Can You Avoid the Vault 81 Disease? A Deep Dive into Fallout 4’s Moral Dilemma

The short answer is yes, you can avoid contracting the Vault 81 disease, also known as Molerat Disease, in Fallout 4, but the decision on how to avoid it carries significant moral weight. The game presents a compelling choice with far-reaching consequences for both you and the inhabitants of Vault 81. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this scenario, examining the disease, its transmission, and the potential outcomes of your actions.

Understanding Vault 81 and the Molerat Disease

Vault 81, unlike many other Vault-Tec experiments, was intended to serve as a functional shelter. However, a secret medical lab within the Vault conducted clandestine experiments on captive molerats, aiming to develop cures for all known diseases. As you might expect in the Fallout universe, things went horribly wrong. The molerats escaped, carrying a highly contagious and deadly disease that threatened to wipe out the Vault’s population. This is the Molerat Disease.

The disease manifests rapidly, causing severe health deterioration and ultimately leading to death. What makes it particularly dangerous is its rapid transmission through bites from infected molerats or direct contact with infected individuals. This situation sets the stage for a crucial decision that tests your character’s moral compass.

The Moral Crossroads: Saving Austin

During your exploration of Vault 81, a young boy named Austin contracts the Molerat Disease after being bitten by an escaped molerat. Dr. Forsythe, the Vault’s chief physician, informs you that the only known cure is a synthesized version of the disease itself, located within the secret lab. The catch? The serum is a single dose.

This is where your choice comes in. You have two primary options:

• Use the cure on Austin: This saves the young boy’s life, ensuring his future and the well-being of his parents. However, it means that you will inevitably contract the Molerat Disease, suffering permanent stat penalties: -1 to Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Intelligence. This is a significant sacrifice for your character.

• Take the cure for yourself: This action saves your character from contracting the disease, preserving your stats and ensuring your survival. However, it condemns Austin to a slow and painful death.

There is also a potential glitch-based workaround on some platforms.

The Implications of Your Choice

The decision isn’t merely about saving a single child versus yourself. It reflects your overall approach to the wasteland. Do you prioritize self-preservation above all else, or are you willing to sacrifice your own well-being for the sake of others?

• Selflessness: Choosing to save Austin demonstrates altruism and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. It solidifies your reputation as a hero in the eyes of the Vault 81 residents.

• Selfishness: Choosing to save yourself demonstrates pragmatism and a focus on personal survival. While you avoid stat penalties, it comes at the cost of Austin’s life and tarnishes your reputation within the Vault. Some may see you as cold-hearted and calculating.

The “Third Way” and Glitches

It is important to acknowledge a persistent, though potentially unreliable, glitch that some players have reported. The method involves quickly exiting the conversation with Dr. Forsythe and administering the cure to yourself before the game registers Austin’s infection. This may allow you to save yourself without sacrificing Austin. However, this outcome is not guaranteed and may depend on your platform and game version. It’s crucial to understand that relying on glitches can be unpredictable and may not always work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Vault 81 and the Molerat Disease

1. What exactly is the Molerat Disease?

The Molerat Disease is a highly contagious and fatal illness in Fallout 4 caused by exposure to mutated molerats in Vault 81’s secret laboratory. It rapidly deteriorates the health of the infected, ultimately leading to death.

2. How can I contract the Molerat Disease?

You can contract the disease primarily through bites from infected molerats within the Vault’s secret area or through direct contact with an infected individual, like after using the serum and saving Austin.

3. What are the symptoms of the Molerat Disease?

The symptoms aren’t visibly displayed within the game. If you use the cure on Austin, you will see a debuff in your Pip-Boy, decreasing Strength, Endurance, Agility, and Intelligence by 1 point each.

4. Is there a way to cure the Molerat Disease after contracting it?

Outside the initial scenario involving Austin, there is no known cure for the Molerat Disease within the game’s normal mechanics.

5. What happens if Austin dies from the Molerat Disease?

If Austin dies, his parents will be understandably devastated. Your reputation with the residents of Vault 81 will suffer, and you might face negative consequences in your interactions with them.

6. Does the Molerat Disease affect my companions?

No, the Molerat Disease only affects the player character. Your companions are immune to contracting the disease.

7. Can I prevent the molerats from escaping the secret lab in the first place?

No, the escape of the molerats is a scripted event that cannot be prevented. It’s a key part of the Vault 81 storyline.

8. Are there any long-term consequences to saving Austin?

Yes, the permanent stat penalties are the long-term consequence of saving Austin. However, your relationship with the residents of Vault 81 will improve significantly, and you’ll gain access to valuable quests and resources.

9. What rewards do I get for saving Austin?

Besides the improved reputation with Vault 81, you will receive the unique weapon, the Overseer’s Guardian Rifle, from Overseer McNamara.

10. Is it possible to reverse the stat penalties from the Molerat Disease using chems or other buffs?

While chems and other temporary buffs can temporarily increase your stats, they do not reverse the permanent stat penalties caused by the Molerat Disease.

11. Is there a mod that removes the stat penalties for saving Austin?

Yes, there are likely mods available that can remove or alter the effects of the Molerat Disease. However, using mods can affect the balance and intended experience of the game.

12. How does this scenario relate to real-world ethical dilemmas?

The Vault 81 scenario presents a classic ethical dilemma, forcing players to weigh the value of individual lives against their own self-interest. It mirrors real-world situations where difficult choices must be made with limited resources and potentially devastating consequences. This highlights the power of games to explore complex social issues, a topic often discussed at the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

13. Is there a way to convince Dr. Forsythe to make another dose of the cure?

No, there is no way to convince Dr. Forsythe to create another dose of the cure. The single dose is a fixed element of the storyline.

14. Can I revisit Vault 81 after making my decision about Austin?

Yes, you can revisit Vault 81 after making your decision. The Vault’s residents will react to you based on your choice.

15. Does choosing to save Austin or myself affect the main storyline of Fallout 4?

No, your choice regarding Austin does not directly impact the main storyline of Fallout 4. However, it influences your relationships with the people of Vault 81 and can unlock specific side quests.

Conclusion

The Vault 81 scenario is a prime example of Fallout 4’s ability to present players with morally challenging choices. There’s no “right” answer; the decision ultimately comes down to your personal values and how you choose to navigate the wasteland. Whether you prioritize self-preservation or self-sacrifice, the consequences of your actions will shape your experience within Vault 81 and beyond. Understanding the Molerat Disease, its transmission, and the implications of your choice is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your desired roleplaying experience.