Fallout: Reality show with real Vault experiments announced, and almost anyone can take part

The Fallout franchise is currently experiencing a renewed surge in popularity. Season two of the Fallout TV series has been airing since December 2025, while rumors continue to circulate about potential remakes of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. After speculation about a Fallout-themed reality show first emerged in December, those rumors have now been confirmed: Bethesda Game Studios and Prime Video have officially opened the casting call.

Produced under the working title Fallout Shelter, the show is a reality competition in which participants spend several weeks living together in a replica Vault – the high-tech underground bunkers from the Fallout universe. Inside the facility, contestants, internally referred to as “Dwellers,” must complete a variety of challenges. Insider Gaming, which previously reported on the project, describes the format as loosely inspired by Squid Game and MrBeast-style competitions.

The challenges are based on the seven classic S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attributes from Fallout: Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck. Beyond physical and mental tasks, social dynamics and strategic decision-making are expected to play a key role. The winner will receive a substantial cash prize, although the exact amount has not yet been disclosed.

Almost anyone can take part

Filming is scheduled for June 2026 and is expected to last around three weeks. Applications are open until February 15, 2026. Initial requirements are minimal: applicants must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid passport, along with permission to stay in both the US and the UK. Applications can be submitted here.

The application process, however, is fairly extensive and may present several hurdles. In addition to personal details, applicants are required to submit photos, a short introduction video, and answers to questions covering their personality, daily life, Fallout fandom, and a self-assessment of their S.P.E.C.I.A.L. traits. Background checks, along with medical and psychological evaluations, are also part of the selection process. It remains unclear how many participants will ultimately be invited into the Vault.

Strong community backlash

The announcement has been met with widespread ridicule on Reddit. Many users argue that turning the Vault experiments – originally conceived as a dark parody of unethical government programs – into a form of entertainment fundamentally contradicts the core message of the franchise. Critics accuse the show of turning Fallout into exactly what it was meant to satirize. Beyond that, fans feel their long-standing wishes are being ignored. Rather than reality TV formats or remakes, the community is calling for new single-player entries such as Fallout 5 or a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas.