Do I need the original game files to run Fallout 2?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

How is Fallout 2 licensed?

project: Sustainable Use License (source code in this repository). The repository itself is the authoritative source.

Fallout 2

DecompilationHalted

Source code reconstructed from the original game's compiled binary, so the game can be understood, rebuilt and ported.

Based on Fallout 2

Image of the original game, Fallout 2. This project has no screenshots of its own yet.

Fallout 2 (original game, not this project) — Image of the original game, Fallout 2. This project has no screenshots of its own yet.

Links, repository & details

About

Fallout 2 Reference Edition is reverse-engineered source code for Fallout 2, aiming to restore the original source as closely as possible, imperfections included. The README says only a small number of non-essential functions, mostly Fallout 1 leftovers, are not yet decompiled.

Getting started

You must own the game, bought from GOG or Steam.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game.

You must own the game to play.

How to install

Download the latest build, copy `fallout2-re.exe` into your Fallout 2 directory, and run it.

Summarised from the project's README.

Licensing & legal

The source code is available under the Sustainable Use License.

Additional notes

Related project: Players are pointed to Fallout 2 Community Edition, which is based on this project, while Fallout Reference Edition shows the engine's earlier evolution.
Ongoing work: There is low-priority effort to update the codebase to C89 so it can be compiled with the Watcom C compiler, which the README says will probably never be completed.

FAQ

What is Fallout 2?: Fallout 2 is an open-source decompilation of Fallout 2. Source code reconstructed from the original game's compiled binary, so the game can be understood, rebuilt and ported.
Do I need the original game files to run Fallout 2?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.
How is Fallout 2 licensed?: project: Sustainable Use License (source code in this repository). The repository itself is the authoritative source.