Where to get into fallout series?

[Errorname]

I feel the Commonwealth, like Skyrim, is a setting rich with potential.

I'd say Skyrim does a lot more to live up to it's potential. Honestly even if New Vegas hadn't spoiled me I still would have been disappointed coming off of Skyrim, which has a way better realized world and a much more compelling core conflict.

Just try out Sim Settlement 2 to get an impression of some life breathed in this world.

Yeah, I've heard good things. Definitely an impressive modding effort, and I think it's further evidence that the game would have been improved if they'd done more to integrate settlement mechanics into the actual questlines.

Man, they should have integrated Nuka World to the overall story. Actually get to attack the institute with raiders.

Raiders or some form of evil Minuteman counterpart absolutely should have been a base game thing. Frankly I'm amazed that regardless of what faction choice you make all your settlements will be minuteman aligned