Fallen Earth's gameplay features elements of both first-person shooter and role-playing video games, first-person/third person views, hundreds of items, including improvised equipment and weapons, a variety of functional vehicles, a real-time, in-depth crafting system (which includes vehicles), various skills and abilities, factions and tactical PvP, all existing within 1000 square kilometers of usable terrain based on real-world topographical maps of the area.

The Fallen Earth story begins in the 21st century, when the first in a series of natural disasters hits the United States.

By 2051, he moves his headquarters to the Grand Canyon Province, where GlobalTech eventually creates a self-sufficient economic and military mini-state.

Meanwhile, in India and Pakistan, the Shiva virus, named for the dance-like convulsions that it caused in its victims, appears among the human populace.

Less than one percent of Earth's population survived the Fall, and the Hoover Dam Garrison and Grand Canyon Province are the only known outposts of human civilization.

Outside the protective confines of the Hoover Dam Garrison, the player encounters ruins of the old world, genetically altered creatures, strange technology, and six warring factions.

Heavier equipment, for example, will generally offer higher defense bonuses, but also increases noise while moving – making stealth more difficult.

[citation needed] After a number of years in the making, Fallen Earth developers announced in a June 2008 press release that the game had reached feature-complete status.

[6] As part of a promotional campaign, Fallen Earth announced a National Tour on their website in February 2009.

[7] They planned to sponsor IGDA meetings, and participating in events across the United States, doing public demonstrations promoting the game and taking part in question-and-answer sessions with the audience.

[8][9] On March 10, 2010, Icarus Studios announced the beta release of Fallen Earth for the Mac OS X platform.

[11] On April 30, 2010, chief executive officer of Icarus Studios, Inc., James Hettinger, announced a restructure of the company resources and staffing, effective immediately.

[13] On May 4, 2010, Fallen Earth, LLC, announced a new distribution partnership with Interactive Gaming Software (IGS),[14] a subsidiary of Atari USA.