Fallout Shelter
Released Mar 2017
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
87% positive · 83K reviews
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Fallout Shelter is a free-to-play game operating as a live service. A major update in December 2025 brought years of mobile-exclusive content to the Steam version and introduced a formal seasonal structure with rotating limited-time events. Each season features a unique themed scenario — an "Experimental Vault" separate from the player's main vault — with exclusive questlines, rooms, cosmetics, characters, and weapons to earn. A paid Season Pass upgrade is available each season for premium rewards.
Since December 2025, Bethesda has launched seasons at a consistent pace of roughly every 6-8 weeks: "Viva New Vegas" (first run, December 2025), "House Always Wins" (January 21, 2026), "Ultracite Fever" (March 6, 2026), "In Gold We Trust" (April 16, 2026), "Synthetic Identity" (May 27, 2026), and a return of "Viva New Vegas" (July 16, 2026). This last post — as of today, August 15, 2026 — is less than a month old, confirming the cycle is actively ongoing.
This is a by-design live service model: content rotates in on an ongoing basis with no defined endpoint, and Bethesda has made no announcement that this seasonal structure will conclude.
Evidence
Viva New Vegas season relaunched, featuring new challenges, rewards, and a Season Pass with premium prizes. Most recent developer communication as of August 15, 2026.
Synthetic Identity season launched, themed around Synths from Fallout 4's Institute faction.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Achievements
35
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player
About this game
Fallout Shelter puts you in control of a state-of-the-art underground Vault from Vault-Tec. Build the perfect Vault, keep your Dwellers happy, and protect them from the dangers of the Wasteland.
BUILD THE PERFECT VAULT
Create a brighter future…underground! Select from a variety of modern-day rooms to turn an excavation beneath 2,000 feet of bedrock into the very picture of Vault Life.
OVERSEE A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Get to know your Dwellers and lead them to happiness. Find their ideal jobs and watch them flourish. Provide them with outfits, weapons, and training to improve their abilities.
CUSTOMIZE
Turn worthless junk into useful items with Crafting! Customize the look of any dweller in the Barbershop.
PROSPER
A well-run Vault requires a variety of Dwellers with a mix of skills. Build a Radio Room to attract new Dwellers. Or, take an active role in their personal lives; play matchmaker and watch the sparks fly!
EXPLORE THE WASTELAND
Send Dwellers above ground to explore the blasted surface left behind and seek adventure, handy survival loot, or unspeakable death. Find new armor and weapons, gain experience, and earn Caps. But don’t let them die!
PROTECT YOUR VAULT
From time to time, idyllic Vault life may be disrupted by the dangers of post-nuclear life. Prepare your Dwellers to protect against threats from the outside…and within.
Vault-Tec has provided the tools, but the rest is up to you. What are you waiting for? Get started building your Vault today for FREE.
BUILD THE PERFECT VAULT
Create a brighter future…underground! Select from a variety of modern-day rooms to turn an excavation beneath 2,000 feet of bedrock into the very picture of Vault Life.
OVERSEE A THRIVING COMMUNITY
Get to know your Dwellers and lead them to happiness. Find their ideal jobs and watch them flourish. Provide them with outfits, weapons, and training to improve their abilities.
CUSTOMIZE
Turn worthless junk into useful items with Crafting! Customize the look of any dweller in the Barbershop.
PROSPER
A well-run Vault requires a variety of Dwellers with a mix of skills. Build a Radio Room to attract new Dwellers. Or, take an active role in their personal lives; play matchmaker and watch the sparks fly!
EXPLORE THE WASTELAND
Send Dwellers above ground to explore the blasted surface left behind and seek adventure, handy survival loot, or unspeakable death. Find new armor and weapons, gain experience, and earn Caps. But don’t let them die!
PROTECT YOUR VAULT
From time to time, idyllic Vault life may be disrupted by the dangers of post-nuclear life. Prepare your Dwellers to protect against threats from the outside…and within.
Vault-Tec has provided the tools, but the rest is up to you. What are you waiting for? Get started building your Vault today for FREE.
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Last evaluated Aug 15, 2026
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