Fallout 5 Could Abandon the US for International Locations, Teases Franchise Veteran

Fallout 5: A Long Wait Ahead for Bethesda's Next Big RPG

While gaming enthusiasts are well aware that Fallout 5 is officially in development at Bethesda, the title remains a very distant project. Currently, the studio’s primary focus is firmly set on The Elder Scrolls 6, a game announced years ago that may not see the light of day until around 2030. Consequently, the next installment in the iconic post-apocalyptic franchise is still years away from realization. This lengthy wait has opened the door to widespread speculation, with a franchise veteran recently sharing a bold vision for where the series could head next—suggesting a departure from the United States for the very first time.

Could Fallout 5 Leave the United States?

Following the eventual release of The Elder Scrolls 6, the Fallout series is expected to stand as Bethesda's next massive pillar, potentially benefiting from the collaborative support of studios like Obsidian under the broader Xbox umbrella. However, with new official details virtually non-existent, fans and former developers alike are left imagining the possibilities. Bruce Nesmith, a veteran designer who worked extensively on the franchise, recently discussed his ideal direction for Fallout 5 in an exclusive interview with Insider Gaming.

When asked where he would take the series if given complete creative freedom, Nesmith admitted that it "would be tempting to leave the United States. London and Paris would be amazing settings." He added that if the developers chose to remain in North America, New Orleans would also present a brilliant backdrop. This perspective mirrors the monumental success of the fan-made, yet remarkably polished, Fallout London mod, which effectively proved that the franchise's post-apocalyptic formula can thrive outside American borders while retaining a compelling atmosphere.

The Identity Dilemma: Can Fallout Lose Its American Roots?

While Bruce Nesmith is far from alone in wanting an official game set internationally, the idea sparks significant debate within the community. Many purists worry that shifting locations overseas could strip the franchise of its core identity, which is deeply intertwined with American mid-century pop culture, retro-futurism, and lore staples like Vault-Tec. Furthermore, high-ranking Bethesda figures such as Todd Howard have historically maintained that Fallout's satirical lens is fundamentally tied to the US.

Nevertheless, nothing is set in stone, and with Fallout 5 still far on the horizon, Bethesda's long-term creative vision could evolve. Whether management ultimately decides to explore foreign soil or stick to domestic ruins, fans will have to wait patiently as the studio completes its current slate of massive role-playing games.