Fallout Deep Dive: New Vegas and 4 – Your Wasteland Survival Guide
So, you’ve wandered into the wastelands of Fallout? Good move. Whether you’re in Fallout: New Vegas or Fallout 4, you likely have questions. Luckily, we have answers sharper than a Super Sledgehammer.
Fallout: New Vegas – Mojave Mayhem
Pre-War Books: Are They Treasure or Trash?
You find a dusty Pre-War Book in a shack. You wonder, “Can I get caps for this paperweight? Or is it just taking up space?”
Yes, someone will buy those relics of the past. In the Mojave, knowledge has value. So, hoard those books like bottle caps!
Pre-War Money: Worth More Than the Paper It’s Printed On?
Pre-War Money is light, but is it useful? You bet! Think of it as a trading chip in the wasteland.
- Trade Item Extraordinaire: Forget carrying heavy gear. Pre-War money is weightless and valuable. Perfect for bartering with vendors. Who needs bottle caps when you have the ghost of capitalism?
- Sierra Madre Casino’s Currency: Venture into the Sierra Madre Casino in the Dead Money DLC. There, Pre-War money becomes your golden ticket. Trade it for Sierra Madre chips.
NCR Money: The Mojave’s Official Currency
Ever wonder whose face is on those NCR dollars? They come from the Republic Reserve Bank in Angel’s Boneyard. The signature you see belongs to John Michael Henderson, the NCR Treasurer from ’81. So when you flash NCR green, remember you’re endorsing bureaucracy.
Location, Location, Location! Navigating New Vegas
The Mojave is vast. Knowing where to find key locations and characters is crucial for survival. Here are some essential spots:
- Vendortron (Gun Runners Kiosk): Looking for firepower? Head south of Freeside’s east gate. There, you’ll find a Vendortron, a Protectron obsessed with weapons.
- Camp McCarran Vendor: Need supplies? The Camp McCarran vendor is in a shack in the southern airfield. Follow the aircraft boarding ramp from the concourse.
- Paladin Toaster (Black Rock Cave): Want a cool melee weapon? Go north-northwest of Novac to Black Rock Cave. The Paladin Toaster rests on a dead prospector.
- Crimson Caravan Company: Need to trade goods? The Crimson Caravan Company, run by Alice McLafferty, is southeast of Freeside’s North Gate. Business thrives in the apocalypse.
- Reloading Bench Locations: Low on ammo? Reloading benches are scattered across the Mojave. Great places include the 188 Trading Post and the Abandoned BoS bunker.
- Quartermaster Bardon (Hoover Dam): For military gear, go to Hoover Dam. You’ll find Quartermaster Bardon in his armory.
- Head Paladin Hardin (Hidden Valley bunker): Brotherhood of Steel business? Deep into the Hidden Valley bunker, you’ll find Head Paladin Hardin’s chamber.
- NCR Embassy (New Vegas Strip): Want to undertake some quests for the NCR? Start at the NCR Embassy. Just keep your weapon holstered while inside.
- Nuka Cars (Kiddie Kingdom): Need a whimsical ride? The Nuka Racers attraction is in the northwest corner of Kiddie Kingdom.
- Fat Man Location: Sometimes, you need to nuke something from orbit. Find a Fat Man on a Super Mutant Master’s body south of Jacobstown.
Mojave Miscellany: Nuggets of Wasteland Wisdom
- Years After the War: New Vegas happens in 2281, 204 years post-bombs dropping.
- Best Ammo Merchants: In need of bullets? Your best bets are The Quartermaster at Hoover Dam and Contreras at Camp McCarran.
- Rarest Ammo: Want to impress gun nut friends? 12.7mm rounds, made by Hauer Premium, are the rare choice.
- Best Ammo Against Deathclaws: Facing Deathclaws? Use rapid-fire guns with AP ammo. Or, rely on Boone. Lots of Boone.
- The King’s Gambit Quest: Want NCR-King intrigue? Start “The King’s Gambit” by talking to Ambassador Dennis Crocker after “Things That Go Boom.”
- Crimson Caravan Safe Location: Need dirt on Alice McLafferty? The Crimson Caravan safe, with the Van Graff agreement, is in her office.
- Jury Rigged Perk: Weapons breaking too fast? You need the Jury Rigged perk. It lets you repair weapons with similar items.
Fallout 4 – Commonwealth Chronicles
Pre-War Books: Literary Loot or Just Clutter?
In Fallout 4, Pre-War Books aren’t just for show anymore. Instead of selling them, you become a responsible citizen and return them.
- Overdue Book Return Locations: Civic-minded? Return overdue books at the Quincy Police Station or the Boston Public Library.
- Old Corner Bookstore Location: A bookworm? Visit the Old Corner Bookstore, at stop “3:I” on Freedom Trail. Watch out for the collapsed second floor.
Pre-War Money: More Than Just Wallpaper?
Pre-War money? It’s weightless and still somewhat useful. Is it vendor bait, or is there more?
- Should You Sell Pre-War Money? It’s not legal tender anymore. But you can sell to vendors or break it down for cloth. Hold onto those historical dollars; they can trade well.
Billy Peabody (Kid in a Fridge Quest): A Chilling Dilemma
The ghoul kid named Billy Peabody? He chills in a fridge. This quest is unique. But can he become your sidekick?
- Can You Keep Billy as a Companion?Nope. Billy Peabody is not meant to be a companion. He has a home or gunners awaiting him.
- Options: Sell Billy or Escort Him Home:Your choices are clear: sell Billy to Bullet or escort him home. Wasteland morality: Choose your adventure!
Romance in the Ruins: Love in the Time of Radroaches
Your apocalypse experience also involves love (or companion affinity). Let’s explore romance in Fallout 4:
- Catching Up on Romance:If you messed up your first shot at romance, fear not! You can romance a companion again. Give it time and let them initiate a “best friend” connection.
- chat and try again. Love finds a way.
- Can You Marry Deacon? Dreaming of marrying Deacon? Sorry. Deacon is not romanceable. He and Old Longfellow are the two human companions in Fallout 4 who remain forever platonic.
- Can Piper Fall in Love With You? Want to win over Piper? Yes, Piper can fall in love with you. Be generous, sarcastic, and impress her with your wasteland charm. Raise her affinity, and you’ll be swapping sweet nothings over a campfire soon.
Commonwealth Cartography: Navigating Post-Nuclear New England
The Commonwealth is vast. Knowing landmarks is key. Let’s chart some important spots:
- Quincy Police Station: Need to return books or fancy a firefight? Quincy Police Station has a book return terminal on the first floor and another in the basement lockup. Two birds, one stone (or bullet).
- Nuka-World Transit Center Location: Ready for some theme park fun? The Nuka-World Transit Center, west of the Lonely Chapel, is your gateway to Nuka-World via the Nuka-Express monorail. Just avoid sticky rides.
- Secret Room Location (Diamond City): Want a hidden player house above Diamond City? There’s a secret room accessible there, cut from the final game but still there for adventurers. Who needs a penthouse when you can have a secret rooftop?
- Faneuil Hall Cashier’s Key Location: Looting time at Faneuil Hall? The Faneuil Hall cashier’s key is in a small room with tires (southeast corner). It’s on top of a cabinet, unlocking hidden treasures.
Commonwealth Curiosities: Random Wasteland Facts
- What to Do with Pre-War Money? Wondering about pre-war money’s use? It’s vendor fodder, cloth component, and lightweight trading currency. Basically, wasteland duct tape.
- Junk Worth Selling: Need caps? Cigars and cigarette cartons have surprising value. Traders love them. Wasteland vices pay off!
- Codsworth’s Tolerance: Why does Codsworth tolerate you? Your affinity is rising! He’s a polite robot butler. Being a wasteland menace won’t matter if you max your affinity.
- Happy Ending in Fallout 4? Is there a happy ending? “Happy” is relative in the apocalypse. There are multiple endings. Choose wisely – the Commonwealth’s fate relies on your choices. Heavy is the head that wears the Vault Dweller crown.
- Timothy is a Synth? Met Timothy, the traveler? Spoiler: He’s a synth fleeing the Institute for Bunker Hill. Don’t tell anyone.
Commonwealth Cuisine: Edibles from the Era Before
- Where to Find Pre-War Food? Hungry for pre-irradiated food? Pre-war food can be found in abandoned houses, Red Rocket Truck Stops, and diners. Bon appétit, wasteland style!
Commonwealth Commodities: Oddities and Ends
- Where Can I Get Soap FO76? Wait, wrong game! But if you want soap in Fallout 76, check bathtubs at New River Gorge Resort, Whitespring Mall spa, and Red Rocket locations. Hygiene in the apocalypse – it’s a thing!
General Book Selling in the Real World (Because Why Not?)
Back to books. You have dusty tomes in real life. Can you get cash for old books?
- Can You Get Money for Old Books? (Price Ranges, Condition): Yes! Used books sell for 20% to 50% of their original price. Condition matters. Beat-up books fetch less; pristine ones fetch more. Demand plays a role.
- AbeBooks Buyback Program: Want to sell books online? AbeBooks has a buyback program. They offer quotes, prepaid shipping labels, and pay via cash or PayPal. Convenient!
- Does 2nd & Charles Buy Books? Prefer brick-and-mortar selling? 2nd & Charles buys used books for cash or store credit. Trade in your tomes for more… tomes!
- Does Book Exchange Buy Books? Another option? Book Exchange buys for store credit only. Good for decluttering but not for cash.
- How Old Does a Book Have to Be to Be Worth Money? Think your old Reader’s Digest collection is cash? Age alone doesn’t make a book valuable. It’s about the text’s importance and condition. First editions? Gold. Grandma’s book club picks? Less so.
- Where Can I Recycle Books? Realized your collection is clutter? Most recycling programs accept paperbacks. Hardcovers may need their bindings removed. Check local rules before tossing that romance novel.
- Carrickfergus Ireland’s Best Independent Bookstore, 2024 & The Secret Bookshelf: Random bookshop interlude! The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus, Ireland, is apparently the best independent bookstore of 2024. If you’re in Carrickfergus, visit!
- Why is the Old Corner Bookstore Important? Back to Boston! The Old Corner Bookstore, established in 1718, was home to publishing giant Ticknor and Fields. They produced classics like Thoreau’s Walden.
- How Many Art of War Books Are There? Craving strategy? There’s a box set called The Art of War Collection: 8 Books. Sun Tzu wasn’t a one-hit wonder.
Random Wasteland Musings (And Beyond)
A few nuggets of… stuff. Knowledge is power, even if off-topic.
- Exchanging Leftover Currency: Got foreign cash? Post Offices dealing in foreign currency will buy it back.
- War’s Effect on Money: What happens to money in wartime? War creates uncertainty, leading to stock sell-offs.
- Maximus’s Age in Fallout (TV Series): Curious about Maximus’s age? Officially unstated but noted as 20-30. First episode script says 19.
- How to Get Into the Strip Through Camp McCarran: Sneaking onto the Strip via Camp McCarran? Equip an NCR disguise, enter McCarran Terminal, go upstairs, and ride the McCarran Monorail.
- How to Get Camp McCarran to Send Troops to Bitter Springs: Need NCR reinforcements for Bitter Springs? Get liked by NCR, interrogate Legion prisoner at McCarran, expose the spy, and boom – reinforcements sent.
- Crucible Vendor Location (Destiny 2): Wait, wrong game! For Destiny 2 players wondering, find Crucible vendor Lord Shaxx in the Tower Courtyard.
- Is Paladin Toaster Good? Back to the Paladin Toaster! Is it good? Compared to standard Zap Glove, it deals slightly more damage at similar speed.
- Can You Save the Caravan in Fallout: New Vegas? Want to save the caravan from White Legs? You can’t. It’s scripted – they all die but you.
- Is There an End to Fallout: New Vegas? Does New Vegas ever end? Yes, it does. Multiple endings based on your choices, followed by end cutscenes.
- What is a Reloading Bench? Finally, back to basics. A reloading bench: a workspace for reloading ammo and gun maintenance.
- A handy space for wasteland tinkerers and DIYers who like to make things go boom… responsibly.
Your guide to navigating Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4 nuances, with real-world book business and trivia. Now go forth, wanderer! Conquer those wastelands! Just try not to get eaten by a Deathclaw.
