How to Start the Battle of Bunker Hill in Fallout 4
The Battle of Bunker Hill is a pivotal quest in the Bethesda Game Studios’ critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout 4. This quest is marked by a significant turning point in the story of the Sole Survivor, the game’s protagonist, and is a crucial part of completing the main storyline. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to start and complete the Battle of Bunker Hill, answer frequently asked questions, and provide useful tips to help you succeed.
Starting the Quest
To start the Battle of Bunker Hill, you’ll need to complete the following previous quests:
- Getting Started (default starting quest for many players)
- When Freedom Calls (optional, depends on your character’s backstory)
- Tradecraft (completion of this quest unlocks the ability to hack terminals)
Once you’ve completed the above quests, you’ll find a message from Preston Garvey, a member of the Minutemen, on your Pip-Boy. This message will inform you that Preston has been captured by the Institute and has been taken to Bunker Hill, the Institute’s secret settlement. Preston’s ransom demands are set at $1000, which you’ll need to gather before attempting to rescue him.
Gathering Resources
Gathering the necessary resources for Preston’s ransom will require some exploration and scavenging. You can find the required loot by:
- Trading with other settlements: Speak with the leaders of other settlements, and they may offer to trade resources for caps.
- Exploring abandoned buildings: Search abandoned buildings, such as shacks, houses, and stores, to find hidden stashes of items, including caps.
- Completing side quests: Complete side quests from other factions, such as the Brotherhood of Steel or the Railroad, for additional rewards and resources.
When you have gathered the necessary $1000 in caps, you can proceed to Bunker Hill to rescue Preston and launch the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Prepare for Battle
Before infiltrating Bunker Hill and starting the battle, make sure you are prepared with the following:
- Equipment: Ensure you have a range of weapons, including a reliable short-range and long-range option, as well as healing items and stimpacks.
- Perks: Level up your character and choose perks that suit your playstyle, such as increased critical hit chance or improved damage mitigation.
- Armor: Wear medium-to-heavy armor to resist damage and increase your survivability during the battle.
Infiltration and Rescue
To infiltrate Bunker Hill, you’ll need to:
- Find the entrance: Use your Pip-Boy to triangulate the location of Bunker Hill, which is located in the north-west part of the map.
- Sneak past guards: Use Stealth Boy or sneak past Institute guards to reach the entrance of Bunker Hill.
- Rescue Preston: Face off against the Institute’s security bots and human guards to rescue Preston. Avoid engaging with the Institute’s primary targets, as they are heavily augmented and pose a significant threat.
Complete the Battle
Once you’ve rescued Preston and gathered your bearings, you’ll initiate the Battle of Bunker Hill. This encounter is a challenging fight against the Institute, a well-equipped and formidable foe.
Key Strategies for Success
- Prioritize targets: Focus on targeting Institute guards and security bots while avoiding the primary targets.
- Make use of cover: Make use of the environment to take shelter from the Institute’s attacks and regroup before engaging again.
- Rotate and reposition: Rotate your position frequently to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Table: Institute Strongpoints
| Location | Type of Defense | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Security Bots | Easy |
| Central Area | Guards (Unarmed) | Medium |
| Turret Area | Turrets | Challenging |
FAQs and Tips
Q: What level do I need to be to do the Battle of Bunker Hill?
You can complete the Battle of Bunker Hill at any level, but it’s highly recommended to be at least level 10 before attempting it.
Q: Why do I need to gather $1000 for Preston’s ransom?
This is a plot device by the Institute to stall the Sole Survivor while they prepare for the battle against the Minutemen and further their own agenda.
Q: Is it possible to complete the Battle without Preston?
No, Preston Garvey is a key character in this plot, and his rescue is a crucial component of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Q: Can I complete this quest with a companion?
While you can bring a companion during the battle, it’s highly recommended to be solo for this encounter to avoid cluttering the battlefield and making it challenging for your companion to contribute effectively.
Q: How do I know when to retreat during the battle?
Your health and the number of combatants remaining will give you an idea of when to retreat and regroup to continue the battle.
Q: Where do I find the entrance to Bunker Hill?
Use your Pip-Boy to triangulate the location of Bunker Hill, which can be found in the north-west part of the Fallout 4 map.
Q: Is there a way to avoid the battle with the Institute?
No, the Institute’s primary goal is to initiate war with the Minutemen and drive them out of the Commonwealth.
By following these steps and tips, you should be well-prepared to start and complete the Battle of Bunker Hill in Fallout 4. Remember to stay vigilant, adapt to your surroundings, and prioritize your targets for a successful outcome.