Bethesda Game Studios has officially confirmed that Fallout 5 is in development, though it remains a long-range project. The announcement came on July 17, 2026, via a note from the studio and a statement from director Todd Howard, published the same day as Xbox’s ongoing mass layoffs.
The confirmation ends years of speculation about the next mainline Fallout game, which has not seen a new single-player entry since Fallout 4 launched in 2015. Bethesda described Fallout 5 as being in preproduction, with no release date or platform details shared. Todd Howard said the game is “one of our biggest priorities today” and that “Fallout 5 remains our long-range destination.”
Beyond Fallout 5, Bethesda outlined multiple other projects in the franchise, including remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment, and a major expansion for Fallout 76 titled Raven Rock. The announcements come at a turbulent time for Microsoft’s gaming division, which is laying off around 3,200 employees over the next year, including cuts at Bethesda Game Studios itself.
Fallout 5 Is Officially in Preproduction
Bethesda Game Studios confirmed that Fallout 5 is currently in preproduction, meaning the game is still in early planning stages. The studio is developing both The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 on Creation Engine 3, a shared technology platform built since Starfield’s launch. Todd Howard stated that The Elder Scrolls VI is the primary development focus for the majority of the team, with Fallout 5 following as a long-range destination.
No timeline was given for Fallout 5. Bethesda said only that the game is being built on the same technology as The Elder Scrolls VI, which is also without a release window. Howard added that development on The Elder Scrolls VI is “where we planned to be” and that the team is “loving how it looks, and playing it every day.”
The Verge noted that the timing of the announcement, coming shortly after a major Xbox showcase in June and amid ongoing layoffs, suggests a form of damage control. However, Bethesda’s official note focused on the studio’s commitment to its franchises and investment in creator tools and live service support.
Fallout is one of our biggest priorities today. Fallout 5 remains our long-range destination.
Remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas, Plus an Obsidian Project
Bethesda confirmed that remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in development, though no release dates were announced. The remasters are separate from the rumored remakes and are intended to allow players to revisit those older titles on modern platforms.
Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, is working with Bethesda on a new Fallout project. Todd Howard confirmed this in the Bethesda note, saying “We’re happy to confirm they’re working with us on a new Fallout project. We’ll have more to share in the future.” This marks the first collaboration between the two studios on a Fallout title since New Vegas in 2010.
Fallout 76 also received a major announcement: a new expansion titled Raven Rock, described as a prequel story to Fallout 3. It is planned for 2027. The game continues to receive updates, with nearly 70 free releases to date. Fallout 4, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary, has now sold over 35 million copies, making it the most award-winning game in the franchise.
- Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters in development, no dates.
- Obsidian working on a new Fallout project.
- Fallout 76 expansion “Raven Rock” as a prequel to Fallout 3, coming 2027.
- Fallout 4 passes 35 million copies sold.
The Elder Scrolls VI and Starfield Status
The Elder Scrolls VI was announced in 2018, and Bethesda stated it remains the studio’s primary development focus. The game is being built on Creation Engine 3 along with Fallout 5. Todd Howard offered no release window but said the team is “where we planned to be” and that they are playing the game daily. Skyrim has sold over 65 million copies and remains active 15 years after launch.
Starfield, which launched in 2023, has attracted over 17 million players logging nearly a billion hours. Bethesda plans to continue expanding the game with new stories, gameplay improvements, and a new Starborn content pack next year. The Creation Club program (Creations) has paid creators over $10 million in royalties and expanded to Fallout 4 this year. Starfield remains “an important part of our future,” according to the studio.
The announcements also included ZeniMax Online Studios partnering more closely with Bethesda Game Studios on The Elder Scrolls franchise, while continuing work on The Elder Scrolls Online, which recently launched Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild.
We’re where we planned to be, loving how it looks, and playing it every day.
| Game | Status | Technology |
|---|---|---|
| The Elder Scrolls VI | Primary development focus | Creation Engine 3 |
| Fallout 5 | Preproduction | Creation Engine 3 |
| Starfield | Live service with updates | Creation Engine 2 |
Broader Context: Xbox Layoffs and ZeniMax Unrest
The Bethesda announcements arrived the same week that ZeniMax employees held a rally in Maryland to protest layoffs. Xbox is in a “reset” period that includes laying off around 3,200 employees over the next year, with deep cuts at id Software and Obsidian Entertainment. Bethesda Game Studios itself was affected by layoffs, though specific numbers were not disclosed.
The Verge reported that the timing of the news appeared to be an attempt at damage control following the layoffs and a recent Xbox showcase that lacked major reveals. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma previously stated the brand would focus on its most bankable franchises. The Fallout series, boosted by the successful Amazon TV adaptation, is among the most valuable. Fallout Season 2 received 10 Emmy nominations, and Season 3 is already in production.
Bethesda also mentioned that Fallout Shelter continues to be popular with over 250 million players, and an unscripted TV project based on the mobile game is in development with Amazon Studios and Kilter Films. The studio will not host a traditional Fallout Day broadcast in 2026 but is planning a live event in Washington, D.C. for the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2027.
- ZeniMax employees held a rally against layoffs in Maryland.
- Xbox laying off 3,200 employees over the next year.
- Fallout TV series gets 10 Emmy nominations for Season 2.
- Fallout Shelter has 250 million players; unscripted TV project in the works.
Sources
- Bethesda teases Fallout 5 soon after Xbox’s mass layoffs | The Verge
- A NOTE FROM BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS
