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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallFor the standard main-story route, leave Vault 101, investigate Megaton, follow the trail through Galaxy News Radio and Rivet City, then continue toward Vault 112. Side quests are optional. Before the final mission, check whether you have Broken Steel: without it, the main quest ends the game session, while the add-on continues the campaign after Take it Back!.
Before you start: check your edition and add-ons
Fallout 3 has a definitive ending when its main quest ends, Bethesda Support says. Without Broken Steel, Bethesda says you must load an earlier save or start a new game to return to the outside world. If you want to keep exploring after the original finale, make sure Broken Steel is installed before completing the final quest. Bethesda Support: ending behavior
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Fallout 3 - PlayStation 3 Game of the Year Edition | $20.80 | Buy on Amazon |
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XBOX 360 Fallout 3 (2008) (Renewed) | $11.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition - Classic (Xbox 360) [UK IMPORT]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51wKuMBQfoL._SL160_.jpg)
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Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition - Classic (Xbox 360) [UK IMPORT] | $86.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
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Fallout 3 | $30.33 | Buy on Amazon |
Broken Steel is a continuation of the original main quest, not just postgame scenery. Its quests begin after Take it Back!, and it raises the level cap from 20 to 30, according to Bethesda Support. Bethesda Support: Broken Steel
The documented Game of the Year edition for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 includes the base game and all five add-ons. That is a historical release detail, not a guarantee of current availability or compatibility on newer hardware. Check your platform, edition, and installed add-ons before following DLC-specific instructions. On PC, Bethesda says to enable add-ons in the game’s Data Files menu; the installation process can differ by store and setup. Game of the Year edition details · Bethesda Support: Steam DLC
#1 Best Overall
- Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition PS3
- console-video-games
The main quest walkthrough
This is the familiar main-story route, not a list of every possible way to reach each objective. Exploration can open alternate paths, and the quest sequence is flexible enough that not every player will complete each stage in precisely the same order. Fallout 3 quest route and categories
1. Escape Vault 101
Begin with Escape!, the opening quest that takes you out of Vault 101 and into the Capital Wasteland. Once outside, Megaton is the natural first destination for picking up the main-story trail.
Rank #2
2. Investigate Megaton and follow the lead
In Megaton, pursue Following in His Footsteps. It points you toward Galaxy News Radio and establishes the next leg of the main quest. Quest reference: Following in His Footsteps
3. Continue through Galaxy News Radio
Follow the Galaxy News Radio lead as the standard route toward the next main-story developments. The quest route can be bypassed in some circumstances, so treat this as the reliable conventional path rather than an absolute requirement for every playthrough. Quest route reference
Rank #3
- Includes Fallout 3 and 5 expansion packs: Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel, Point Lookout and Mothership Zeta.
- Unlimited Freedom: Take the sights and sounds of the vast capital Wasteland See the great landmarks of the United States lying in post-apocalyptic ruin You make the choices that define you and change the world. Keep an eye on your Rad Put
- Special experience: Vault-Tec engineers bring you the latest human ability simulation – the special character system Using new innovations in point-based capability representation, Special offers unlimited customization of your character. Dozens of unique skills and benefits to choose from, each with a variety of dazzling effects
- The power of choice: You feel like a sad villain today, or a good samaritan Choose a side or walk on the line, because each situation can be handled in different ways. Talk about your problems in a civilized way, or just flash your plasma rifle.
- Blast 'Em Away With V.A.T.S. : Even the chances of battle with the Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System for your Pip-Boy Model 3000 V.A.T.S. Allows you to pause combat time, target specific body parts at your target, queue attacks and let Vault-Tec pull out your aggression. Death and destruction of rain in a brand new film presentation.
4. Go to Rivet City and pursue Scientific Pursuits
The route continues to Rivet City, where Scientific Pursuits directs you toward Project Purity and Vault 112. If you have discovered locations or advanced objectives while exploring, your quest stages may not match this sequence exactly. Quest reference: Scientific Pursuits
5. Enter Vault 112 and complete Tranquility Lane
Continue into Vault 112 and undertake Tranquility Lane. Entering Vault 112 can advance past earlier quest stages, so follow the active quest objective if your journal reflects a different order. The quest references support this route, but do not establish every encounter or solution detail; this guide therefore stays focused on the progression rather than prescribing unverified choices or puzzle steps.
Rank #4
- Good Condition: No manual; Includes original cover art and game
Are side quests required?
No. Side quests provide optional stories and activities alongside the main quest; they are not prerequisites for following the main route. One early option is The Wasteland Survival Guide, offered by Moira Brown in Megaton. Take it if you want an exploration-focused detour, or leave it for later if you are concentrating on the main story. Quest list and categories
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does Fallout 3 end after the main story?
In the original game without Broken Steel, yes: Bethesda says the main quest has a definitive ending, and returning to the outside world requires loading an earlier save or starting a new game. If you plan to finish optional quests after the original finale, do them beforehand or install Broken Steel. With the add-on installed, the campaign continues after Take it Back!. Bethesda Support: ending behavior · Bethesda Support: Broken Steel
Best Value
- Fight for survival against terrors of the outside world, radiation, and mutants after nuclear fallout
- Latest in human ability simulation affords unlimited customization of characters
- Expansive world in modern super-deluxe HD graphics
- Features ability to pause time in combat, target specific body parts, and queue up attacks
- 1st- or 3rd-person perspective
Choosing a route: story first or broad exploration
| Approach | What to do | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Main-story focus | Follow the route from Vault 101 through Megaton, Galaxy News Radio, Rivet City, and Vault 112; complete side content before the finale if you do not have Broken Steel. | Players who want to reach the story’s ending with fewer detours. |
| Exploration and side quests | Take optional quests such as The Wasteland Survival Guide while progressing, and check the installed add-ons before planning post-finale play. | Players who want optional content woven into the journey. |
There is no single add-on order established here beyond Broken Steel‘s post-finale dependency. Avoid assuming that the other add-ons must be played at a particular point in the main quest.
Manuals and older guides
Bethesda provides a link to the digital PC manual and says it cannot provide physical copies. Bethesda manual help
The Prima Fallout 3 Official Game Guide is a historical supplementary reference with maps, strategies, and walkthroughs, but the source describing it also reports errors. Treat it as a reference rather than an infallible authority. Guide description and reported errors
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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