5 major game references in Fallout Season 2 Episode 3

Fallout Season 2 episode 3 was released recently on December 31, 2026, and like most other Fallout episodes, it as several references to the games the show is based on. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the show is inspired by the Fallout video game franchise created by Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky.

Fallout Season 2 continues to include references and easter eggs from the games to make sure the show feels authentic to longtime fans, and stays true to the source material. Episode 3 of Fallout Season 2, The Profligate has several visual and narrative references to the games, making it a delight to watch for longtime fans of the franchise.

5 major game references in Fallout Season 2 episode 3

Here are the 5 major game references in Fallout Season 2 episode 3:

1. Introducing a new Legion Legate

Macaulay Culkin’s character, Lacerta, a Legate who serves as the second-in-command of Caesar’s Legion is a direct reference to the games. While Lacerta is an original character created for the show, his rank closely follows the structure seen in the game, Fallout: New Vegas. In the game, players encounter Legates such as Lanius and Malpais. While the character is a new one, the show still kept the Legion’s established power system in mind when they created the character, and that is clearly evident in episode 3.

2. Caesar as a legacy title

The Profligate also revealed that Caesar, who was a character in the games, leads the Legion, is more of a title in the show. The new Caesar wears a black feathered cloak and a gold pin broach, which visually matches the Caesar from Fallout: New Vegas. However, this leader is not Edward Sallow, the Caesar we see in the games. The episode later confirms this by showing Sallow’s dear body. This shows that while some parts about the leadership within the Legion has been changed for the show, it still honors the Legion's story from the game.

3. Camp Golf’s estate

Another game reference seen in episode 3 is the House Resort and Country Club. The Ghoul meets Victor at this large estate, which players may recognize from Camp Golf in Fallout: New Vegas. During the game’s timeline, the NCR controls the area, and Fallout Season 2 shows traces of their former presence outside the building. Before the war, the property belonged to Robert House, explaining the location’s name and significance.

4. Bottle caps and a famous side quest

Bottle caps remain the main form of currency in Fallout Season 2, just as they are in the games. In Episode 3, children are seen removing caps from bottles, directly increasing Thaddeus’ wealth, but there is also a deeper reference here. They might also be looking for the Sunset Sarsaparilla star bottle caps, described as having a bright blue star on the bottom. This is a reference to Fallout: New Vegas, where the Legend of the Star is a side quest that allows players to trade 50 caps for a reward at the Sunset Sarsaparilla headquarters.

5. The Super Sledge returns

Harkness uses a powerful melee weapon known as the Super Sledge in Fallout Season 2. While different versions of this hammer appear across the Fallout games, this specific rocket-powered design comes from Fallout 4. The exaggerated weight and force of the weapon matches its in-game behavior, which helps the show stay true to the games’ style of combat.

Fallout Season 2 episode 3 thus successfully blends new storytelling with references to the game longtime fans are familiar with. This keeps the show loyal to its source material, while also bringing something new to the screen.

Fallout Season 2 Episode 4 will be released on Prime Video on January 7, 2026. The released episodes of both Seasons 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Prime Video.