Introduction
The Fallout universe is filled with iconic factions, and few are as technologically advanced, morally ambiguous, and narratively compelling as the Enclave. From their shadowy origins in pre-war America to their post-apocalyptic ambition to “reclaim” the wasteland, the Enclave has left an indelible mark on the Fallout series. Their distinctive power armor, a symbol of their military might and technological superiority, is equally iconic. While the Enclave’s presence in *Fallout: New Vegas* is limited to remnants of their former glory, their legacy lives on through their armor, which can be found and worn by the Courier. Finding Enclave armor in New Vegas isn’t easy, but for those wanting powerful protection, it is worth the effort.
The Enclave’s history is one of pre-war government officials and military leaders who retreated to secure installations before the bombs fell, preserving a warped vision of America for a future they believed they could control. They emerged from their bunkers decades later, armed with advanced technology and a ruthless determination to cleanse the wasteland of “mutants” and rebuild society in their own image. In previous Fallout installments, such as *Fallout 2* and *Fallout 3*, the Enclave served as a major antagonist, wielding advanced weaponry and formidable power armor.
In *Fallout: New Vegas*, the Enclave’s presence is significantly diminished. They exist only as the Remnants, a scattered group of former Enclave soldiers and scientists who survived the destruction of their main base. These Remnants, haunted by the past and struggling to find a purpose in the Mojave Wasteland, offer the Courier a glimpse into the Enclave’s history and a chance to acquire their coveted armor. Obtaining the new vegas enclave armor represents more than just acquiring a piece of equipment; it’s inheriting a legacy, a fallen ideology, and a potent symbol of power. This article will delve into the lore, stats, and customization options surrounding the Enclave armor in *Fallout: New Vegas*, examining its significance within the game and the wider Fallout universe.
The Enclave Armor Sets in New Vegas
The Remnants, though few in number, retain access to some of the Enclave’s most advanced technology, including their signature power armor. There are primarily two variations of Enclave armor that the Courier can acquire in *New Vegas*: the Remnants Power Armor and the Remnants Tesla Armor.
Remnants Power Armor
The standard Remnants Power Armor is a formidable suit, easily recognizable by its sleek design and distinctive dark gray or black color scheme. This armor represents the culmination of pre-war technological advancements, modified and refined by the Enclave over decades of use. The iconic helmet with its glowing red eyes adds to the armor’s menacing appearance.
The primary way to obtain the Remnants Power Armor is by completing the quest “For Auld Lang Syne,” which involves assisting the Remnants in either reuniting or forging their own path. Depending on the Courier’s choices, they may be rewarded with the armor by a grateful Remnant. It is also possible, albeit less morally palatable, to acquire the armor by eliminating the Remnants and looting their corpses. Some players have reported finding pieces of the armor on dead Remnants in various locations throughout the Mojave Wasteland, though this is less reliable.
The Remnants Power Armor provides significant protection, boasting a high Damage Threshold (DT). It is also relatively heavy, imposing a considerable weight burden on the wearer. Its value in caps is substantial, reflecting its rarity and effectiveness. Wearing the armor also requires a significant Strength stat to avoid penalties to movement speed and agility. The armor’s effects are primarily focused on defense, providing excellent resistance to physical and energy damage.
The pros of the Remnants Power Armor are obvious: exceptional protection and a fearsome appearance. The cons include its weight, high Strength requirement, and the moral implications of acquiring it through violent means. Repairing the Remnants Power Armor requires a relatively high Repair skill, or access to vendors who specialize in repairing advanced armor.
Remnants Tesla Armor
The Remnants Tesla Armor is a variant of the standard Remnants Power Armor, distinguished by the addition of Tesla coils integrated into the suit. These coils emit a visible electrical charge, further enhancing the armor’s intimidating aesthetic. The primary difference between the standard and Tesla variants lies in their effects.
Obtaining the Remnants Tesla Armor follows the same methods as the standard version: completing “For Auld Lang Syne” or looting it from dead Remnants.
The Remnants Tesla Armor shares similar stats with the standard version in terms of DT, weight, and value. However, the Tesla coils provide an additional bonus to energy weapon damage, making it particularly effective for characters who specialize in energy weapons.
The pros of the Remnants Tesla Armor include its excellent protection and the added energy weapon damage bonus. The cons are the same as the standard version: weight, Strength requirement, and moral implications. Repairing the Tesla Armor requires similar skills and resources as the standard variant.
Gannon Family Tesla Armor
This unique armor is related to Arcade Gannon, a potential companion. Completing his personal quest unlocks this special set of tesla armor.
Other Related Armor
While not directly Enclave armor, the T-45d and T-51b Power Armor are precursors to the Enclave’s advanced designs. Finding and restoring these armors can provide a stepping stone to acquiring or appreciating the Remnants Power Armor.
Lore and Significance
The Enclave’s history is deeply intertwined with the pre-war United States government. Their technology represents the pinnacle of pre-war scientific achievement, preserved and refined within their secure bunkers. Their ideology, however, is far more problematic, rooted in a belief in their own superiority and a desire to impose their vision of America on the wasteland, often through brutal and discriminatory means.
The Remnants in *New Vegas* are a fractured and disillusioned group, grappling with the legacy of their past actions. Some seek redemption, while others cling to their old beliefs. Their story offers a nuanced perspective on the Enclave, showcasing the human cost of their ambition and the complexities of post-apocalyptic survival.
Wearing the Enclave armor in *New Vegas* is a powerful statement. It can evoke a variety of reactions from other characters, depending on their own allegiances and beliefs. Some may be intimidated, while others may be hostile. Role-playing as a former Enclave soldier seeking redemption, or as a ruthless wasteland conqueror, can add depth to the gameplay experience. The very sight of Enclave armor in New Vegas is a testament to its story.
The Enclave’s armor connects *New Vegas* to the broader Fallout narrative. It serves as a tangible reminder of the Enclave’s presence in previous games and their enduring legacy, even in their diminished state. It reinforces the themes of post-apocalyptic survival, technological advancement, and the enduring struggle between order and chaos.
Customization and Enhancements
The Enclave armor in *New Vegas* offers some limited vanilla customization options and is a popular target for modding, allowing players to personalize their armor to suit their individual preferences.
Vanilla Customization
In the base game, the primary customization option involves headgear. The Courier can wear a variety of helmets and headwear with the Remnants Power Armor, each offering different stats and effects. Combining a helmet with the armor can further enhance its defensive capabilities or provide additional bonuses. Perks like Power Armor Training are also crucial for maximizing the armor’s effectiveness, removing penalties to movement and accuracy.
Modding the Enclave Armor
The *Fallout: New Vegas* modding community has embraced the Enclave armor, creating a wide range of mods that enhance its appearance, stats, and lore. Some popular Enclave armor mods include retextures that alter the armor’s color scheme or add battle damage, stat adjustments that balance the armor to be more or less powerful, and new armor variants that introduce new Enclave armor types, such as officer armor or scout armor. There are even mods that expand on the Enclave’s story and presence in *New Vegas*, adding new quests and characters.
When installing mods, it’s essential to follow the mod author’s instructions carefully to avoid conflicts or crashes. Using a mod manager can help streamline the process and ensure that mods are installed correctly.
Gameplay Tips and Strategies
The Enclave armor is best suited for characters with a high Strength stat and a focus on combat. A Strength-based character build can effectively wield the armor and its associated weapons, such as energy weapons.
In combat, the Enclave armor provides excellent protection, allowing the Courier to withstand significant damage. Utilizing cover and employing tactical maneuvers can further enhance survivability.
Managing ammunition for energy weapons and repairing the armor are crucial aspects of using the Enclave armor effectively. Stockpiling ammunition and acquiring repair skills or finding vendors who can repair the armor are essential for long-term survival.
Certain quests align well with using Enclave armor, either thematically or practically. Joining the Followers of the Apocalypse, despite their differing ideologies, can provide access to medical supplies and support. The “For Auld Lang Syne” quest is directly tied to the Enclave armor and offers unique opportunities for role-playing.
Conclusion
The Enclave armor in *Fallout: New Vegas* is more than just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of a fallen empire, a relic of pre-war technology, and a powerful tool for survival in the Mojave Wasteland. Its exceptional protection, intimidating appearance, and rich lore make it a highly desirable item for many players. Finding new vegas enclave armor and wearing the armor is a unique experience within Fallout: New Vegas.
The Enclave armor offers significant value to players in terms of gameplay, lore, and role-playing. It provides excellent protection in combat, enhances the Courier’s appearance, and allows for unique role-playing opportunities. Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth the effort to obtain and use the Enclave armor depends on the individual player’s preferences and playstyle. However, for those seeking power, protection, and a connection to the Fallout universe, the Enclave armor is undoubtedly a worthwhile pursuit.
