Introduction

'War Never Changes' is an iconic quote from the Fallout video game series, reflecting on the unchanging nature of human conflict throughout history.

Background

'War Never Changes' is a poignant phrase featured prominently in the Fallout series, encapsulating the series' themes of the cyclical nature of conflict. Although sometimes misattributed to Ulysses S. Grant, no reliable sources confirm this attribution.

How It Began

The phrase first appeared in October 1997 in the original Fallout game, narrated by Ron Perlman right after the opening cinematic. The sequel, Fallout 2, released in 1998, included the same line, and it was reiterated in Fallout 3 in 2008. Each iteration builds upon the idea that despite changes in technology and society, the essence of war remains constant.

Meme Evolution

The quote gained traction online on July 3, 2011, when YouTuber Fafner Normanko created an edited version of the Cupcake Dog video, humorously portraying the dog as a war veteran. In March 2013, the gaming blog Destructoid recognized the quote as one of the most meaningful in video games. A July 20, 2013 webcomic by Dorkly further explored its significance. On November 10, 2015, Fallout 4 reiterated the phrase in its opening sequence, revitalizing interest in its meaning. Posts on platforms like Reddit and StackExchange also debated its origins, with users tracing the phrase back to a 1914 article about warfare.