Fallout London, often dubbed a “DLC-sized mod,” transcends that label—it’s essentially a brand-new game, built within the framework of Fallout 4 and offered completely free. Over five years in the making, this ambitious project is the brainchild of more than a dozen passionate modders, and it delivers an experience that not only reimagines Bethesda’s classic RPG but improves upon it in myriad ways. Yes, it’s buggy—much like any official Bethesda release—but Fallout London stands as a testament to fan dedication and could easily be considered one of the finest mods ever created for any RPG on PC.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Fallout London is its setting. By shifting the action away from the familiar landscapes of the United States, the mod offers a fresh perspective within the Fallout universe, something Bethesda has yet to explore, and likely never will. After the iconic “War Never Changes” intro, players awaken in an underground vat, where two scientists—voiced by Doctor Who legends Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy—discuss your mysterious origins. Soon, chaos ensues, and you find yourself escaping the lab, hopping on a train, and embarking on an epic journey through a post-apocalyptic London.
The attention to detail in this fictionalized, bombed-out version of London is nothing short of impressive. Whether wandering the city streets by day or night, the environment feels alive and meticulously crafted, often surpassing Bethesda’s own efforts. The mod is packed with Easter Eggs, like hidden TARDISes, a Jack the Ripper Museum, and even a creepy hairdresser on Fleet Street, adding layers of depth and fun to the experience.
Fallout London doesn’t just transplant the Fallout formula to a new location—it thoroughly reimagines it. Instead of collecting bottle caps, you gather tickets for the London Underground gates. Nuka Colas are replaced by Ion Brew, and the weapons are distinctly European, featuring melee builds that are far more viable than in the base game. Even the iconic Pip-Boy gets an overhaul, swapped out for an “Atta-Boy,” a tablet-like device with a clunky cartridge slot that feels both retro and refreshingly new.
But Fallout London isn’t just about clever tweaks and nods to British culture. The mod offers a fully-voiced campaign that rivals the length of Fallout 4, complete with unique companions, legendary weapons, vast colonies, and a sprawling map brimming with side quests. The missions are diverse and engaging, though occasionally hindered by the game’s inability to clearly indicate quest objectives. This can lead to some frustrating moments, especially when unintended platforming is required, but overall, the quest design is strong, and the game’s narrative consistently keeps you hooked.
While Fallout London’s storyline is more linear than the branching paths of classics like New Vegas or Fallout 2, it still offers rich, moment-to-moment gameplay. The dialogue system has been revamped to offer more nuanced choices, reminiscent of New Vegas’ style, and the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. integration has been reworked, along with the perks system, making for the most in-depth Fallout experience since Obsidian’s 2010 masterpiece. It’s a near-idealized version of Fallout, where the RPG mechanics enhance your journey through London’s claustrophobic streets and the intricate relationships with its inhabitants and factions.
Speaking of factions, Fallout London’s are brilliantly conceived and fit seamlessly into the British setting. Six major groups, each representing different facets of the post-apocalyptic British class struggle, vie for control of London. The Gentry, a remnant of the old aristocracy, still cling to power, supported by the militant Tommies. Opposing them are the 5th Column and the Arthurian-inspired Camelot, each with its own motives for dismantling the existing order.
The mod also features smaller, yet equally compelling factions like the warring Vagabond and Isle of Dogs Syndicate gangs, and the Thamesfolk—a tragic group mutated by the toxic waters of the Thames. Fallout London even introduces unforgettable companions, such as the clumsy treasure hunter Kiera, the aristocratic ghoul Mountbatten, and Churchill, an adorable bulldog who serves as a stand-in for Dogmeat. However, while some characters are richly developed, others feel underutilized, leaving you wishing for more interactions with these intriguing personalities.
But let’s be clear—Fallout London isn’t without its flaws. It’s buggy, really buggy. From issues with damage calculations to frequent crashes, the mod pushes Fallout 4’s aging engine to its limits, and it shows. Some players have struggled to get past the intro due to a particularly nasty crash, and while most bugs are more of a nuisance than game-breaking, they are a reminder of the mod’s ambitious scope.
Despite these issues, Fallout London is nothing short of a triumph. It’s a beautifully written, painstakingly crafted love letter to both Fallout and British culture, offering dozens of hours of gameplay that leave you craving even more. This mod is a true marvel of the modding community, transforming the familiar into something extraordinary, and proving that within the world of Bethesda games, the possibilities are limitless. And don't forget to MIND THE GAP
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