Unlocking Vault 81’s Secrets: A Comprehensive Guide
The secret door within Vault 81 hides a dark past and a critical decision for the Sole Survivor. To access this hidden area, you must progress through the main Vault 81 questline, specifically the quest “Hole in the Wall“. This quest becomes available after completing “Here Kitty Kitty“. Once “Hole in the Wall” is active, you’ll need to follow the quest objectives, which ultimately lead you to the secret lab area. There is no literal “door to open” but a quest that needs to trigger where you are informed of a sickness that is spreading in Vault 81 and that this happened after one of the children was bitten by a Mole Rat in the restricted area.
A Deep Dive into Vault 81 and its Hidden Lab
Vault 81 in Fallout 4 isn’t just another pre-war shelter; it’s a complex microcosm of society with a chilling secret buried beneath its idyllic facade. Unlike many other vaults that subjected their inhabitants to horrific experiments from the outset, Vault 81’s experiment went awry, resulting in a hidden section where the original Vault-Tec plan took hold. Understanding how to access this hidden lab is crucial for experiencing the full scope of Vault 81’s story and acquiring valuable rewards.
How to Initiate the “Hole in the Wall” Quest
Before even considering the secret lab, you must first gain entry into Vault 81 itself. This requires either offering three fusion cores to Overseer McNamara as a “fee” or passing a challenging Charisma check. Once inside, you must complete the quest “Here Kitty Kitty“, involving finding a lost cat named Ashes.
After completing “Here Kitty Kitty”, the “Hole in the Wall” quest will not immediately become available. A waiting period of approximately 24 in-game hours is necessary. It’s recommended to leave Vault 81, wait (using a chair or bed), and then return. This should trigger a scene where a young boy named Austin is experiencing symptoms of a mysterious illness and being taken to the Vault’s medical bay.
Speak to the medical staff in Vault 81 after witnessing Austin’s predicament. This conversation will unveil that Austin was bitten by a mole rat within a restricted area of the Vault. Dr. Penske will task you with exploring this restricted area to find a potential cure. This quest is also affected if any companion is bitten, in that case, you will get the mole rat disease as well.
Navigating to the Secret Lab
Following Dr. Penske’s instructions, you will be granted access to the Reactor Room. Inside this room, you’ll discover a hidden passage leading to the restricted section. Be prepared for a fight! This area is infested with mutated mole rats. Proceed cautiously, and ideally, utilize stealth and VATS to eliminate the threats before they get too close. If you get bitten there is a possibility of you or a companion catching the disease
As you explore deeper into the restricted section, you’ll eventually reach the secret lab. Within this lab, you’ll find Curie, a unique Miss Nanny robot who has been conducting research in isolation. Interacting with Curie is crucial to obtaining the cure for Austin and advancing the quest. Also, there is a very tough Mr. Gutsy robot that you will need to fight to continue your journey.
The Crucial Choice: Curing Austin or Yourself
Once you have obtained the cure from Curie, a difficult decision arises. You have the option to administer the cure to Austin, saving him from the illness. Alternatively, if you have been bitten by a mole rat during your exploration, you can choose to use the cure on yourself.
Choosing to give the cure to Austin will result in positive outcomes within Vault 81. The residents will be grateful, and you will be rewarded with a free room in the vault and a unique weapon, the Syringer rifle. However, you will be left with a permanent -10 hit point penalty if you contracted the disease.
Choosing to use the cure on yourself will, of course, save you from the negative effects of the disease. However, Austin’s fate will be sealed, and you will likely face the disapproval of some Vault 81 residents.
Ultimately, the choice is yours and will depend on your personal playstyle and moral compass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Vault 81
1. How do I initially enter Vault 81?
You can enter Vault 81 by either offering three fusion cores as payment to Overseer McNamara or by succeeding in a challenging Charisma check.
2. What is the “Here Kitty Kitty” quest, and why is it important?
“Here Kitty Kitty” is a quest where you help find a lost cat named Ashes. Completing it is a prerequisite for triggering the “Hole in the Wall” quest, which leads to the secret lab.
3. How long do I have to wait for “Hole in the Wall” to start?
After completing “Here Kitty Kitty,” wait approximately 24 in-game hours. Leaving and re-entering Vault 81 can help trigger the quest.
4. What are the dangers within the secret lab?
The secret lab is infested with mutated mole rats, making combat a significant challenge. Utilizing stealth and VATS is highly recommended. There will be a difficult Mr. Gutsy robot fight that you will need to engage in.
5. Can companions get infected with the mole rat disease?
Yes, companions can also be infected if bitten by a mole rat. If your companion gets bitten, then the Sole Survivor will become infected.
6. Is there a way to avoid getting the disease in Vault 81?
The best way to avoid contracting the disease is to avoid being bitten. Use stealth, VATS, and rapid-firing weapons to eliminate the mole rats quickly and from a distance.
7. What is the cure for the mole rat disease?
The cure is located within the secret lab and is provided by Curie.
8. What is the consequence of using the cure on myself instead of Austin?
Using the cure on yourself saves you from the disease’s negative effects but results in Austin’s death and potential disapproval from Vault 81 residents.
9. What are the rewards for curing Austin?
Curing Austin rewards you with a free room in Vault 81, the Syringer rifle, and the gratitude of the Vault’s residents. Also, the disease will give you a permenent negative 10 to your health points.
10. Can I reverse the decision of curing Austin or myself?
No, the decision is permanent. Once the cure is administered, there’s no going back.
11. Is there a bobblehead in Vault 81?
Yes, the Medicine Bobblehead is located in Curie’s lab within Vault 81. It permanently increases the effectiveness of Stimpacks.
12. Where can I find the unique weapon for sale in Vault 81?
Alexis Combes, a trader located in the Depot area of Vault 81, sells a unique weapon.
13. Can I get a Vault 81 jumpsuit?
Trader Rylee wears a Vault 81 jumpsuit, but it cannot be obtained through normal means. You would need to resort to pickpocketing or violence, even if she is recruited to a settlement.
14. What if I don’t have three fusion cores to enter Vault 81?
If you lack three fusion cores, you can attempt to pass a Hard Charisma check to convince Overseer McNamara to let you in.
15. What other valuable items can I find in Vault 81?
Besides the Medicine Bobblehead and the unique weapon, you can find Taboo Tattoos #16 at the barbershop, adding to your collection of collectible magazines.
Vault 81, with its hidden secrets and moral dilemmas, is one of the most compelling locations in Fallout 4. Unlocking its secrets not only provides valuable rewards but also offers a deeper understanding of the game’s themes and the dark history of Vault-Tec. Explore, make informed choices, and enjoy the rich narrative that Vault 81 has to offer. You can even delve deeper into the societal nuances of gaming and learning by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.