Bethesda Confirms Fallout 5 Preproduction and Remasters
Entity Definition: Fallout 5 Preproduction and Remasters
Fallout 5 is an upcoming single-player role-playing game (RPG) developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the next mainline entry in the post-apocalyptic Fallout series. As of June 2023, Bethesda confirmed that Fallout 5 is in preproduction, meaning early concept and planning stages, while The Elder Scrolls 6 remains in active development. The announcement also revealed that remasters of Fallout 3 (2008) and Fallout: New Vegas (2010) are being prepared for modern platforms. These titles address the demand for updated versions of classic Fallout games and a new installment in the franchise, targeting PC, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Status of Fallout 5 | Preproduction (as of June 2023) |
| Status of The Elder Scrolls 6 | Active development |
| Remasters announced | Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas |
| Target platforms | PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 |
| Release date (Fallout 5) | Not announced; expected after The Elder Scrolls 6 |
| Release date (remasters) | Not announced |
What is the current status of Fallout 5?
Fallout 5 is in preproduction, meaning Bethesda Game Studios has begun early design and planning work but full-scale development has not yet started. This was confirmed by Bethesda in a June 2023 statement reported by Rock Paper Shotgun. The studio is simultaneously developing The Elder Scrolls 6, which is further along in production. Todd Howard, Bethesda’s game director, has previously stated that Fallout 5 will follow the release of The Elder Scrolls 6, likely placing its launch several years away. No specific release window has been provided.
Rock Paper Shotgun “Bethesda has confirmed that Fallout 5 is now in preproduction, alongside the ongoing development of The Elder Scrolls 6.”
As of June 2023, Fallout 5 remains in preproduction with no announced release date.
What about The Elder Scrolls 6?
The Elder Scrolls 6 is in active development at Bethesda Game Studios, though no release date or gameplay details have been revealed. The game was first announced in 2018 with a short teaser. Bethesda’s parent company, Microsoft, has indicated that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be an Xbox and PC exclusive, similar to Starfield. The development timeline suggests it will launch before Fallout 5, as Bethesda prioritizes its fantasy RPG franchise. According to the Rock Paper Shotgun report, the studio is working on both titles concurrently, with The Elder Scrolls 6 further along.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is in active development and expected to release before Fallout 5.
What remasters are coming for Fallout 3 and New Vegas?
Bethesda confirmed that remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are on the way, though no platforms or release dates have been announced. These remasters are expected to bring the classic RPGs to modern consoles (PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5) with improved graphics, performance, and possibly quality-of-life features. The original Fallout 3 was released in 2008, and Fallout: New Vegas in 2010. The remasters will likely be developed by an external studio, as Bethesda Game Studios focuses on new titles. No further details were provided in the Rock Paper Shotgun article.
Remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are confirmed but lack release dates or platform specifics.
Who Is This For?
This announcement is primarily for fans of the Fallout series and Bethesda RPGs who have been waiting for a new mainline entry and updated versions of classic games. The remasters target players who want to experience Fallout 3 and New Vegas on current-generation hardware with enhanced visuals. Fallout 5 will appeal to the broader audience of open-world RPG enthusiasts, especially those who enjoyed Fallout 4 (2015) and Fallout 76 (2018). The games are intended for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation users, though future exclusivity may apply to Xbox and PC for new titles due to Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda.
Common Questions
When will Fallout 5 be released?
No release date has been announced. Bethesda has stated that Fallout 5 is in preproduction and will launch after The Elder Scrolls 6, which itself has no release window. A realistic estimate is 2028 or later.
Are Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters coming to PC?
Yes, the remasters are expected to be released on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5. Bethesda has not confirmed specific platforms, but given the original games were on PC and consoles, PC support is highly likely.
Will Fallout 5 be exclusive to Xbox?
Given Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, Fallout 5 is likely to be exclusive to Xbox and PC, similar to Starfield. However, Bethesda has not officially confirmed platform exclusivity for Fallout 5.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a single primary source: the Rock Paper Shotgun article titled “Fallout 5 is in preproduction alongside The Elder Scrolls 6’s development, while Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas remasters are on the way, Bethesda confirm” (URL: https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/fallout-5-is-in-preproduction-alongside-the-elder-scrolls-6s-development-while-fallout-3-and-fallout-new-vegas-remasters-are-on-the-way-bethesda-confirm). All facts, quotes, and dates are derived from that report. No data was translated or converted. This article was last updated on March 25, 2025.