Can You Split the Vault 81 Cure in Fallout 4? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is no, you cannot split the Vault 81 cure in Fallout 4. There is only one dose of the cure available, presented to you by Curie. You must decide whether to administer it to Austin, the infected child, or keep it for yourself if you’ve contracted the disease. This tough decision is a cornerstone of the “Hole in the Wall” quest, forcing players to weigh altruism against self-preservation.
The Ethical Dilemma: Austin vs. You
The “Hole in the Wall” quest in Vault 81 presents a significant moral choice. After venturing into the secret labs and discovering the source of the mole rat disease, you are presented with the sole cure. This cure isn’t some mass-produced item; it’s a unique, one-of-a-kind remedy.
Giving the cure to Austin results in the following:
- Positive Karma: You’re hailed as a hero within Vault 81.
- Permanent Residence: You gain a room in Vault 81, a safe haven and storage space.
- Unique Weapon: You receive the Syringer Rifle, a specialized weapon with various ammunition types.
- Improved Relationships: Everyone in Vault 81 likes you, unlocking potential trading opportunities and quest lines.
- The Downside: If you are infected, you suffer a permanent -10 HP penalty for the rest of the game.
Keeping the cure for yourself results in:
- Curing the Disease: If you’re infected, you avoid the permanent -10 HP penalty.
- Negative Karma (Slight): You will see a dip in your standing with the vault.
- Austin’s Fate: Austin succumbs to the disease, a tragic consequence of your choice.
- Potential Disapproval: Some companions, particularly those with a strong moral compass, may disapprove of your decision.
The game intentionally doesn’t allow for splitting the cure. This forces players to genuinely consider the consequences of their actions. The designers at Bethesda created a moment that highlights the difficult choices often present in post-apocalyptic settings.
Strategic Approaches to Minimizing Risk
While you cannot split the cure, you can mitigate the risk of contracting the disease in the first place. Here’s how:
- Go Solo: Companions are also vulnerable to infection, potentially complicating the situation. Traveling alone reduces the number of potential targets.
- High Damage Output: Eliminate mole rats quickly to prevent them from biting you or your companions.
- Armor Up: Wear armor with high damage resistance to minimize the impact of mole rat attacks.
- Use Chems (Strategically): Consider using Chems like Psycho or Med-X to temporarily boost your damage output or damage resistance.
- Save Frequently: Regularly save your game before and during your exploration of the secret vault. This allows you to reload if you get infected.
The choice is yours. Are you willing to sacrifice your own health for the well-being of a child and the gratitude of an entire vault? Or will you prioritize your own survival in the harsh wasteland?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Vault 81 Cure
Here are 15 frequently asked questions, delving deeper into the intricacies of the Vault 81 cure and the mole rat disease in Fallout 4.
1. How do I know if I’ve been infected with the mole rat disease?
The infection is not immediately obvious. There isn’t a flashing notification. You need to check your Pip-Boy’s status screen. Look for the “Mole Rat Disease” debuff and the associated -10 HP penalty.
2. Is there any way to get a second cure?
Without using console commands (on PC), there is no legitimate way to obtain a second cure within the game. The cure is a unique item, intended to force a choice.
3. Can companions get infected with the mole rat disease?
Yes, companions can contract the mole rat disease. This is why taking a companion with you increases the likelihood of the disease.
4. Can I use a console command to remove the disease?
Yes, on PC, you can use console commands. The command player.removeperk 00170b7b will remove the mole rat disease effect. You can also add another cure to your inventory by typing player.additem 00055f10. However, remember that using console commands can disable achievements.
5. Can I prevent Protectrons from getting infected?
Yes. Even Protectrons can be infected by mole rats and spread the disease to you if you are close. You can avoid this by dispatching them early or simply not activating them.
6. Does difficulty level affect the chance of getting infected?
No, the difficulty level does not influence the probability of contracting the mole rat disease. The infection chance is based on a dice roll every time you (or a companion) are bitten by an infected mole rat.
7. Is it possible to reverse my decision after giving Austin the cure?
Without reloading a previous save, no. Once the cure is given to Austin, the decision is permanent.
8. What are the long-term effects of the -10 HP penalty?
The -10 HP penalty is permanent and reduces your overall health, making you more vulnerable in combat. While it may seem minor, it can be significant in the long run, especially on higher difficulty settings.
9. Does the Mysterious Serum cure the mole rat disease?
No, the Mysterious Serum (obtained from the Cabot House questline) does not cure the mole rat disease. It has unique effects but isn’t a universal cure-all.
10. Is it possible to get a Vault 81 jumpsuit without pickpocketing or killing Rylee?
Yes, you can find one on an NPC in a random encounter. This encounter serves to make the player character aware of the existence of Vault 81.
11. How does this choice impact the ending of the game?
The decision regarding the Vault 81 cure does not directly impact the ending of Fallout 4. However, your overall karma and relationships with various factions can influence the ending. Maintaining good standing with Vault 81 can lead to beneficial trading opportunities throughout your playthrough.
12. Why does the Vault 81 quest create such a moral quandary?
The quest is designed to make the player consider the ethics of their choices in a post-apocalyptic setting. The scarcity of resources and the need for survival often force difficult decisions.
13. How does Vault 81’s purpose relate to its ethical dilemmas?
Vault 81’s original purpose, to develop a universal cure using its residents as test subjects, sets the stage for the ethical dilemmas within. The mole rat disease and the single cure exemplify the consequences of Vault-Tec’s experimentation and the moral compromises made in the name of scientific advancement.
14. Are there any other diseases in Fallout 4 that function similarly to the mole rat disease?
No, the mole rat disease is unique in that it is contracted in a contained area and has a single, unreplicable cure. Other diseases in Fallout 4 are generally curable with readily available remedies.
15. How does Fallout 4 use quests and moral choices for learning?
Fallout 4, like many role-playing games, provides an environment where players explore difficult decisions and learn about the consequences of their choices. Understanding these dynamics is an important part of game studies and learning using games. The moral dimensions of these digital environments are explored by researchers at the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org. Check out their website for more information.