In the desolate Mojave Wasteland of Fallout: New Vegas, remnants of the old world offer a glimpse into a life lost. Among these treasures, Pre-War Books hold more value than just sentimental worth. These tattered volumes, often found in dusty corners and forgotten shelves, represent a connection to a bygone era, a time before the bombs fell and reshaped the world. This guide will illuminate the path to finding these valuable artifacts, understanding their worth, and utilizing them to thrive in the harsh post-apocalyptic landscape. Forget mere survival; with the knowledge contained within these pages, you can become a master of skills, a wealthy trader, and a true student of history, all while navigating the dangers of the Mojave.
Pre-War Books are more than just decorative items; they are a resource, a tool, and a piece of history, all rolled into one. This guide provides the knowledge you need to capitalize on these often overlooked items in the wasteland.
What are Pre-War Books? A Glimpse into the Past
Pre-War Books in Fallout: New Vegas appear as worn and faded hardcover volumes, their covers bearing the marks of time and neglect. The pages are often yellowed and brittle, but remarkably, they remain intact, a testament to the quality of pre-war craftsmanship, or perhaps just luck. They represent a tangible piece of the old world, a connection to the lives and knowledge that were lost in the Great War. You can often identify them by their distinctive spine designs and the fact that they always seem to be strategically placed on bookshelves, desks and tables. Finding one feels like unearthing a relic.
In the grand scheme of Fallout lore, Pre-War Books hold immense significance. They are relics of a world that was both technologically advanced and riddled with social and political tensions. They offer fragments of insight into the culture, values, and even the everyday lives of those who lived before the bombs fell. They are whispers from the past, offering clues about the society that ultimately destroyed itself. They give us a glimpse into a world that both resembles our own and is terrifyingly different.
The value of these books extends beyond their historical significance. In the pragmatic world of the Mojave Wasteland, Pre-War Books are a valuable resource for several reasons. Firstly, they possess a substantial monetary value. Wasteland merchants are always eager to acquire them, offering a fair price for each volume. Caps are king in New Vegas, and accumulating a collection of Pre-War Books is an excellent way to bolster your wealth. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, Pre-War Books can be used to boost your skills. With the right perk, each book becomes a mini skill guide, allowing you to gain proficiency in a variety of fields. And finally, they can be broken down into scrap electronics, which can be used for repairing weapons or other equipment.
Finding Pre-War Books: Location is Key
Locating Pre-War Books requires a keen eye and a willingness to explore the dilapidated ruins of the Mojave Wasteland. While they can be found in various locations, certain areas are more likely to yield these valuable finds. Careful searching through bookshelves, desks, and containers in pre-war buildings is an essential strategy. Trading with merchants is another viable option, as they often acquire books from scavengers and wasteland explorers. Finally, exploring specific factions’ bases or homes can prove fruitful, as some groups have a penchant for collecting pre-war artifacts. Remember to always check every nook and cranny. Sometimes the best books are hidden in plain sight.
Let’s break down some specific locations, area by area, where you’re most likely to discover these literary treasures.
Goodsprings and Surrounding Area
Starting in Goodsprings and its immediate surroundings, keep an eye out in the old schoolhouse. While not overflowing with books, it is a great spot to find a few early in the game. Also, be sure to check the shelves in Doc Mitchell’s house.
Primm and Nipton
Moving southward towards Primm and Nipton, carefully scour the buildings of Primm, especially those that haven’t been completely overrun by convicts. While Nipton suffered a much harsher fate, a thorough search of any standing structure might turn up a few surprises. Every dusty corner and crumbling shelf is worth investigating.
Novac and Repconn
Heading east towards Novac and the Repconn Test Site, the motel rooms in Novac are prime locations for finding Pre-War Books. Check under beds, on dressers, and inside any containers you come across. The Repconn facility is also a treasure trove of pre-war items, including books. Explore every floor, searching offices, laboratories, and storage rooms.
Freeside and The Strip
Venture into the bustling hub of Freeside and the glittering lights of the New Vegas Strip, you will find the Atomic Wrangler in Freeside. Several Pre-War Books can be found in this location. Within the casinos of the Strip, carefully examine the bookshelves in the executive suites and private rooms. Don’t neglect the ruins surrounding the Strip, as many buildings still contain remnants of their former inhabitants, including their beloved books.
North of Las Vegas
Venturing North of Las Vegas, you’ll find Jacobstown, the settlement for Super Mutants. Check the cabins and any accessible buildings there. Black Mountain can also yield results, though the dangers of the area may outweigh the potential rewards. Be cautious of the dangers lurking there.
Hidden Valley and the BoS Bunker
In Hidden Valley, the home of the Brotherhood of Steel, the bunker is a rich source of pre-war technology and knowledge. Scour the shelves of the library and other rooms for Pre-War Books. Camp McCarran and Aerotech Park, military bases, also offer potential for discovery. Check the barracks, offices, and storage areas for any forgotten volumes.
Vaults
Vaults may also contain Pre-War Books. Vault three, eleven, and others may have a few on desks or in storage areas. It’s worth the risk to explore them all.
Remember, patience and persistence are key to finding Pre-War Books. Always check every possible location, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t find anything on your first try. The rewards are well worth the effort.
Using Pre-War Books Effectively: Skills, Caps and Repairs
Once you’ve amassed a collection of Pre-War Books, it’s time to put them to good use. The most straightforward method is selling them for caps. Several vendors throughout the Mojave Wasteland are willing to purchase these books, but some offer better prices than others. Look for vendors with plenty of caps who specialize in buying collectibles or rare items. The base price for each book is fairly decent, but you can increase your profits by bartering effectively.
Perhaps the most valuable application of Pre-War Books is their ability to boost your skills. This is made possible by the “Comprehension” perk, which doubles the skill points gained from reading skill books. This perk is absolutely essential for maximizing the benefits of Pre-War Books. With Comprehension, each book becomes a potent learning tool, allowing you to quickly improve your skills in areas such as Repair, Science, Medicine, and more. Therefore, its advised that you aquire the Comprehension perk prior to consuming books.
Lastly, if you have a high enough repair skill, you can use duct tape to fix them. This is an easier way to obtain scrap electronics early on, and may be worth it to repair a book for some extra income.
Beyond the Gameplay: Thematic Significance and Lore
Pre-War Books offer a unique insight into the world before the Great War. This is valuable for learning what it was like to live then. Reading these books gives hints about the values, culture, and society. They tell stories of advancement, political unrest, and social issues that ultimately led to the destruction of the world. This helps to build more connection with the story of Fallout: New Vegas and learn more about the world.
Conclusion: Knowledge Endures
Pre-War Books in Fallout: New Vegas are more than just collectible items; they are a valuable resource, a source of knowledge, and a tangible link to the past. They can be sold for caps, used to improve your skills, and provide a glimpse into the lives and society of those who lived before the Great War. By following this guide, you can become a master of Pre-War Book acquisition and utilization, enhancing your gameplay experience and deepening your understanding of the Fallout universe. So venture forth into the Mojave Wasteland, explore the ruins of the old world, and uncover the hidden treasures that await. Remember, even in a post-apocalyptic world, knowledge is power. Good luck on your hunt.
