Do You Get to Keep Rex in Fallout: New Vegas? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you absolutely get to keep Rex in Fallout: New Vegas! Rex, the cybernetic canine, is a unique and valuable companion that you can acquire and keep throughout the game after completing a specific questline. However, there are nuances to how you obtain him and some common issues players face, so let’s delve deeper into the process.
How to Acquire Rex
Rex isn’t simply found wandering the Mojave Wasteland. You must first interact with The King in Freeside. The King, a charismatic leader of a gang of Elvis impersonators, will ask you to complete a few quests for him. After demonstrating your loyalty and assistance, The King will confide in you about his ailing dog, Rex.
He explains that Rex, despite his cybernetic enhancements, is suffering from a deteriorating condition. The only hope for Rex is to seek the help of Dr. Henry in Jacobstown, a location far to the north. The King, unable to make the journey himself, offers Rex to you on a temporary basis, promising you can keep him if you successfully take him to Jacobstown and get him fixed.
This sets you on the quest “Nothin’ But a Hound Dog.” To keep Rex, you must follow the quest, successfully take Rex to Dr. Henry in Jacobstown. Rex will then have his brain replaced, making him yours permanently.
Rex’s Unique Abilities and Importance
Rex is more than just a canine companion; he’s a highly effective combatant. He can take down weaker enemies with ease and can also prove to be a useful distraction for stronger opponents. He has the Search and Mark perk which highlights enemy locations, giving you a tactical advantage. Additionally, Rex has a special attack where he knocks down enemies, making him an excellent melee combatant to flank your enemies with.
Rex’s combat abilities, combined with his unique story and the bond you form with him throughout the quest, make him a very popular companion in Fallout: New Vegas.
Addressing Common Rex Issues
While keeping Rex is straightforward on paper, players sometimes encounter glitches or unexpected behavior. One common issue is Rex disappearing after being dismissed. While he should return to The King’s School of Impersonation when dismissed, sometimes, he simply isn’t there. Often a way to fix this is to go into the King’s building and he will eventually appear and go to the Lucky 38 Presidential Suite if this is the destination you set for him.
Another issue revolves around the quest “Nothin’ But a Hound Dog.” If you dismiss Rex during the quest, when he is only on temporary loan, he may disappear and not return to The King’s location, making it impossible to continue the quest. However, it is often resolved by going to Dr. Henry in Jacobstown.
Choosing the Best Brain for Rex
During the quest, Dr. Henry will inform you that Rex’s brain is failing. To fix this, you must acquire a new brain. You have three choices:
- Violetta’s Brain: This brain from a Fiend allows for a more speed-based Rex.
- Lupa’s Brain: This brain from another dog provides a tougher, more durable Rex.
- Rey’s Brain: This brain from a friendly dog gives the least benefit, providing a small bonus to Rex’s damage.
Your choice affects Rex’s combat style. Violetta’s brain is generally considered the best choice for many players as the increase in his speed makes him more effective in combat and the bonus to his speed can be particularly beneficial in open-world exploration and combat situations.
Rex’s Place in the Fallout: New Vegas World
Rex’s history, both pre-war and post-war, is fascinating. Having been a police dog and then a veteran of various wasteland conflicts, his survival story is a testament to his resilience. He embodies the struggles and horrors of the Fallout world. His presence in New Vegas adds another layer to the rich narrative of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rex
1. Does Rex Count as a Companion in Fallout: New Vegas?
Yes, Rex is a fully-fledged companion in Fallout: New Vegas. He occupies one of your companion slots, just like humanoid characters such as Boone or Veronica.
2. Can I Have Rex and Another Companion at the Same Time?
Yes, you can have Rex, ED-E (another non-human companion) and one humanoid companion concurrently. With mods, you can even expand your party further.
3. Where Does Rex Go When Dismissed?
Rex returns to where you originally recruited him: The King’s School of Impersonation. However, if you have been to the Lucky 38 Presidential Suite, you can choose to send him there instead.
4. What Happens if Rex Dies?
Rex can be knocked unconscious during combat, but he doesn’t truly die. After a brief period, he will automatically recover.
5. What Are the Benefits of Having Rex as a Companion?
Rex provides a significant advantage in combat with his melee attacks and knockdowns, as well as his Search and Mark perk which highlights enemy locations.
6. How Old is Rex in Fallout: New Vegas?
Rex was originally a normal dog born in 2072, making him over 200 years old at the time of Fallout: New Vegas.
7. What Breed of Dog is Rex?
Rex is a German Shepherd Cyber-Hound Mk III Law Enforcement Officer Support Model. He was a police dog in Denver before the war.
8. Is Rex the Same as Dogmeat from Other Fallout Games?
While Rex is often compared to Dogmeat from Fallout 3, they are different characters with unique backstories and attributes.
9. What is the Best Brain for Rex?
Violetta’s Brain is often considered the best choice, providing a speed boost, making Rex a more effective combatant. Lupa’s Brain also an option for those looking for more tanky Rex companion.
10. Can I Complete the Quest for Rex if I am With a Certain Faction?
Your faction standing doesn’t impact whether or not you can complete the quest to acquire Rex. The quest is available to all players, regardless of their allegiances.
11. Does Rex Have Any Unique Dialogue?
Rex does not have spoken dialogue, he will occasionally bark and growl to indicate actions and emotions.
12. Can Rex Wear Armor?
No, Rex cannot equip armor. His cybernetic enhancements make armor unnecessary.
13. Can Rex Carry Items?
No, Rex cannot carry items or equipment for the player.
14. What Is The ‘Nothin’ But a Hound Dog’ Quest About?
The quest revolves around finding a suitable new brain for Rex after his own starts to fail due to age and wear. This quest allows you to take ownership of Rex.
15. Where is The King in Fallout: New Vegas?
The King is located in Freeside, a town within the city of New Vegas, in his school of impersonation.
Conclusion
Rex is one of the most memorable companions in Fallout: New Vegas. With his unique backstory, enhanced cybernetic abilities, and strong combat potential, he’s a valuable asset to any player’s team. By completing the “Nothin’ But a Hound Dog” quest, players can keep Rex as a loyal companion throughout the game and enjoy his company as they explore the post-apocalyptic world. So, if you encounter Rex in your adventures, rest assured, you can absolutely keep him and have a loyal and fearsome cyberdog by your side for the rest of your journey.