Fallout 5 has officially entered pre-production, Bethesda Game Studios confirmed in a recent studio roadmap. While this marks a significant step forward for the highly anticipated post-apocalyptic RPG, director Todd Howard has reiterated that the game will not arrive for a considerable time, prioritizing The Elder Scrolls 6.
Howard first alluded to Fallout 5's existence in 2021, stating that a "one-pager" outlining the game's concept was in place. He explained at the time that while he wished to accelerate development, he could not commit to a release window. More concrete information emerged in June 2022 when Howard clarified that Fallout 5 would follow the release of The Elder Scrolls 6, which itself was in pre-production and years away from launch.
The development team is working with the studio's in-house Creation Engine 3, which is designed to support multiple projects simultaneously with new tools and rendering systems. Despite the game's early stage, the Fallout television series on Prime Video is already being factored into its development. Executive producer Jonathan Nolan stated the show's creators were aware of Fallout 5's direction, and Howard confirmed that the show's events and stories will be considered canon for the game's world.
Regarding the game's setting, Howard indicated a continued focus on the United States, citing the series' "Americana naivete" as a core element. While acknowledging the possibility of exploring other regions, the predominant plan is to keep the setting within U.S. borders. He also expressed a preference for retaining an element of mystery in the game's world, similar to the approach in The Elder Scrolls series.
Bethesda is not aiming to rush development, even following the success of the Fallout TV show. Howard emphasized the importance of "getting it right" and ensuring that each major franchise title, including Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Starfield, represents a "meaningful moment" for its fans. He acknowledged the desire for a new mainline single-player Fallout game but stressed that such projects require significant time. The studio's primary development focus remains on The Elder Scrolls 6, with the majority of its teams dedicated to that project, positioning Fallout 5 as a "long-range destination."