Decoding the Enigma: What Vault is Gary in Fallout?

The answer is straightforward: Gary is primarily associated with Vault 108 in Fallout 3. This vault is infamous for its twisted experiment involving cloning a man named Gary, resulting in a vault overrun by violent clones who can only utter his name. Let’s delve deeper into the unsettling story of Gary and his unique vault.

The Disturbing Tale of Vault 108

Vault 108, located in the Capital Wasteland of Fallout 3, wasn’t built for the usual promises of safety. Vault-Tec, with their penchant for ethically questionable experiments, designed it to test the limits of societal collapse. The vault was deliberately stocked with insufficient resources and an unstable power matrix, practically guaranteeing conflict among its inhabitants. But the real kicker? The vault also housed a cloning lab, where scientists began cloning a man named Gary.

The Genesis of the Gary Clones

The cloning project quickly spiraled out of control. At least 54 Gary clones were created, each exhibiting increasing levels of aggression and a severely limited vocabulary: “Gary.” These clones, driven by instinct and unable to communicate beyond their namesake, became hostile to anyone who wasn’t also a clone.

The Downfall of Vault 108

The original residents of Vault 108, facing dwindling resources and the escalating threat of the Gary clones, eventually attempted to eliminate them. This led to a brutal conflict that ultimately resulted in the demise of nearly everyone in the vault. By the time the Lone Wanderer stumbles upon Vault 108, the only inhabitants are the Gary clones, lurking in the shadows of a decaying facility. The vault stands as a testament to the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the fragility of social order.

The Lone Wanderer’s Discovery

The Lone Wanderer’s exploration of Vault 108 reveals the full extent of Vault-Tec’s experiment. The decaying environment, the remnants of human conflict, and the unnerving presence of the Gary clones create a chilling atmosphere. The discovery of the cloning lab solidifies the understanding of the vault’s purpose and the horrifying consequences of its experiment.

Unpacking the Gary Phenomenon

The story of Gary and Vault 108 raises interesting questions about identity, individuality, and the potential consequences of scientific hubris. It’s a microcosm of the wider themes explored in the Fallout universe, prompting reflection on the nature of humanity in a post-apocalyptic world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gary and Vault 108

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Gary/Vault 108 lore:

1. How many Gary clones are there in Fallout 3? At least 54 Gary clones were created in Vault 108.

2. Are all the Gary clones hostile? Yes, all Gary clones are hostile to non-clones.

3. What is the Vault-Tec experiment in Vault 108? The experiment combined resource scarcity with a cloning project to observe societal breakdown.

4. Can the Gary clones speak other words besides “Gary”? No, the Gary clones are only able to say “Gary.”

5. What is the condition of Vault 108 when the Lone Wanderer arrives? The vault is in a state of advanced disrepair, with water leaks, rust, and collapsed sections.

6. Is there a way to communicate with the Gary clones? No, there is no way to effectively communicate with them.

7. Did any Gary clones escape Vault 108? The lore suggests some Gary clones may have escaped the vault, but this is not explicitly shown in the game.

8. Is Vault 108 the only vault with clones? While Vault 108 is most famous for cloning, other vaults in the Fallout universe have also experimented with cloning technology.

9. What is the saddest vault in Fallout? While subjective, Vault 11, where inhabitants were forced to make annual human sacrifices, is often considered the saddest.

10. What other disturbing vaults are in the Fallout universe? Vault 12’s unsealed door exposed its inhabitants to radiation, Vault 77’s sole occupant was driven mad by puppets, and Vault 69 had one man and 999 women.

11. Is there a reference to Vault 108 in other Fallout games? While Vault 108 itself doesn’t appear in other Fallout games, the concept of twisted Vault-Tec experiments is a recurring theme.

12. What is Vault 0? Vault 0 was intended as the nucleus of the Vault network and housed pre-War geniuses in cryogenic stasis.

13. What is the significance of Vault 33 in the upcoming Fallout TV series? Vault 33 is a new vault created specifically for the show, set in Los Angeles, hinting at a potential Vault-Tec plotline.

14. Who created the Gary clones? Scientists residing within Vault 108 were responsible for the cloning project.

15. How does the story of Vault 108 contribute to the overall narrative of Fallout? It highlights the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical implications of Vault-Tec’s experiments, a central theme in the Fallout universe.

The intricate lore and world-building of Fallout are a rich tapestry of interwoven narratives and thought-provoking scenarios. Vault 108 and its Gary clones exemplify this, serving as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of playing God. The dedication of fans in exploring and analyzing these narratives can be further appreciated through organizations such as the Games Learning Society and their work in understanding games as powerful learning tools. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org. This constant analysis and study of games can help us create games that are not just entertaining but educational and thought-provoking as well.