Fallout 5 Rumored to Have Massive Great Lakes Setting

Fans speculate the next Fallout game could take place in the Chicago and Detroit area, offering new landscapes and gameplay possibilities.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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With Bethesda currently focused on The Elder Scrolls VI, details about the next Fallout game remain scarce. However, a popular fan theory suggests Fallout 5 could be set in the Great Lakes region, with Chicago and Detroit as central hubs. This expansive setting would allow for new environments, underwater exploration, and terrifying new creatures to encounter.

Why it matters

The Fallout series is known for its immersive open worlds, and a Great Lakes setting would represent a significant departure from previous games. Expanding the geographic scope and introducing new landscapes like snow and water-based areas could breathe fresh life into the franchise and excite longtime fans.

The details

According to the fan speculation, a Fallout 5 set in the Great Lakes region would give players the opportunity to explore Chicago and Detroit, two major cities that were industrial powerhouses in the pre-war era. The expansive map size would allow for greater variation in environments, from urban cityscapes to rural areas. Additionally, the presence of large bodies of water could enable new gameplay mechanics, such as underwater exploration and the introduction of aquatic creatures, including the mythical "ghoul whale" mentioned in Fallout 4.

  • Fallout 5 is still a very long way away, with the next mainline entry in the series likely not releasing until at least 2029 or 2030.
  • Bethesda is currently focused on the development of The Elder Scrolls VI, which is taking priority over the next Fallout game.

The players

Bethesda

The developer and publisher of the Fallout series, known for creating expansive open-world RPGs.

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What’s next

Bethesda has not officially announced or confirmed any details about the setting or release timeline for Fallout 5, so fans will have to continue speculating until the developer is ready to share more information.

The takeaway

The potential for a Fallout 5 set in the Great Lakes region has generated significant excitement among the game's fanbase, who are eager to explore new environments and encounter fresh challenges in the iconic post-apocalyptic world. While the wait for the next mainline Fallout game may be long, the anticipation for an ambitious, expansive setting continues to build.