Rumors around Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters just refuse to die. In fact, they’re louder than ever as Season 2 of the hit Prime Video Fallout TV series continues to roll out and pull new fans into the wasteland.
Both games are considered classics, and for good reason. Fallout 3 marked a major turning point for the franchise, while New Vegas remains a fan favorite thanks to its deeper role-playing systems and writing. But despite years of speculation, Bethesda has still not officially confirmed remasters for either title.
That said, there’s plenty to unpack. Here’s everything we currently know about the rumored Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters, what’s been said by insiders, and how you can play an upgraded version of Fallout 3 right now without spending a dime.
Why Fallout 3 and New Vegas Still Matter
Released in 2008, Fallout 3 was the first Fallout game developed by Bethesda and the first to fully move the series into a 3D open world. It was a massive shift from the earlier isometric titles and went on to win multiple Game of the Year awards.
Two years later, Fallout: New Vegas launched in 2010. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda, it earned critical acclaim for its branching storylines, player choice, and morally complex factions.
Both games are still widely played today, but by modern standards, they feel dated. That’s why talk of remasters has kept Fallout fans buzzing for years.
Has Bethesda Announced Anything Official?
Short answer: no.
Bethesda has not formally announced remasters for Fallout 3 or Fallout: New Vegas. However, things got interesting after leaked court documents surfaced during Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, which was finalized in 2021.
Those documents listed several planned remasters and remakes, including Fallout 3. Since then, at least one of those projects has become reality. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered quietly launched in April 2025, proving that these leaked plans were not just wishful thinking.
That revelation alone has kept Fallout remaster hopes very much alive.
What Insiders Are Saying
Well-known industry insider NateTheHate has repeatedly claimed that a Fallout 3 remaster is still a “planned release.” He recently doubled down on that stance in posts shared on X, formerly Twitter.
Xbox and Microsoft insider Jez Corden, editor at Windows Central, has echoed those claims. According to Corden, not only is Fallout 3 getting a remaster, but there are also plans in place for a Fallout: New Vegas remaster.
That doesn’t mean either project is close to release, but it does suggest they haven’t been canceled.
Online Speculation and Debunked Theories
As expected, the internet has been busy connecting dots.
Some fans pointed to an online countdown that appears to end alongside the finale of Fallout Season 2, suggesting it could be teasing remasters. Corden has pushed back on that idea, saying he’s heard the countdown has nothing to do with Fallout 3 or New Vegas.
Another rumor started when a Reddit user claimed they couldn’t post reviews for Fallout 3 and New Vegas on Steam. The error message said users had to “wait until this product has been released.” While that raised eyebrows, other Steam users reported no issues, and insiders again dismissed the idea that it was tied to remasters.
There’s also been chatter about Steam listings showing 12 Fallout games while only 10 appear publicly. According to multiple reports, those missing entries are likely region-specific versions of existing games, not hidden remasters.
So, When Could the Remasters Release?
At this point, release dates are completely unknown.
Jez Corden has been very clear that fans should not expect Fallout 3 or New Vegas remasters anytime soon. In a recent Windows Central article, he said the projects are not “imminent” and won’t be arriving in the near future.
He did add one interesting detail, though. Based on what he’s hearing, Fallout 3 is expected to be remastered before Fallout: New Vegas. That lines up with the leaked documents from Microsoft’s acquisition case.
Which Platforms Would Get Them?
If Oblivion Remastered is any indication, Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters would likely launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Bethesda has been leaning into multiplatform releases for major remasters, even after joining Microsoft, so it would be surprising to see Fallout locked to just one ecosystem.
There’s Already a “Free” Fallout 3 Remaster of Sorts
Here’s the part many fans overlook.
While an official next-gen remaster hasn’t been announced, you can already play an enhanced version of Fallout 3 right now through Xbox Game Pass.
Thanks to Xbox Series X|S backward compatibility features, Fallout 3 runs at higher resolution and improved frame rates compared to its original console release. The same goes for Fallout: New Vegas.
It’s not a full remake, and it doesn’t overhaul textures, animations, or UI. But if you’re a console player without access to PC mods, this is easily the best way to experience Fallout 3 in 2026.
Just be prepared for some old-school jank. The game still has its quirks, from awkward gunplay to the maze-like layout of Washington DC, which can make exploration frustrating at times. Stick with it, though, and the RPG depth still shines.
What This Means for Fallout Fans
Between the success of the Fallout TV series and the growing number of credible insider reports, it’s hard not to feel like something big is coming. Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas remasters seem more likely than ever, even if they’re still years away.
Until then, Xbox Game Pass offers an easy way to revisit the Capital Wasteland and remind yourself why Fallout 3 made such a lasting impact. As always in this franchise, one truth remains unchanged.
War never changes.
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