The Platinum Chip and the NCR: A Mojave Wasteland Dilemma
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The Platinum Chip in Fallout: New Vegas is a crucial piece of technology that is very important for the power dynamics of the Mojave Wasteland. However, you cannot directly give the Platinum Chip to the NCR. The NCR does not utilize or need the chip’s functionality in their plans for controlling New Vegas. The chip primarily serves the ambitions of Mr. House, Yes Man, and indirectly, Benny. The NCR’s focus is on controlling the region through military might and political influence, rather than advanced technological systems like the Securitron army linked to the chip. While the NCR benefits from the actions you take with the chip if you ultimately side with them, it never takes the possession of the chip.
Understanding the Platinum Chip’s Significance
The Platinum Chip is far more than a simple piece of hardware. It holds the encryption keys necessary to upgrade and control Mr. House’s Securitron army housed beneath Fortification Hill. These Securitrons represent a formidable fighting force, capable of tipping the balance of power in New Vegas.
The NCR’s strategy, on the other hand, is rooted in more traditional methods of warfare and governance. They seek to establish order and extend their territorial control through established military infrastructure, diplomatic negotiations, and resource management. While they appreciate any advantage, they cannot directly use the Platinum Chip.
Why the NCR Isn’t Interested in the Chip Directly
Think of it like giving a car key to someone who wants to build a bridge. Sure, the key unlocks a car that could transport materials, but that’s indirect at best. The NCR desires land, resources, and loyalty, things that are better secured through boots on the ground, not robotic armies. Their influence relies on manpower, infrastructure, and political sway, rather than reliance on a singular, powerful piece of technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are fifteen frequently asked questions related to the Platinum Chip and its impact on the major factions in Fallout: New Vegas:
1. What happens if I give Mr. House the Platinum Chip?
When you give Mr. House the Platinum Chip, he will use it to upgrade the Securitrons beneath the Lucky 38 casino and Fortification Hill. After the upgrade, he returns the chip to you, tasking you with eliminating the Boomers and clearing out the Brotherhood of Steel. You can then choose to continue working with him or betray him.
2. Can I leave the Fort with the Platinum Chip?
Yes, you can leave the Fort with the Platinum Chip after visiting Caesar. If you don’t wish to complete Caesar’s mission at the bunker, you can fight or sneak your way out. You can either retrieve your belongings from the lockers near the main gate or get them back from the legionaries at the bunker entrance.
3. Why did Benny want the Platinum Chip?
Benny aimed to use the Platinum Chip to usurp Mr. House’s control of New Vegas. He wanted to utilize the same technology to activate the Securitron army and establish his own dominion over the Strip, leveraging the robotic forces for his personal gain.
4. How can I get the Platinum Chip if the Legion hates me?
If you are vilified by the Legion, you can still acquire the Platinum Chip by heading to Cottonwood Cove. Find Cursor Lucullus and eliminate him. Then, activate the raft to be transported to the Fort, and fight your way to the chip. Finally, kill all the legionaries in your path and take the Platinum Chip from whoever has it.
5. What are my options after acquiring the Platinum Chip?
After securing the Platinum Chip, you have several choices: you can return it to Mr. House, use it to activate the Yes Man protocol, align with the NCR, or side with Caesar’s Legion. Each path leads to different alliances, quests, and ultimately, a different ending for the game.
6. What happens if I don’t give Mr. House the Platinum Chip?
If you refuse to give Mr. House the Platinum Chip, he will become hostile. All the Securitrons inside the Lucky 38 Casino will attack you, and the “The House Always Wins” questline will be closed off. This forces you to side with another faction.
7. Should I work with Yes Man?
Working with Yes Man allows you to establish an independent New Vegas under your control. This is a viable option if you desire to rule New Vegas without the influence of the NCR, Legion, or Mr. House. This path gives you the most direct control over the Mojave Wasteland’s future. For more on how games influence learning and societal structures, consider exploring resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.
8. Can I betray Mr. House after giving him the Platinum Chip?
Yes, you can betray Mr. House even after giving him the Platinum Chip. Once he upgrades the Securitrons and returns the chip, you can choose to follow the Yes Man questline or the NCR questline, both of which involve removing Mr. House from power.
9. How did Mr. House lose the Platinum Chip?
Mr. House designed the Platinum Chip shortly before the Great War, but it was lost during the nuclear holocaust. The chip remained lost until Benny recovered it, setting the stage for the events of Fallout: New Vegas.
10. What happens if I put the Platinum Chip in the Weather Monitoring Station?
If the Courier has the Platinum Chip, they can place it in the control station of the Weather Monitoring Station. Placing the chip activates a hidden staircase leading to a secret room with the Lucky 38 symbol, hinting at Mr. House’s involvement and long-term plans. This provides context rather than direct functionality.
11. Can you get the Platinum Chip without killing Benny?
The Platinum Chip is primarily obtained by killing Benny, either in The Tops Casino or later at the Fort. Alternatively, you can work with or kill Caesar, but this still requires confronting Benny.
12. What happens if I destroy Mr. House’s bunker?
If you destroy Mr. House’s secret bunker, the Securitrons inside the Lucky 38 Casino will become hostile toward you. You will need to eliminate them to progress through other questlines. This action significantly impacts your relationship with Mr. House and his allies.
13. Does killing Mr. House give me bad karma?
Yes, killing or disabling Mr. House will result in a loss of karma (-50 Karma). This reflects the moral consequences of your actions within the game world.
14. Is Yes Man a bad choice in Fallout: New Vegas?
Yes Man is not inherently “bad,” but he represents a chaotic path. He allows you to take control of New Vegas, but leaves the surrounding Mojave Wasteland without organized leadership. This can be beneficial if you seek absolute power, but it might not be the best option for long-term stability.
15. What is the best strategy for using the Platinum Chip?
The “best” strategy depends on your desired ending. Working with Mr. House grants technological advancements, aligning with the NCR provides stability, siding with the Legion establishes order through force, and partnering with Yes Man offers complete independence. Each choice has its merits and drawbacks, so consider your character’s motivations and goals before making a decision.
In conclusion, while you can’t directly hand the Platinum Chip over to the NCR and say, “Here, take control!”, your decisions regarding the chip have massive implications for the NCR’s future in the Mojave Wasteland. Your ultimate alliance will determine whether the NCR thrives, struggles, or is driven out completely.