The promise of safety, a secure haven from the atomic fire, was the enticing lure behind Vault-Tec’s ambitious network of underground shelters. Yet, beneath the gleaming metal and sterile environments, these Vaults often concealed sinister experiments and twisted social engineering projects, designed more for research than actual survival. In the Mojave Wasteland of Fallout New Vegas, this grim legacy is on full display. The vaults found across this stretch of desolate land offer a glimpse into the fractured psyche of pre-war America and the lengths to which Vault-Tec was willing to go.
Fallout New Vegas presents a unique set of Vaults, each with its own disturbing experiment and secrets to uncover. More than just dungeons filled with loot, these locations are story-rich environments that add layers of depth to the game’s world and provide some of the most compelling moral quandaries players will face. This guide will serve as your compass, leading you to each Vault location while detailing the background information and notable discoveries within. Prepare to delve into the dark heart of Vault-Tec’s grand experiment as we explore the vaults of Fallout New Vegas.
Vault Three: A Descent into Tribal Warfare
Nestled in the southern region of the map, south of the El Dorado Dry Lake and east of Boulder City, lies the entrance to Vault Three. What appears to be just another crumbling wasteland facade quickly becomes a pathway to an underground tragedy. Unlike some of the more elaborately concealed Vaults, Vault Three’s entrance is relatively accessible, though its condition speaks volumes about the fate that befell its inhabitants.
The Vault’s intended purpose was relatively simple, or so it seemed. The Vault was intended to simply open its doors to all those who sought refuge, with no prior screening or background checks. This simple premise swiftly devolved into chaos.
The key event that sealed the fate of Vault Three was its attack by the Fiends, a vicious gang of drug-addled raiders who roam the Mojave. Overwhelmed by their sheer numbers and ferocity, the Vault dwellers were either slaughtered or enslaved, transforming the once-safe haven into a brutal arena for the Fiends’ twisted games.
Today, Vault Three is a festering den of violence and addiction. The Fiends, led by their various psychotic lieutenants, have turned the Vault into their headquarters. Players venturing into this area will encounter a hostile environment filled with traps, heavily armed raiders, and the constant threat of being overwhelmed.
Notable items within Vault Three are few and far between, overshadowed by the carnage that permeates its halls. However, skilled explorers may uncover some valuable weapons, armor, and chems that could prove useful in the wasteland. The primary danger lies in the sheer number of enemies and their unpredictable behavior. Prepare for a brutal fight if you intend to reclaim Vault Three.
Vault Eleven: The Morality Experiment
To find Vault Eleven, head towards the southwestern region of the Mojave Wasteland, a little northwest of Primm. It is a bit off the beaten path, surrounded by rocky terrain, making it a somewhat isolated location. You might have to trek through some dangerous areas populated by wasteland creatures to reach it.
Vault Eleven was the setting for one of Vault-Tec’s most disturbing experiments. The dwellers were told that they must sacrifice one of their own each year, chosen by popular vote, to appease a supposed deity residing within the Vault’s computer systems. The Vault-Tec experiment was designed to see how long the dwellers could endure this system of terror.
The inhabitants of Vault Eleven lived under a constant cloud of fear and paranoia, knowing that any day could be their last. Over time, this led to internal strife, manipulation, and eventually, open conflict. Some residents formed factions that advocated for different methods of selection, while others plotted to overthrow the entire system.
The last five survivors, driven to the brink of madness, made a radical decision. They refused to participate in the annual sacrifice, choosing to defy the Vault’s computer system and face whatever consequences may come. They unlocked the main Vault door to their doom only to discover a recording from Vault-Tec stating that this was the intended outcome. If they all refused to sacrifice anyone, they would all be allowed to leave, alive.
Currently, Vault Eleven is inhabited by robotic sentries, a haunting reminder of the Vault’s past. The corridors echo with the sounds of their patrols, and they remain programmed to defend the Vault from any perceived threats.
There’s a plethora of Vault Suits within as well as a unique Light Machine Gun called, ” ভাতাৰলং”
Exploring Vault Eleven presents several dangers. The robotic sentries are heavily armed and programmed to eliminate intruders. Furthermore, the Vault’s automated security systems are still active, posing additional threats to unwary explorers.
Vault Nineteen: The Black and Red Divide
Hidden amidst the peaks of the mountains south of Goodsprings, and north of Jean Skydiving, Vault Nineteen’s entrance is cleverly concealed. The vault is one of the earliest to discover, if one were to head straight south from Goodsprings.
Vault Nineteen’s inhabitants were divided into two distinct groups, identified by their affiliation with either the black or red sections of the Vault. These groups were intentionally kept separate, with minimal interaction and distinct living areas. The experiment was designed to incite conflict and observe the effects of social segregation and manufactured tension.
As intended, the inhabitants grew increasingly suspicious of each other, fueled by rumors and mistrust. Petty disputes escalated into full-blown conflicts, and the Vault’s social fabric began to unravel. Over time, this division led to violence, sabotage, and a complete breakdown of order.
The Powder Gangers now occupy Vault Nineteen. A group of escaped convicts who made the Mojave wasteland their new home, and a thorn in the side to the NCR.
There are minor quests for you to complete within Vault Nineteen, revolving around the Powder Gangers and their motivations.
Vault Nineteen poses a moderate level of danger to explorers. The Powder Gangers are generally hostile, but their tactics are relatively straightforward. However, the Vault’s interior is littered with traps and hazards, requiring caution and awareness to navigate safely.
Vault Twenty-One: The Casino Vault
Unique among the Vaults, Vault Twenty-One is located directly beneath the glitz and glamour of the New Vegas Strip. Its residents lived with a unique social structure. Instead of making decisions through traditional government or hierarchy, everything was determined by games of chance. From assigning jobs to resolving disputes, the roll of the dice or the flip of a card dictated life within the Vault.
Due to the social experiment, there were no key events or internal strife within Vault Twenty-One.
This vault did not suffer the grim fates of its brethren. Its unique, luck-based societal structure, proved surprisingly successful. That is, until Mr. House, the enigmatic ruler of New Vegas, opened the Vault and invited the residents to integrate into the city’s vibrant culture. They filled roles as card dealers, security personnel, and other key positions within the casinos.
The former residents of Vault Twenty-One can now be found throughout the New Vegas Strip, blending seamlessly into the city’s bustling atmosphere. Players can interact with these individuals and learn more about their unique history and experiences.
Exploring Vault Twenty-One presents minimal danger to players. The vault has been cleared of any hostile creatures or security systems. You may also choose to work alongside Mr. House to continue his grand designs of New Vegas and its security.
Other Vaults Mentioned and their Implications
While players cannot directly explore every Vault in the Fallout universe, Fallout New Vegas acknowledges the existence of several other subterranean shelters. Mentions of Vault Thirteen, famous for its role in the original Fallout game, and Vault Fifteen, the origin of several prominent wasteland factions, provide a broader context for the region’s history and the interconnectedness of the Fallout lore. These references deepen the sense of world-building and remind players that the Mojave Wasteland is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
The Haunting Legacy of Vault-Tec in New Vegas
The Vaults of Fallout New Vegas are far more than just explorable locations; they are potent symbols of Vault-Tec’s misguided ambitions and the devastating consequences of unchecked power. Each Vault tells a story of social breakdown, scientific manipulation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. They are stark reminders of the pre-war world’s flaws and the enduring impact of its technological hubris. Venture into these Vaults at your own risk, Courier. The secrets you find may change your perspective on the Mojave Wasteland forever.
Further exploration of New Vegas and the surrounding areas, you’ll uncover so much more of what Vault-Tec left behind.
