The Mojave Wasteland, a sun-baked landscape teeming with danger and opportunity, is populated by more than just wastelanders and mutated creatures. Scattered amidst the crumbling casinos and desolate highways are robots, remnants of a bygone era, now serving as guardians, laborers, and even companions in this post-apocalyptic world. My first encounter with a Securitron wasn’t exactly friendly, let’s just say I learned quickly that energy weapons were my best friend in those situations. From loyal companions to formidable adversaries, robots are integral to the experience. Their presence enriches the world’s atmosphere, challenges players, and contributes significantly to the overall gameplay. This guide delves into the fascinating world of Fallout New Vegas robots, exploring their roles, histories, and the best strategies for interacting with them. Prepare to dissect these metal marvels, from their intricate programming to their critical role in shaping the fate of New Vegas.
Robot Companions: Your Metallic Allies
The wasteland is a lonely place, and a trusty companion can be the difference between survival and becoming gecko chow. While the world of New Vegas offers a cast of human characters to join your adventures, it is the robotic companions that offer unique perks, protection, and even a little humor to the journey. Two standout robotic companions are ED-E and Rex, each bringing distinct strengths to the team.
ED-E: The Enclave Eyebot
ED-E is more than just a floating tin can; he’s a walking, talking (well, beeping), technological marvel, a remnant of the pre-war Enclave. ED-E’s backstory is tied to the pre-war military and has an interesting questline linked to repairing or enhancing the robot. Finding ED-E in Primm is just the start of a powerful friendship. He’s acquired in a state of disrepair but with the Courier’s help, he can be brought back to full functionality, providing invaluable support on the dangerous journey ahead.
ED-E excels at scouting and enhancing your combat prowess. He automatically detects enemies at a considerable distance, providing crucial early warning of potential threats. His perk grants a permanent bonus to weapon skill and adds to your perception, making you a deadlier shot and more aware of your surroundings. His energy weapons can pack a punch, especially against armored foes.
ED-E can be upgraded and these upgrades are granted by talking to specific Non-Player Characters (NPCs). This makes him a fantastic addition to any squad in New Vegas.
Rex: The Cyberdog Companion
Rex, the cybernetic canine, offers a different kind of companionship, loyalty forged in steel and enhanced with advanced technology. Rex’s history is shrouded in mystery, with hints of a past life and the technology of the Followers of the Apocalypse that keeps him running. You first meet Rex in Freeside at The King’s headquarters and he’ll quickly win you over with his steadfast loyalty.
Rex is a melee-focused companion, ideal for drawing enemy fire and dealing close-range damage. His bite attack can cripple enemies, making them easier to dispatch. He is particularly effective against smaller creatures and melee opponents, providing a valuable distraction while you deal with ranged threats.
But Rex isn’t without his flaws. Rex needs brain replacements, a quest that is given shortly after acquiring the cyberdog, adding a layer of complexity to keeping him healthy. Depending on the brain you choose, you can customize his strengths.
Comparing Robotic Allies
ED-E and Rex offer distinct advantages. ED-E is a versatile support unit, excelling at reconnaissance and providing passive buffs, while Rex is a front-line brawler, perfect for aggressive players. ED-E is better suited for ranged combat situations, while Rex is more effective in close-quarters engagements. Ultimately, the choice between ED-E and Rex depends on your playstyle and preferred combat strategies. However, any player can benefit greatly from a metal companion by their side.
Enemy Robots: The Metallic Menace
Not all robots are friendly in the Mojave Wasteland. Many serve as guardians for valuable locations or are programmed for hostile purposes. Understanding the different types of enemy robots and their weaknesses is crucial for survival. From the menacing Securitrons to the repurposed Protectrons, robots pose a significant threat to even the most seasoned wastelanders.
Securitrons: Sentinels of New Vegas
The Securitrons are the backbone of Mr. House’s security force, patrolling the Strip and guarding vital locations. These hulking robots are armed with a variety of weapons, from machine guns to energy weapons, and are heavily armored, making them formidable opponents.
The history of the Securitrons dates back to pre-war innovations, with Mr. House upgrading their software and hardware to create a technologically superior security force. They are programmed to enforce order and protect the interests of Mr. House, making them a constant presence in New Vegas.
Different Securitron models exist, each with varying levels of armament and armor. The standard Securitrons are tough enough, but the upgraded models, particularly those guarding Mr. House’s penthouse, are incredibly difficult to defeat. Energy weapons and armor-piercing ammunition are essential for taking down these metal behemoths. A well-placed shot to their vision sensors will also cause them to pause.
Protectrons: Servants Turned Sentinels
Protectrons were originally designed for a variety of civilian roles, from construction to law enforcement. However, in the wasteland, they have often been repurposed for more sinister purposes. Protectrons may be encountered guarding abandoned buildings, patrolling raider camps, or even defending their old pre-war posts.
Each Protectron model has a different type of armament. Firefighters use chemical weapons. Law enforcement units use shock weapons. Construction bots use melee attacks.
Protectrons are particularly vulnerable to EMP weapons, which can temporarily disable them, leaving them open to attack. Targeting their limbs can also cripple them, reducing their combat effectiveness.
Assaultrons and Other Combat Robots
The Mojave Wasteland is littered with combat robots, built before the war and left running. These robots like the Assaultron can present a difficult challenge if you’re not prepared. Assaultrons use powerful melee attacks with high speed movement and can be a real problem for melee builds. Sentry Bots pack heavy guns that require sturdy armor to survive.
Using EMP weapons are essential to dealing with these stronger robots.
Robot Lore and Factions
Robots aren’t just mindless machines in Fallout: New Vegas; they are deeply intertwined with the world’s history, politics, and moral dilemmas. Their presence raises questions about artificial intelligence, sentience, and the ethical implications of technology in a post-apocalyptic society.
Robotics in the Old World
Before the Great War, robots were integral to everyday life, serving in a variety of roles, from domestic servants to industrial workers. They represented the pinnacle of technological advancement, promising a future of automation and efficiency. However, the war shattered that dream, leaving robots scattered across the wasteland, their programming often corrupted or repurposed.
Robots’ Influence on Factions
The major factions in Fallout: New Vegas have distinct relationships with robots, reflecting their ideologies and goals. Mr. House relies heavily on his Securitron army to maintain control over New Vegas, viewing them as tools to enforce order and protect his interests. The Brotherhood of Steel, with their focus on preserving pre-war technology, is wary of robots, seeing them as both a potential threat and a valuable resource. The Think Tank in Old World Blues has a unique relationship with robotics, seeing the potential for both advancement and danger.
Ethical Considerations and Sentience
The question of robot sentience is a recurring theme in Fallout: New Vegas. Are robots simply machines programmed to follow instructions, or are they capable of independent thought and emotion? The game explores this question through interactions with various robots, challenging players to consider the ethical implications of their actions. Should robots be treated as property, or do they deserve the same rights as humans?
Tips for Robot Encounters
Fighting robots in Fallout: New Vegas requires a different approach than fighting human enemies or mutated creatures. Their armor and energy resistance make them difficult to damage with conventional weapons.
Effective Weapons and Perks
Energy weapons and armor-piercing ammunition are essential for dealing with heavily armored robots like Securitrons and Sentry Bots. EMP grenades and pulse rifles can temporarily disable robots, creating an opening for attack. The Robotics Expert perk allows you to hack robots, turning them against their allies or disabling them entirely.
Exploiting Weaknesses
Targeting a robot’s limbs can cripple them, reducing their movement speed and combat effectiveness. Focusing fire on their vision sensors can also disorient them, making them easier to hit. Certain robots have specific vulnerabilities, such as the Protectron’s weakness to EMP weapons.
Strategic Use of Environment
Using terrain and cover to your advantage is crucial when fighting robots. Robots often rely on ranged attacks, so staying behind cover can minimize the damage you take. Funneling robots into narrow corridors can also make them easier to manage.
Modding and Customization
The Fallout: New Vegas modding community has created a vast array of mods that enhance the robot experience, from adding new companions to overhauling existing enemy robots. Mods allow players to customize their robot companions, adding new weapons, armor, and abilities. Other mods introduce entirely new types of robots to the wasteland, adding fresh challenges and opportunities.
Conclusion: The Enduring Metallic Appeal
Robots are an integral part of the Fallout: New Vegas experience, adding depth, challenge, and moral complexity to the game world. From the loyal companionship of ED-E and Rex to the menacing presence of the Securitrons, robots play a vital role in shaping the fate of the Mojave Wasteland. Their unique abilities, compelling stories, and ethical implications make them a memorable and enduring aspect of the Fallout universe. Whether you are seeking a trusty companion or a formidable foe, the robots of Fallout: New Vegas offer something for every player, enriching the game and cementing their place in its legacy. Their presence in the game invites players to contemplate what it means to be alive and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement.
