The wind whispers across the sun-baked earth, carrying tales of gamblers, gunslingers, and the promise of a new tomorrow… or perhaps just another scorched wasteland. Fallout: New Vegas plunges you into the heart of the Mojave, a sprawling desert dotted with settlements, casinos, and the remnants of a pre-war world. But the soul of this game lies in its locations, the places where stories unfold, alliances are forged, and fortunes are won and lost. This isn’t just a map; it’s a canvas, each locale a brushstroke painting a picture of a world clinging to survival, and this guide serves as your personal tour. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of the many major and notable locations sprinkled throughout the Mojave Wasteland, your ultimate companion for every journey, shootout, and discovery.
Major Hub Locations in the Mojave
The neon glow of the New Vegas Strip, a beacon of hope… or perhaps delusion, for many wandering the wasteland. This is the heart of the city, a cluster of opulent casinos vying for your attention and your bottle caps. You’ll want to get acquainted with these establishments to further your Mojave adventures.
The New Vegas Strip
The Lucky Thirty-Eight Casino is the towering domain of Mr. House, the enigmatic figure pulling the strings behind the scenes. This is where you’ll find yourself entangled in the deepest layers of political intrigue. Meanwhile, the Tops Casino exudes a cool, jazzy vibe, and a deal with Benny could mean a deal with the devil. Don’t forget the Gomorrah Casino, a place with secrets hidden beneath its alluring facade. And if you’re feeling lucky, you may want to step into the opulent Ultra-Luxe Casino, a place of high society and even higher stakes.
The New Vegas Strip is home to many notable NPCs and quests, including your initial interactions with Mr. House and the quests surrounding the conflict between the NCR, the Legion, and the ambition to take over the city yourself. These interactions often determine the course of the entire game, making the Strip a cornerstone of the Fallout: New Vegas experience.
Freeside
Then there’s Freeside, a chaotic slice of life just outside the Strip’s walls. It’s a bustling area, filled with vendors, addicts, and dreamers. But it is here where you can find fortune and friendship.
One of the most important places in Freeside is The Atomic Wrangler Casino, a gritty hub of gambling and questionable characters. Looking for weapons? Check out The Silver Rush, the go-to place for energy weapons. And, for supplies, information, and more, you’ll find everything you need at Mick & Ralph’s.
Freeside is a melting pot of factions and ambitions. Here, you’ll cross paths with the Kings, a gang with a Elvis-inspired aesthetic. The quests here are plentiful, offering opportunities to aid (or exploit) the local population.
Novac
Farther out into the Mojave, Novac rises from the sands. It’s a quaint town defined by its dinosaur-shaped motel and its quiet, weary inhabitants, and you’ll soon be feeling right at home.
The most important location in Novac is the Dinky the Dinosaur, a perfect landmark and your first glimpse of the town. Be sure to chat with the residents of the motel, and remember to be nice if you want to make a friend or two.
Novac is synonymous with Boone, the sharpshooter with a tragic past. His personal quest is intertwined with the town’s history and offers a unique perspective on the dangers of the Mojave.
Goodsprings
Your journey in Fallout: New Vegas begins in Goodsprings, a small town with a lot more heart than it might initially appear. It’s a welcoming haven for many weary travelers, a place where you can collect your thoughts and venture on to somewhere new.
The Prospector Saloon is the social center of Goodsprings, a place to gather information, trade goods, and maybe even join a poker game. Just outside of town, the Goodsprings Source provides much-needed water to the town and is crucial for the town’s survival.
Goodsprings is home to Sunny Smiles, the friendly face who guides you through the basics of survival, and Doc Mitchell, who brings you back from the brink of death after Benny leaves you for dead in the beginning of the game.
Primm
Finally, there’s Primm, a town struggling to recover after being overrun by Powder Gangers. The situation seems hopeless, but there’s something worth saving in Primm.
The Vikki and Vance Casino is the main attraction in Primm, although it’s currently in a state of disrepair. You can even explore the rollercoaster outside of town if you dare.
Primm offers the chance to restore order and find a lawman to bring justice back to the town. You can also find a new companion here, a helpful robot who just needs a little repair.
Faction-Aligned Locations of New Vegas
The New California Republic (NCR) holds significant sway in the Mojave, and their bases are vital to their operations.
NCR Locations
Camp McCarran serves as a major NCR base, bustling with activity and serving as a hub for logistical operations. Here, you can engage with several characters who can guide you on quests throughout the Mojave.
For a more relaxing setting, Camp Golf is the place to be. It’s a place for rest, relaxation, and some interesting quests. Not everyone can be relaxed in the middle of the Mojave.
The most iconic landmark associated with the NCR is Hoover Dam. It’s a symbol of power and control, as well as a strategically important location in the war. The many NCR characters here give out quests to further their war effort, or sabotage the war effort entirely.
Legion Locations
On the other side, Caesar’s Legion operates from imposing fortifications and a rigid social structure. The fate of the Mojave may depend on their actions.
Fortification Hill, also known as The Fort, stands as Caesar’s stronghold. It’s a place of brutal discipline and unwavering loyalty to Caesar. Here, you can meet key figures such as Caesar himself and Legate Lanius.
Another location under Caesar’s control is Cottonwood Cove. It acts as a port, and the Legion patrol the location ferociously.
Independent Locations
Not all locations are aligned with the NCR or the Legion. Independent settlements and groups carve out their own niches in the Mojave.
In the northern mountains lies Jacobstown, home to a community of Nightkin, a type of Super Mutant. It is here where they live with Doctor Henry, and where you can learn about their unique challenges and struggles to blend in.
Deep within the mountains, Hidden Valley serves as the bunker for the Brotherhood of Steel. Here, you can explore their history and delve into the secrets of their isolationist culture.
Nellis Air Force Base is inhabited by the Boomers, a group that reveres explosives and bombard anyone who approaches. Tread carefully as you approach.
Notable Side Locations in New Vegas
The Mojave is riddled with underground vaults, each one a dark microcosm of pre-war society gone awry. These vaults serve as a playground for those who enjoy challenging content.
Vaults
Vault Three reveals the story of a community who were manipulated by the outside, an interesting tale of tragedy.
Vault Eleven, with its dark secrets and challenging scenarios, offers a gruesome insight into social experimentation gone horribly wrong.
Vault Nineteen reveals the story of two groups who were forced together to maintain order, and who had to separate again to prevent war.
Vault Twenty-Two showcases a unique environment with plant life running rampant, revealing the results of scientific experiment.
Vault Thirty-Four is the home of a group of people stuck underwater with radiation and who soon went feral.
Caves and Mines
The surface of the Mojave is just as dangerous as beneath the surface.
Dead Wind Cavern is notorious for being filled with Deathclaws. Prepare to fight or be prepared to run.
Sloan is a quarry overrun by Deathclaws, an abandoned location filled with powerful enemies.
Unique Landmarks
The Mojave is also filled with strange landmarks to explore.
The Repconn Test Site is themed around rockets and haunted by ghouls. It’s a bizarre mix of technology and decay, which is perfect for the Mojave Wasteland.
Helios One is a solar power plant that offers players a quest with far-reaching consequences for the region, testing your morals and your skills.
Black Mountain is a radio station controlled by Super Mutants. Ascend it to encounter a unique character with his own ambitions.
Hidden Locations and Easter Eggs in New Vegas
Beyond the main locations, Fallout: New Vegas hides many secrets for eagle-eyed explorers. These hidden gems add depth and a touch of whimsy to the wasteland.
One example is the Ghost Farm, a location shrouded in mystery and filled with eerie details. The Ghost Farm is often missed by those who aren’t explorative.
The Thorn is another hidden gem, a makeshift arena where you can battle wasteland creatures for fame and fortune.
And, finally, Sunset Sarsaparilla Headquarters reveals the inner workings of the iconic beverage company.
Tips for Exploration in New Vegas
The Mojave Wasteland is a dangerous place, so it’s best to come prepared.
Explore thoroughly. Don’t just stick to the main roads. The most rewarding discoveries often lie off the beaten path.
Be cautious and prepared for encounters. Ambushes and hostile creatures are a constant threat.
Carry appropriate weapons and ammo. Different situations require different tools.
Use companions to your advantage. They provide valuable support and can carry extra gear.
Manage radiation and health. Stock up on Rad-Away and healing items. The desert is unforgiving.
Conclusion: Exploring the Mojave Wasteland
Fallout: New Vegas stands as a testament to the power of location in storytelling. The vastness and variety of the Mojave Wasteland are unparalleled, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Each location is more than just a map marker; it’s a window into the lives of the people who inhabit this broken world, from the glitz and glamour of the New Vegas Strip to the desolate ruins of forgotten towns. So, gear up, venture forth, and uncover the secrets that await you in the Mojave. Let this guide be your starting point, and let your own curiosity guide you through the rest of your journey. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your own favorite location, a place that resonates with you and adds another layer to your personal Fallout: New Vegas experience. The desert calls, Courier. Are you ready to answer?
