In the post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout series, Vault-Tec vaults have become a symbol of intrigue and mystery. One of the most frequently asked questions by fans is: "How many Vault-Tec vaults are there?" This article aims to delve into this question, exploring the lore behind these vaults and providing a comprehensive overview.
Understanding Vault-Tec Vaults
Vault-Tec vaults were constructed by the Vault-Tec Corporation as part of a social experiment, funded by the U.S. government. The primary goal was to study the effects of isolation and various social conditions on human behavior. The vaults were designed to withstand a nuclear war and provide shelter for their inhabitants, known as vault dwellers.
Vaults in Fallout Games
The Fallout series has introduced us to numerous vaults, each with its unique story and fate. Here's a breakdown of the vaults featured in the main games:

- Fallout (1997): Vault 13 is the central location, with Vault 12 and Vault 15 mentioned in the lore.
- Fallout 2 (1998): Vault 13 is again referenced, along with Vault 8, Vault 15, and Vault 17.
- Fallout 3 (2008): Vault 101 is the starting point, with Vault 106, Vault 111, and Vault 112 also playing significant roles.
- Fallout: New Vegas (2010): Vault 34 is featured, along with mentions of Vault 11, Vault 13, and Vault 3.
- Fallout 4 (2015): Vault 111 is the starting vault, with Vault 81 and Vault 95 also appearing.
- Fallout 76 (2018): The game features 19 vaults, with Vault 76 being the central focus.
Vaults in Fallout Lore and Spin-offs
Beyond the main games, the Fallout universe has expanded through various spin-offs, comics, and novels, introducing us to even more vaults. Here are a few notable examples:
- Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel (2001): Vault 17 is featured, along with mentions of Vault 24 and Vault 34.
- Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel (2004): Vault 10 is the central location.
- Fallout: The Board Game (2017): The game features 24 vaults, each with its unique challenge.
Total Number of Vaults
Given the various media in the Fallout universe, it's challenging to provide an exact number of vaults. However, if we consider the main games and some spin-offs, we can estimate that there are at least 70-80 vaults mentioned or featured in the lore.
Vaults in the Real World
In a fascinating crossover, the Fallout series has inspired real-world vault projects. In 2018, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway was temporarily renamed the "Fallout Vault 76" as a nod to the Fallout 76 game release. This real-world vault stores seeds from around the world to protect against the loss of plant genetic diversity.

In conclusion, the Fallout universe is filled with intrigue and mystery, and Vault-Tec vaults are a significant part of this. While it's challenging to provide an exact number of vaults, the Fallout series has introduced us to at least 70-80 vaults, each with its unique story and fate. The lore behind these vaults continues to captivate fans and inspire real-world projects.























