Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Fallout 3 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Fallout 3 on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Fallout: New Vegas, which both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric.
- Fallout 3 is tagged Open World, Post-apocalyptic, RPG, Singleplayer, Exploration, First-Person, Sci-fi, Moddable by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 7 are from the same studio: Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout 4, Starfield, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Game of the Year Edition, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (2009), The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Fallout: New Vegas
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 13 player tags including RPG, Post-apocalyptic and Moddable; published by the same company; released around the same time (2010).
Welcome to Vegas. New Vegas. Enjoy your stay!
Fallout: New Vegas at a glance Released 2010 Studio Obsidian Entertainment Player sentiment 96% positive of 261,194 Price $9.99 RPGPost-apocalypticModdableStory RichExplorationFirst-PersonFPSSci-fi
- 2
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bethesda Game Studios; both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 12 player tags including RPG, Post-apocalyptic and Moddable; released around the same time (2009).
Prepare for the Future™ With Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, experience the most acclaimed game of 2008 like never before. Create a character of your choosing and descend into an awe-inspiring, post-apocalyptic world where every minute is a fight for survival.
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 82% positive of 56,132 Price $19.99 RPGPost-apocalypticModdableFirst-PersonSci-fiFPSExplorationSandbox
- 3
Fallout 4
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bethesda Game Studios; both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 12 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, Exploration and RPG.
From Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Starfield and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, comes Fallout 4. A landmark in open-world RPG design and winner of over 200 ‘Best Of’ honors, including the DICE and BAFTA Game of the Year.
Fallout 4 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 81% positive of 428,604 Price $19.99 Post-apocalypticExplorationRPGShooterFirst-PersonStory RichSci-fiFPS
- 4
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Post-apocalyptic and Shooter.
Enter the Chornobyl Anomalous Zone — a vast open world where anomalies, mutants, and rivals stand in your way. Explore, scavenge, and try to survive in this brutal and dangerous land. Evolving with every update, now overhauled and crowned with UPDATE 2.0.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl at a glance Released 2024 Studio GSC Game World Player sentiment 80% positive of 138,669 Price $41.99 FPSPost-apocalypticShooterExplorationRPGStory RichFirst-PersonSci-fi
- 5
Starfield
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bethesda Game Studios; both open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including RPG, Sci-fi and Exploration.
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Starfield at a glance Released 2023 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 57% positive of 175,175 Price $49.99 RPGSci-fiExplorationFirst-PersonCharacter CustomizationStory RichThird PersonAction RPG
- 6
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Game of the Year Edition
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bethesda Game Studios; both open world, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including RPG, Moddable and First-Person; released around the same time (2009).
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind® Game of the Year Edition includes Morrowind plus all of the content from the Bloodmoon and Tribunal expansions. The original Mod Construction Set is not included in this package. An epic, open-ended single-player RPG, Morrowind allows you to create and play any kind of character imaginable.
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Game of the Year Edition at a glance Released 2009 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 28,571 Price $14.99 RPGModdableFirst-PersonExplorationStory RichSandboxCharacter CustomizationAction RPG
- 7
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (2009)
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bethesda Game Studios; both open world, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including RPG, Moddable and First-Person; released around the same time (2009).
PUBLISHER UPDATE - This is the product page for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition, released in 2009. ---The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition presents one of the best RPGs of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (2009) at a glance Released 2009 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 52,982 Price $14.99 RPGModdableFirst-PersonExplorationCharacter CustomizationStory RichSandboxAction RPG
- 8
Metro: Last Light
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, FPS and Story Rich.
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Metro: Last Light at a glance Released 2013 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 91% positive of 81,499 Price $19.99 Post-apocalypticFPSStory RichHorrorFirst-PersonShooterSci-fi
- 9
RAGE
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, horror, science fiction and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Post-apocalyptic and Shooter; published by the same company; released around the same time (2011).
Powered by id’s revolutionary id Tech® 5 technology, RAGE is an intense first-person shooter with breakneck vehicle combat, an expansive world to explore, and jaw-dropping graphics!
RAGE at a glance Released 2011 Studio id Software Player sentiment 78% positive of 18,288 Price $9.99 FPSPost-apocalypticShooterFirst-PersonSci-fiRPGHorror
- 10
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Female Protagonist, Story Rich and RPG.
Experience Aloy’s legendary quest to unravel the mysteries of a future Earth ruled by Machines. Use devastating tactical attacks against your prey and explore a majestic open world in this award-winning action RPG!
Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition at a glance Released 2020 Studio Guerrilla Player sentiment 88% positive of 128,210 Price Not listed Female ProtagonistStory RichRPGPost-apocalypticSci-fiThird PersonExplorationAction RPG
- 11
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including Female Protagonist, Exploration and RPG.
Experience the epic Horizon Forbidden West™ in its entirety with bonus content and the Burning Shores expansion included. The Burning Shores add-on contains additional content for Aloy’s adventure, including new storylines, characters, and experiences in a stunning yet hazardous new area.
Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition at a glance Released 2024 Studio Guerrilla Player sentiment 88% positive of 30,267 Price $59.99 Female ProtagonistExplorationRPGPost-apocalypticStory RichThird PersonSci-fiAction RPG
- 12
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Bethesda Game Studios; both open world, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Moddable and First-Person; released around the same time (2011).
EPIC FANTASY REBORN The next chapter in the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls saga arrives from the makers of the 2006 and 2008 Games of the Year, Bethesda Game Studios. Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim at a glance Released 2011 Studio Bethesda Game Studios Player sentiment 95% positive of 317,769 Price $19.99 RPGModdableFirst-PersonStory RichSandboxCharacter CustomizationAction RPGThird Person
- 13
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including RPG, Post-apocalyptic and Story Rich; published by the same company; released around the same time (2009).
Fallout® 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game that took RPG'ing out of the dungeons and into a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. It's been 80 long years since your ancestors trod across the wastelands.
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game at a glance Released 2009 Studio Black Isle Studios Player sentiment 94% positive of 17,454 Price $9.99 RPGPost-apocalypticStory RichSci-fiExplorationSandbox
- 14
Prey
Why it matched: both open world, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Sci-fi, Horror and FPS; published by the same company.
In Prey, you awaken aboard Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in the year 2032. You are the key subject of an experiment meant to alter humanity forever – but things have gone terribly wrong. The space station has been overrun by hostile aliens and you are now being hunted.
Prey at a glance Released 2017 Studio Arkane Studios Player sentiment 91% positive of 54,539 Price $29.99 Sci-fiHorrorFPSFirst-PersonStory RichExplorationRPG
- 15
Biomutant
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Character Customization and Post-apocalyptic.
BIOMUTANT® is an open-world, post-apocalyptic Kung-Fu fable RPG, with a unique martial arts styled combat system allowing you to mix melee, shooting and mutant ability action.
Biomutant at a glance Released 2021 Studio Experiment 101 Player sentiment 66% positive of 20,181 Price $39.99 RPGCharacter CustomizationPost-apocalypticThird PersonExplorationAction RPGStory RichSci-fi
- 16
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Deluxe (2009)
Why it matched: both open world, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 9 player tags including RPG, Moddable and First-Person; published by the same company; released around the same time (2009).
PUBLISHER UPDATE - This is the product page for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Deluxe Edition, released in 2009.---The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® Game of the Year Edition presents one of the best RPGs of all time like never before. Step inside the most richly detailed and vibrant game-world ever created.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition Deluxe (2009) at a glance Released 2009 Studio Bethesda Game Studios® Player sentiment 95% positive of 52,989 Price $19.99 RPGModdableFirst-PersonExplorationCharacter CustomizationStory RichSandboxAction RPG
- 17
Mass Effect (2007)
Why it matched: both open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Sci-fi and Story Rich; released around the same time (2008).
As Commander Shepard, you lead an elite squad on a heroic, action-packed adventure throughout the galaxy.
Mass Effect (2007) at a glance Released 2008 Studio BioWare Player sentiment 94% positive of 16,574 Price $29.99 RPGSci-fiStory RichThird PersonCharacter CustomizationShooterFemale ProtagonistAction RPG
- 18
Far Cry
Why it matched: both open world, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Shooter and First-Person; released around the same time (2004).
A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island.
Far Cry at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 82% positive of 11,764 Price $9.99 FPSShooterFirst-PersonStory RichSci-fiHorrorSandbox
- 19
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 6 player tags including Story Rich, Exploration and Post-apocalyptic.
From legendary game creator Hideo Kojima comes a genre-defying experience, now expanded in this definitive DIRECTOR’S CUT. As Sam Bridges, your mission is to deliver hope to humanity by connecting the last survivors of a decimated America. Can you reunite the shattered world, one step at a time?
DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR'S CUT at a glance Released 2022 Studio KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Player sentiment 92% positive of 67,641 Price $39.99 Story RichExplorationPost-apocalypticThird PersonSci-fiHorror
- 20
Terminator: Resistance
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including FPS, Post-apocalyptic and Sci-fi.
Terminator: Resistance, is a first-person shooter set during the 'Future War' scenario that was only glimpsed at in the iconic films, 'THE TERMINATOR' and 'T2: JUDGMENT DAY'. The machines are destined to lose, but at what cost?
Terminator: Resistance at a glance Released 2019 Studio Teyon Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,564 Price $7.99 FPSPost-apocalypticSci-fiFirst-PersonRPGStory RichShooter
- 21
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including RPG, Shooter and Exploration; released around the same time (2008).
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky is the prequel chapter of the Legends of the Zone Trilogy. With the ability to directly influence the balance of power through Faction Wars, step into the boots of Scar — a seasoned mercenary, able to somehow survive deadly Emissions.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky at a glance Released 2008 Studio GSC Game World Player sentiment 56% positive of 3,429 Price $13.39 RPGShooterExplorationFPSFirst-PersonPost-apocalypticSci-fiStory Rich
- 22
BioShock 2
Why it matched: both horror, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 8 player tags including FPS, Story Rich and Horror; released around the same time (2010).
Set approximately 10 years after the events of the original BioShock, the halls of Rapture once again echo with sins of the past. Along the Atlantic coastline, a monster has been snatching little girls and bringing them back to the undersea city of Rapture.
BioShock 2 at a glance Released 2010 Studio 2K Marin Player sentiment 89% positive of 14,964 Price $2.99 FPSStory RichHorrorFirst-PersonShooterSci-fiRPGAction RPG
- 23
Metro Exodus
Why it matched: both post-apocalyptic, open world, horror, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including Post-apocalyptic, FPS and Story Rich.
Flee the shattered ruins of the Moscow Metro and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across the post-apocalyptic Russian wilderness. Explore vast, non-linear levels, lose yourself in an immersive, sandbox survival experience, and follow a thrilling story-line that spans an entire year in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
Metro Exodus at a glance Released 2020 Studio 4A Games Player sentiment 90% positive of 135,440 Price $29.99 Post-apocalypticFPSStory RichFirst-PersonHorrorShooterExploration
- 24
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Why it matched: made by the same studio, 4J Studios; both open world, story-rich and atmospheric; shares 7 player tags including RPG, Exploration and Action RPG; released around the same time (2006).
Explore Cyrodiil like never before with stunning new visuals and refined gameplay in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion at a glance Released 2006 Studio 4J Studios Player sentiment 75% positive of 70,052 Price $49.99 RPGExplorationAction RPGFirst-PersonCharacter CustomizationThird PersonStory Rich
Common questions
What game is most like Fallout 3?
Fallout: New Vegas, on the evidence we have. It both post-apocalyptic, open world, science fiction, story-rich and atmospheric. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Fallout 3" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Fallout 3. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Fallout 3 do?
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout 4, Starfield, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Game of the Year Edition, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition (2009), The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion are also from Bethesda Game Studios, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.