The game is set in the retro-futuristic town of Las Vegas, just after the apocalyptic ending of the Great War between China and the United States. It is set in 2077 and follows the events after the nuclear disaster that lasted no more than 2 hours, but caused immeasurable damage all over the world. 

The Great War followed a plague that made the US a paranoid land, and annexed Canada to the States. Las Vegas wasn’t as badly hit as most other parts of the country, most of the casinos and other defining buildings being left intact after the blast. This is why Vegas is still powered by the Hoover Dam, with water and electricity that makes life so much easier. 

You play the role of the Courier, and are needed to deliver a package from Primm to Vegas. On your way, you are found and shot by Great Khans and Benny, and are left to die. Victor, a robot, takes you to Goodsprings where a doctor heals you and sends you back into the hostile world, with your missions ready to be completed. There’s an ending to the game, unlike the Fallout 3, so you’re in for a more classic apocalyptic game than the main title.