find the missions repetitive and lacking a strong overarching narrative. Players express a desire for more varied and challenging quests, as well as additional storylines to maintain interest after completing the initial missions. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable, but it could benefit from more content and improved quest mechanics to enhance the storytelling experience.

    • “It's not a precise storyline like other Fallout games, but the art style, dwellers' chit-chat, missions, stories in quests, and the Halloween effects on the game every year make me feel like I'm an overseer of an actual vault. The protagonists in the wasteland are going on their destined paths, but unlike other Fallout games, this game is more addictive than weed.”
    • “The mission system and the interactions between vault dwellers and outsiders alike are beautiful. The quests are exciting, and the advertisements they force you to watch often offer good rewards.”
    • “The quests are fun, and the dialogue is funny, and it's fun putting together your own vault. The quests add a great new mix to the relatively low speed of development in the game.”
    • “The quests are super boring and repetitive.”
    • “The game is kinda fun and has some humor but comes to pretty much a dead stop once you run out of missions; sure you have daily and weekly missions, but it makes it something you poke at once a day and wonder why you're wasting your time.”
    • “The quests take too long; I've had nearly 200 residents and 98% happiness.”
  • monetization
    1,052 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game is generally viewed positively, with players appreciating that ads are optional and not forced upon them, allowing for a more enjoyable experience. However, many users report issues with ad functionality, including long cooldowns and glitches that prevent rewards from being received, which detracts from the overall experience. While microtransactions exist, they are often seen as non-intrusive and not necessary for progression, although some players feel that the game increasingly pushes for in-app purchases.

    • “Microtransactions are definitely there, but really not needed to progress.”
    • “The in-game purchases are unnecessary for the enjoyment of the game and not all that intrusive.”
    • “It's truly free-to-play; purchases are completely optional and there are no ads.”
    • “After enduring a lot, and I mean a lot of annoying ads that you can't get rid of, even if you pay, I logged on to find my vault was missing.”
    • “The game now doesn't use/work with ads; it's a slow game with almost no progress without any of the items the ads reward, making the survival mode feel like the only mode when I play.”
    • “I love this game and one of the reasons is that the game is completely playable without purchases, but now they have plugged ads into everything, making it feel cheap.”
  • gameplay
    624 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Fallout Shelter is characterized by a blend of resource management, strategic building, and character development, which many players find addictive and engaging. While the game offers a fun and simple interface, some users note that it can become repetitive over time, with a desire for more varied mechanics and updates to keep the experience fresh. Despite occasional bugs and crashes, the overall mechanics are generally well-received, with players appreciating the humor and charm that align with the Fallout franchise.

    • “The game combines resource management, strategic building, and character development, providing hours of addictive gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and interactive enough to stay busy.”
    • “It's a fun collection game, with a pretty stable gameplay that doesn't really need money to master.”
    • “The gameplay can get repetitive at times, but the occasional quests really make it fun. One suggestion though: make quests take a shorter time to complete.”
    • “Gameplay is very fluid, but I have lost lots of gameplay time due to issues like crashes and long loading times.”
    • “The gameplay is dreadfully slow, exploration and recall take ungodly amounts of time unless you pry open the wallet.”
  • stability
    380 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous users reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and glitches that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players experience issues during loading screens, especially when accessing vaults or sending dwellers on missions, leading to frustration and loss of progress. While some users note improvements over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains plagued by bugs, making it difficult to enjoy fully.

    • “It isn't buggy and is perfectly smooth.”
    • “Good investment for the return of the items and the game just runs great.”
    • “No glitches so far, everything seems to be working fine.”
    • “The game crashes most of the time when I try to start it. It freezes when I resume the game after it goes out of focus.”
    • “I would love to give a good review, but how can I when the moment I tap on the app it freezes? I searched everywhere and so many other people have the same problem. I tried deleting the app, downloading the game, clearing the cache, and restarting my phone, but nothing works. The game just keeps freezing. Please fix this bug.”
    • “The game constantly freezes and crashes, making it impossible to play.”
  • graphics
    371 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their charming art style and smooth animations, effectively capturing the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the Fallout universe. Many players appreciate the vibrant visuals and the variety of character designs, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. However, some users have noted that while the graphics are generally good for a mobile game, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of optimization for lower-end devices and potential graphical updates.

    • “The charming graphics and iconic Fallout universe details make it enjoyable for fans and newcomers alike.”
    • “The graphics are smooth, and run fantastically.”
    • “The graphics are amazing and the gameplay is smooth too.”
    • “It's a good game, but the graphics suck so much, even for a mobile game, and especially coming from such a big game studio.”
    • “I feel like the game could use a graphical update and parity with the other device versions like PC and such.”
    • “The graphics aren't great, but they work for the game, and the gameplay is odd, but it complements what the game is trying to do.”
  • music
    179 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music aspect of the game has received significant criticism from users, primarily due to its inability to allow background music or audio from other apps while playing. Many players express frustration that the game automatically pauses any music or podcasts, even when the in-game sound is muted, which detracts from their overall experience. While some appreciate the game's original music and sound effects, the lack of flexibility in audio options has led to lower ratings and dissatisfaction among players.

    • “The art and music are great.”
    • “I love the artwork and the camera, and the sound effects/music add to the experience.”
    • “The music is also beautiful and fits right into the gameplay.”
    • “Unfortunately, you can't play your music in the background of this game, but I'm not sure why.”
    • “It auto shuts off any other music or podcast app when it opens, and even if you leave the app for a moment, like to turn it back on, it'll still shut it off.”
    • “It's ridiculous that an idle time-waster game like this would prevent outside media like music or YouTube from being played simultaneously.”
  • grinding
    118 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players noting that it can lead to boredom over time. While some appreciate the ability to unlock everything through grinding without the need for microtransactions, others find the repetitive tasks and slow progression frustrating. Overall, the game offers a mix of enjoyable gameplay and significant grinding, which may not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer faster-paced experiences.

    • “Not too grindy.”
    • “Not pay to win and not very grindy.”
    • “And unlike Elder Scrolls: Blades, it's not pay to play and not too grindy.”
    • “Too grindy with really nothing to do other than waiting for everything.”
    • “The game was a whole lot of fun and grinding at first but now there's no new missions or anything really to keep me playing/entertained, unfortunately.”
    • “It's very tedious having to exit to the main menu and reload your vault every time.”
  • humor
    107 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying its witty dialogue, funny quests, and quirky character interactions that reflect the classic Fallout style. Many reviews highlight the amusing puns, humorous animations, and the ability to give dwellers funny names, contributing to an overall lighthearted and entertaining experience. However, some users note that the humor can diminish as the game progresses, particularly when missions run out, leading to a less engaging experience.

    • “It's hilarious because some of my guys are just hilariously fun, and I enjoyed the game a bunch.”
    • “The animation and dialogue have that classic Fallout humor.”
    • “The quests are fun, managing the vault is challenging yet humorous; if you love Fallout 4, you'll love this game, simple as that.”
    • “The game was fun until it turned into an unfunny joke.”
    • “The humor fell flat and felt forced throughout the gameplay.”
    • “I expected witty dialogue, but instead, I got cringeworthy attempts at comedy.”
  • optimization
    35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players noting improvements in performance on older devices, while others report significant issues, particularly when managing larger populations. Many users express frustration with the game's inability to fully utilize modern phone displays and the frequent crashes or slowdowns experienced on newer devices. Despite some positive feedback regarding smoother gameplay, the consensus indicates that further optimization is needed to enhance the experience across a wider range of mobile devices.

    • “I don't know how you did it, but it used to run into performance issues when you had too many dwellers, but now, giving it another go, I'm almost at that point again and it still seems to be running fine.”
    • “The art is cartoonish and cool, and it runs smoothly even on my crummy phone.”
    • “It's optimized well and perfect for phones.”
    • “Please fix the performance issue when you have a lot of dwellers. I can't even buy anything from the shop; the game is so bad right now I can't even play for 5 seconds without it kicking me out.”
    • “The performance is pretty terrible on mobile and does eventually make the game unplayable, which is where I hit a wall.”
    • “I love the game, but I hate the lack of optimization it is receiving for newer Android devices and operating systems.”
  • emotional
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be a mix of nostalgia and heartfelt experiences, particularly appreciating its wholesome elements and the emotional weight of losing characters. However, frustrations with gameplay mechanics, such as sensitivity issues and bugs, detract from the overall emotional engagement. Despite these challenges, many reviewers express a strong attachment to the game's themes and potential for deeper emotional storytelling.

    • “The game is emotionally and mentally taxing and requires someone who could work through all the challenges.”
    • “Fallout Shelter is an emotional and spiritual journey outclassing all to come before it.”
    • “I also loved how this game made me feel nostalgic for the other Fallout games, and I think it captures the vibes of Fallout in a more cartoony fashion.”
  • replayability
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the game to have strong replayability, enhanced by high-quality items and engaging graphics. While some users note a grindy experience and a desire for more content, many appreciate the game's updates and quest system that contribute to its lasting appeal. Despite a few criticisms, the consensus is that the game remains fun and addictive, offering decent replay value.

    • “Fun, addicting game with excellent graphics and replayability.”
    • “By far the most fair and replayable game on the market!”
    • “The replay value is excellent.”
    • “The biggest flaw I have with a game like this is replayability; although grindy at times, I still enjoy coming back and working on progressing my shelter and dwellers.”
    • “My main issue is the lack of replayability after you do everything.”
    • “Just wish there were more wanderers and more lunch boxes and easier methods of making money so it was more playable and easier to build your vault.”
  • atmosphere
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its strong resemblance to the Fallout series, evoking a nostalgic and immersive post-apocalyptic vibe that resonates with both long-time fans and newcomers. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a captivating mood that enhances the overall experience, with suggestions for additional features to further enrich the atmosphere. Overall, the game's design and ambiance contribute significantly to its enjoyment and engagement.

    • “The atmosphere in the game is highly reminiscent of the Fallout series and wonderfully mastered.”
    • “For long-time fans, it's a nostalgic journey filled with the familiar post-apocalyptic atmosphere, tailored for shorter, more relaxed gaming sessions.”
    • “The Fallout series is one of the most charming gaming atmospheres, and Fallout Shelter encapsulates this same charisma even in its simplistic 2D design.”
    • “The game has some of the original atmosphere, what to say - recommendations for sure.”
    • “I only wish for another, more deep, fallout idle game for the old players who don't have the same time to play as before, but still want to feel the wasteland atmosphere.”
    • “These items would greatly increase the morale of the dwellers and make a much better atmosphere in the vault.”
  • character development
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while it offers individual progression and a unique aesthetic reminiscent of Vault Boy, some players find it lacking in depth and engagement. Overall, it complements the resource management and strategic building elements, contributing to an addictive gameplay experience.

    • “The game combines resource management, strategic building, and character development, providing hours of addictive gameplay.”
    • “Even the special system and character development seem lackluster.”
    • “Good post-apocalypse base building game with individual character development.”
    • “I love the mix of the Vault Boy-esque character design with the detailed and gritty environment.”
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147h Median play time
2293h Average play time
17h Main story
90h Completionist
8-2546h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 13 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Fallout Shelter is a survival role playing game with science fiction theme.

Fallout Shelter is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

The main story can be completed in around 17 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 90 hours to finish. On average players spend around 2293 hours playing Fallout Shelter.

Fallout Shelter was released on March 29, 2017.

Fallout Shelter was developed by Bethesda Game Studios.

Fallout Shelter has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its monetization.

Fallout Shelter is a single player game.

Similar games include Assassin’s Creed Rebellion, Pixel Starships, The Walking Dead No Man's Land, AdVenture Communist, Tap Titans 2: Clicker Idle RPG and others.