Activating the Atomic Option: How to Nuke the Nucleus in Fallout 4’s Far Harbor DLC
So, you’re thinking about bringing the wrath of the atom down upon The Nucleus in Fallout 4’s Far Harbor DLC? You’ve come to the right place. Let’s cut to the chase: To activate the nuke in The Nucleus, you must acquire the Nuclear Launch Key, then proceed to The Vessel, and finally insert the key into the missile status terminal located within the missile control room. This initiates the launch sequence, sending a warhead hurtling towards your current location.
This action is a major turning point in the Far Harbor storyline, and it’s essential to understand the ramifications before you commit to such a drastic measure. Whether you’re driven by a sense of justice, a thirst for chaos, or simply curious about the outcome, this guide will walk you through the process and explore the consequences of your decision.
Getting to the Point of No Return: The Nuke Launch Explained
Before we delve into the specifics, remember this is a one-way trip. Once the nuke is launched, there’s no turning back. Every action you take leading up to the launch has consequences that ripple through the entire DLC storyline. If you still want to proceed here are the steps:
Step 1: Gaining Access to The Nucleus and the Vessel
To even contemplate nuking the place, you need access to The Nucleus, the main settlement of the Children of Atom in Far Harbor. This is generally achieved by progressing through the main questline and aligning yourself, at least temporarily, with the Children of Atom.
Step 2: Acquiring the Nuclear Launch Key
The Nuclear Launch Key is not just lying around. It’s in the possession of High Confessor Tektus, the leader of the Children of Atom. There are multiple ways to obtain the key:
- Convincing Tektus: If you’re playing a character with high charisma, you can convince Tektus to give you the key. This usually involves completing quests for him and demonstrating your devotion to the Atom.
- Pickpocketing: A high sneak skill and some luck can allow you to pickpocket the key directly from Tektus. This is a riskier approach, as getting caught will make the entire Nucleus hostile.
- Killing Tektus: The most direct, albeit violent, method is to simply kill Tektus and loot the key from his body. This will, unsurprisingly, turn the entire Nucleus against you.
Step 3: Reaching the Missile Control Room in the Vessel
Once you have the key, your destination is The Vessel, a derelict submarine that serves as a temple and a strategic center for the Children of Atom. Inside The Vessel, navigate to the missile control room. The location can be confusing, filled with irradiated areas and hidden passages. Expect to encounter resistance from the Children of Atom, especially if you acquired the key through less-than-peaceful means.
Step 4: Inserting the Launch Key and Initiating the Launch Sequence
Inside the missile control room, locate the missile status terminal. Interact with it, and you’ll be prompted to insert the Nuclear Launch Key. Doing so will initiate the launch sequence. Be prepared, because once the launch begins, there’s no way to stop it.
Step 5: Enjoy the Show (and Deal with the Fallout)
Once the countdown finishes, the nuke will launch, decimating The Nucleus and a large surrounding area. Return to Far Harbor to witness the aftermath and collect your reward for saving the town.
Consequences and Considerations
- Faction Alignment: Nuking the Nucleus will severely damage your reputation with the Children of Atom, rendering them permanently hostile. However, it will drastically improve your standing with the people of Far Harbor.
- Questlines: Any active quests associated with the Children of Atom will be immediately failed. Be sure to complete any quests you wish to finish before triggering the launch.
- Perk: Upon returning to Far Harbor, you’ll be awarded the Far Harbor Survivalist perk, which provides bonuses to damage resistance and radiation resistance, as the residents thank you for saving the town.
Nuking the Nucleus is a morally ambiguous choice. It eradicates a potentially dangerous cult but also eliminates a significant community on the island. Consider your options carefully before taking this drastic step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nuking The Nucleus
Here are some common questions about the process and the consequences of destroying The Nucleus in Fallout 4’s Far Harbor DLC:
1. Can I make peace between Far Harbor and the Children of Atom?
Yes, it’s possible to achieve a peaceful resolution. The least bloody ending involves working with DiMA to replace High Confessor Tektus with a replicant, thereby guiding the Children of Atom towards a more peaceful coexistence with Far Harbor.
2. What happens if I reveal Avery’s synth identity?
If you expose Avery as a synth, she acknowledges the truth and urges you to keep it secret to maintain peace. This revelation can lead to various outcomes, including an attack on Acadia.
3. Is the Sole Survivor a synth?
No, the Sole Survivor is not a synth. The story emphasizes their unique human status as the “Sole Survivor” of Vault 111.
4. Is Nick Valentine a synth?
Yes, Nick Valentine is a synth. He is a prototype detective synth from before the institute perfected the technology.
5. Where is Far Harbor located in real life?
Far Harbor is based on Bar Harbor, Maine, set on a post-apocalyptic version of Mount Desert Island.
6. What happens if I inform the Brotherhood of Steel about Acadia?
Telling the Brotherhood of Steel about the synth refuge in Acadia will trigger their intervention, leading to conflict and potentially harming the synths seeking refuge there.
7. Is Kasumi Nakano a synth?
Initially, the game makes you believe Kasumi might be a synth, but it’s later revealed that she is not.
8. What level should I be before starting the Far Harbor DLC?
While there’s no strict level requirement, it’s recommended to be around level 20 and have rescued Nick Valentine to trigger the Far Harbor questline.
9. Why did Kasumi Nakano run away?
Kasumi ran away because she was struggling with her identity and mistakenly believed she was a synth.
10. Does Dogmeat drop a synth component?
No, Dogmeat does not drop a synth component. Only synths in the game drop synth components when they die.
11. Can I date Nick Valentine in Fallout 4?
Unfortunately, you cannot romance Nick Valentine in Fallout 4, despite his popularity as a companion.
12. Is Sturges a synth?
The game does not explicitly confirm whether Sturges is a synth. His Synth trait in Fallout Shelter Online is considered non-canon by many players.
13. What happens if I nuke Far Harbor?
You cannot directly nuke Far Harbor using the nuke from The Nucleus. The game will not allow it.
14. Should I take Nick Valentine to Far Harbor?
Yes, taking Nick Valentine to Far Harbor enriches the story due to his synth nature and connection to the themes explored in the DLC.
15. Can you save Kasumi and destroy Acadia?
It is possible to save Kasumi and destroy Acadia, but the order of the questlines will change the way you can complete these outcomes.
In conclusion, activating the nuke in Far Harbor is a monumental decision with far-reaching consequences. Be sure to weigh the potential benefits against the moral and practical implications before you unleash the atom.
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