Fallout 4 is one of Bethesda's biggest games and one of the best games from the Fallout franchise period. While the game is extremely popular, the DLCs are what make a lot of fans want to come back and replay the game over and over.

There are four different DLCs for Fallout 4: " Automatron," "Far Harbor," "Vault-Tec Workshop," and "Nuka-World." With so many different DLCs, a lot of players wonder what order they should play the DLCs and when during the main game they should start them. Here's a guide to help players wondering this out.

Remember that players can technically access the DLC locations at any point, but the game will not give them the quests until they reach a specific level. This specific play order is recommended due to the difficulty players who are underprepared may have venturing out without the quests.

A split image of different companions in Fallout 4
Fallout 4: All Companion Perks (& How to Unlock Them)

Some companions in FO4 will allow players to have special Perks, even if they aren't with the player. Here are all their Perks and how to unlock them.

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When Do The DLCs Unlock?

Fallout 4 Vault-Tec workshop woman next to Nuka World woman and far harbor key art

One of the most important things about understanding when to play the DLCs is to understand when the game allows players to access the DLCs.

  • Automatron: This DLC is unlocked once the player reaches level 15. This will trigger the quest "Mechanical Menace" and requires the player to tune into the Caravan Distress Call on the radio.
  • Far Harbor: The DLC is unlocked once the player completes the quest "Getting A Clue" (where Nick helps the Sole Survivor hunt down Kellogg). The quest "Far From Home" will begin, and the player will need to listen to the Valentine's Detective Agency Radio.
  • Vault-Tec Workshop: This DLC unlocks once the player reaches level 20. They will obtain the "Vault-Tec Calling" quest and be asked to turn into the Vault 88 Radio Beacon.
  • Nuka-World: The final DLC unlocks once the player is at level 30. The quest "All Aboard" will trigger once the player reaches this level, and they will have to listen to the Nuka-Cola Family Radio.
Fallout 4 Settlements and Garvey Split Image
Every Settlement in Fallout 4 (& Where to Find Them)

There are 37 Settlements in Fallout 4. Here's how to find them all.

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What Order Should You Play The DLCs?

All DLCs for Fallout 4

Once the DLCs are unlocked, there is a specific order that is recommended to play them in. While it technically wouldn't matter what order players engage in, some orders are better than others. The recommended way to play it is to engage with the DLCs as they are unlocked. This means playing the main game until reaching level 15 and then starting the "Automatron" DLC. Then, go back to the main game until reaching either level 20 or the "Getting A Clue" quest. More than likely, players will reach level 20 first, allowing them to do the "Vault-Tec Workshop" DLC. Then jump back into the game and play until "Far Harbor" is unlocked and play it. Finally, head into "Nuka-World" once reading level 30.

Fallout 4 - USS Constitution Split Image
Fallout 4: How to Access the USS Constitution

The U.S.S. Constitution is an interesting historical ship in Fallout 4. Here's how to find it and complete its quest.

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  1. Play the main game until level 15.
  2. Do the "Automatron" DLC.
  3. Play the main game until level 20.
  4. Do the "Vault-Tec Workshop" DLC.
  5. Play the main game until finishing the quest "Get A Clue."
  6. Play the "Far Harbor" DLC.
  7. Play the main game until level 30.
  8. Do the "Nuka-World" DLC.
  9. Finish up the main game.

There are countless ways that players can experience the DLCs, and it doesn't really matter storywise which way they play them. However, this is the best way for those who want to play the DLCs while playing the game.

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Fallout 4 Tag Page Cover Art
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Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 89%
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Released
November 10, 2015
ESRB
M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS
Developer(s)
Bethesda
Publisher(s)
Bethesda
Engine
Creation
Cross-Platform Play
no
Cross Save
no
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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