How to Get into the Strip in Fallout: New Vegas
The Strip is a crucial location in Fallout: New Vegas, serving as the hub of the Mojave Wasteland’s social, economic, and entertainment centers. As a novice player, you may be wondering how to gain access to this bustling metropolis. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of getting into the Strip, step by step.
Understanding the Strip
Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand the Strip’s role in the game. The Strip is a neon-lit, futuristic district that was once a major attraction in pre-war Las Vegas. It’s now a hub for commerce, entertainment, and faction politics. You’ll encounter various factions, characters, and quests here, making it a pivotal location in the game.
Reaching the Strip
To get into the Strip, you’ll need to progress through the game and unlock access. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
Early Game (Up to Courier’s initial arrival in Goodsprings)
- Complete the prologue by rescuing the injured Courier (the game’s protagonist) from a crashed caravan.
- Visit Goodsprings, a small town on the edge of the Mojave Wasteland.
- Talk to the town’s sheriff, Trudy, who’ll introduce you to the world of Fallout: New Vegas.
The First Visit (After reaching Nellis Air Force Base)
- Head east from Goodsprings and travel to Nellis Air Force Base, which is north of the Strip.
- Speak to Colonel Cassandra Moore, who’ll offer you a contract to sabotage a Chinese Embassy.
- Accept the contract and complete the mission, which will reward you with a key card and some valuable information.
- With the key card in hand, visit the NCR Ranger Station in Goodsprings and speak to Sergeant Jerome.
- Jerome will offer you a temporary pass to the Strip, allowing you to visit for a limited time.
Temporary Access
- Use the temporary pass to visit the Strip, but be aware that your actions will have consequences, and the NCR Ranger Station may restrict your access if you fail to complete missions or side with hostile factions.
Permanently Unlocking the Strip
- As you progress through the game and complete key quests, gain reputation with factions like the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, or the Mr. House’s New Vegas regime.
- Make choices that align with your chosen faction’s goals and ideologies. This will grant you permanent access to the Strip.
- Alternatively, join a faction or marry a character affiliated with the Strip, which may grant you automatic access.
Tips and Strategies
- Save often: The Strip can be a hostile environment, and losing progress can be frustrating.
- Keep a low profile: Avoid attracting unwanted attention from faction members or other hostile characters.
- Prepare for combat: The Strip can be filled with aggressive NPCs and radroaches. Bring sufficient equipment and a good set of skills.
- Make smart choices: The Strip’s factions have competing interests, so choose your allies wisely to avoid being locked out or gaining enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to side with a faction to access the Strip?
A: No, you don’t necessarily need to side with a faction, but making friends with influential characters can grant you permanent access.
Q: Can I access the Strip multiple times without restriction?
A: No, your first visit is granted by Sergeant Jerome as a temporary pass. Further visits may be restricted or require significant reputation gain.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can do in the Strip?
A: Yes, some areas of the Strip are off-limits to players, especially if you don’t have sufficient reputation or faction affiliations.
Q: Can I recruit characters from the Strip?
A: Yes, some characters like Cass or Boone can be recruited if you make the right choices and complete key quests.
Q: Are there any special rewards for visiting the Strip?
A: Yes, completing key quests or missions in the Strip can grant unique rewards, such as exclusive equipment or companion skills.
Q: Is it possible to join multiple factions in Fallout: New Vegas?
A: No, you can only join one primary faction at a time. Secondary alliances and temporary affiliations are possible, but they may not grant full faction membership.
Q: Can I avoid fighting in the Strip?
A: Yes, if you’re prepared and equipped properly, you can navigate the Strip without engaging in combat.
Q: Are there any other important locations in the Strip?
A: Yes, areas like the Bellboy Hotel, the Lucky 38 Casino, and the various vendors offer unique services, quests, and opportunities.
By following this guide, you should be able to gain access to the Strip in Fallout: New Vegas and unlock its many secrets. Remember to save often, make smart choices, and be prepared for combat to ensure a smooth experience in this pivotal location.