A Fallout series launched on the 10th by Amazon Prime Video is full of references to the universe of Bethesda games. While some are quite obvious, such as the clothing of characters and factions such as Brotherhood of Steel, others are more subtle.

In this article, we have gathered some of the Easter eggs that the adaptation brings, but which may be a little overlooked for less attentive viewers. Obviously, the list may contain some mild spoilers for events in the story, so stay tuned if you don't want to have any surprises spoiled.

1. Vault Boy Bobbleheads

One of the easiest references to identify are the small bobbleheads of Vault Boy, the series' official mascot. What's interesting about this reference is that the series uses several real figurines that fans of the franchise can easily add to their own personal collections.

2. The famous Joinha

The Fallout series also reveals the origin of the famous “thumbs up” gesture that increases the character's charisma points. In the story, the gesture is invented by actor Cooper Howard, who, hundreds of years after the Great War, assumes the identity of the bounty hunter The Ghoul.

3. SPECIAL

Like many RPGs, the Bethesda series has an attribute system that defines the way we deal with challenges and other NPCs. This system, called SPECIAL, is widely represented in the adaptation Vaults, whether in references to school materials or in posters fixed to the walls.

4. Super Mutant

Navigating through the nuclear wastelands of Fallout, it is common to come across Super Mutants, gigantic creatures with unique combat abilities due to radiation. Although they do not appear frequently in the adaptation, it is possible to see a Super Mutant (apparently dead) in a scene involving the Enclave.

5. Please Stand By

When starting a new adventure in a game in the series, it is common to see the phrase “Please Stand By” before an introductory scene is shown. In the Amazon Prime Video series, this phrase is used in a chaotic moment, reflecting failures in Vault 33's projectors.

6. Destroyed water chip

Although Bethesda took over the series starting with Fallout 3, the television series features several references to the previous games. One of them occurs in one of the final episodes, when a resident of Vault 33 brings the sad news that the chip responsible for ensuring clean water in the place has burned out.

This is a clear reference to the first game in the series, developed by Interplay and released in 1997. In it, the same problem occurs, forcing the inhabitants to explore the devastated lands after years of living underground.

7. Gronak

Among the various items that we can find in Fallout 4 to increase our basic attributes are comic books starring Grognak, a barbarian very similar to Conan. The Amazon series reveals that Grognak was even more popular than we imagined, even being the star of an animation aimed at children.

8. The Series Lunch Box

When Lucy enters a store in the city of Filly, we can see a large number of items from the franchise on the shelves. Among old Pip-Boy models, we also find one of the series' characteristic lunch boxes, which were even one of the collector's items included in the special edition of Fallout 3.

9. Junkjet

Amidst several pistols and machine guns that use bullets or lasers, the world of the series also presents unconventional solutions. One of them is the Junk Jet, a gun that shoots any “random trash”, including doll parts — which prove to be surprisingly lethal, as demonstrated in the adaptation. In the series, we see this equipment being used by bounty hunters and being sold in a store.

10. NCR Combat Suit

To survive in a post-apocalyptic world, it is essential to be equipped with flexible clothing that is resistant to gunfire and the elements of the environment. The combat uniform of the New California Republic (NCR) forces, seen on the cover of Fallout: New Vegas, also makes an appearance in one of the parts of the Amazon Prime Video adaptation.

11. Nuka Cola

In a world devastated by atomic bombs, finding something that provides as much pleasure as drinking an ice-cold Nuka Cola is rare. This brand is a constant presence in the series, appearing on its popular glass bottles and in several vending machines spread across the scenes.

12. Deathclaw

Although several mutants appear in the series, the most popular in the franchise, Deathclaw, is somewhat absent in the chapters already released. He will make a “special appearance” in the final minutes of the season, when one of his fearsome skulls is spotted in the desert — indicating that his presence may be more significant in the second season.

13. Shady Sands

Central to the plot of the Amazon Prime Video adaptation, the city of Shady Sands may not have much meaning for those who haven't played the games. However, early fans will recognize the location as one of Fallout 2's most important outposts, which would become the capital of the New California Republic.

14. Very Important Code

In the last episode of the series, Hank MacLean is convinced by his daughter Lucy to use the code that unlocks access to cold fusion technology, promising to completely change the universe of the franchise. The combination used is “1010997”, representing October 10, 1997, the date on which the first Fallout game was officially released in the United States.

Conclusion

Fallout is much more than just a series of video games. It's a vast, immersive universe that has captivated millions of fans over the years. Since its debut in 1997, the franchise has explored complex themes of survival, morality, and the impact of technology on post-apocalyptic society. With its desolate landscapes, intriguing factions, and iconic mutant creatures, Fallout has created a world that is both frightening and fascinating.

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Amazon Prime Video's screen adaptation expands this universe even further, bringing to life familiar characters and settings while introducing exciting new stories and twists. By carefully inserting references to the original games, the series pays homage to Fallout's rich heritage while striving to create an authentic and immersive experience for viewers, whether they are franchise veterans or newcomers.

At the heart of Fallout is the exploration of the human condition in a world devastated by nuclear war, offering reflections on ethical dilemmas, ideological conflicts and the consequences of individual choices. It's this thematic depth, combined with an engaging narrative and unique dystopian setting, that continues to make Fallout such an enduring and beloved franchise among sci-fi and RPG fans.