Starting a War Between the Minutemen and Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4
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The Commonwealth is a volatile place, and alliances can shift on a dime. You can absolutely orchestrate a war between the Minutemen and the Brotherhood of Steel (BoS) in Fallout 4, but it requires specific actions that make the BoS hostile towards you after you’ve taken down the Institute.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Complete the Main Quest with the Minutemen: The key is to use the Minutemen to destroy the Institute through the quest “With Our Powers Combined” or “The Nuclear Option.” This allows you to progress the main story while maintaining good relations with the BoS… initially.
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Become Hostile to the Brotherhood: There are several actions that will make the BoS hostile towards you after completing the main quest. The most reliable method is to steal from them repeatedly. Keep in mind that you’ll need to steal quite a bit to provoke them into open conflict. Killing named members of the BoS will cause instant hostility.
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Prepare Your Settlements: Once the BoS turns hostile, they’ll start attacking your settlements, especially The Castle. Ensure your settlements have strong defenses including walls, turrets, and well-equipped settlers. Construct and assign settlers to at least five artillery pieces. These will be crucial in bringing down the Prydwen.
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Take Down the Prydwen: The artillery at the Castle will be the primary means of destroying the Prydwen. Once the Brotherhood turns hostile, head to the Castle and speak with the Minuteman assigned to the radio tower there, if you’ve assigned one. He’ll tell you they are ready to strike at the Brotherhood. Begin firing your artillery at the Prydwen. With sustained fire, you’ll eventually bring it down, triggering a larger conflict.
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Defend Against Retaliation: After the Prydwen crashes, expect waves of Brotherhood of Steel soldiers to attack your settlements. This is where your defenses will be tested. Successfully repelling these attacks solidifies the war between the Minutemen and the Brotherhood. This is how you trigger the final showdown between the two factions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I avoid destroying the Railroad while making the Minutemen and Brotherhood fight?
Yes! The key is to use the Minutemen ending to destroy the Institute and only then trigger hostilities with the Brotherhood of Steel. The Railroad can be left untouched, allowing them to continue their operations without your direct intervention.
What are the benefits of pitting the Minutemen against the Brotherhood of Steel?
The primary benefit is experiencing a different kind of endgame scenario. Witnessing the clash of these two factions is a unique experience. Also, you can loot their dead bodies, which is always a plus!
What are the risks of starting a war between the Minutemen and the Brotherhood?
The main risk is the constant attacks on your settlements. You’ll need to actively defend them and maintain their defenses, which can be time-consuming. Additionally, any positive relationships you had with Brotherhood members will be lost.
Can I still join the Brotherhood of Steel after siding with the Minutemen?
Yes, you can join the Brotherhood of Steel before completing the main quest. However, progressing too far in either faction’s storyline will eventually force you to choose between them. Making the BoS hostile is possible even after joining the Brotherhood, but it demands deliberate actions.
What happens to Preston Garvey if I attack the Brotherhood?
Preston Garvey will disapprove of your actions if you attack the Brotherhood of Steel, but he won’t become hostile or leave the Minutemen. He is fairly tolerant, but he might offer some disapproving dialogue.
Is there a way to have a “peaceful” ending with the Minutemen and the Brotherhood?
Unfortunately, not entirely. The game’s narrative is structured to create conflict. You can maintain peace with both factions up until the point where you have to choose sides against the Institute. After that, someone has to go.
What level should I be before starting a war with the Brotherhood?
Ideally, you should be at least level 30 or higher. This will give you access to better weapons, armor, and settlement defenses, making it easier to withstand Brotherhood attacks.
What kind of defenses should I build at my settlements?
Focus on heavy laser turrets, missile turrets, and sturdy walls. Also, equip your settlers with decent weapons and armor. A well-defended settlement is crucial for surviving the war with the Brotherhood.
Can I use Power Armor against the Brotherhood?
Absolutely! Power Armor is incredibly effective against Brotherhood soldiers. Consider outfitting yourself and your companions with Power Armor to increase your chances of success. Keep in mind the type of fusion core.
What weapons are most effective against the Brotherhood?
Plasma weapons, laser weapons, and explosives are all effective against Brotherhood soldiers and their Power Armor. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Does the Brotherhood attack all my settlements?
The Brotherhood will primarily target settlements that are strategically important or have a high population. Focus on fortifying these settlements first.
What happens if the Brotherhood destroys all my settlements?
If the Brotherhood destroys all your settlements, you’ll lose access to their resources and benefits. You can always rebuild them, but it will take time and effort.
Can I repair the Prydwen after it crashes?
No, the Prydwen cannot be repaired after it crashes. It’s permanently destroyed, marking the end of the Brotherhood’s presence in the Commonwealth.
Is there a way to prevent the Brotherhood from becoming hostile?
Yes, you can prevent the Brotherhood from becoming hostile by avoiding actions that they disapprove of, such as attacking their members, stealing from them, or siding with their enemies.
Where can I learn more about the nuances and hidden details of Fallout 4’s factions?
Explore resources like the Fallout 4 wiki, dedicated forums, and communities focused on game strategies and lore. These resources can provide in-depth insights into the game’s mechanics and narrative. You can also learn more about gaming and education through organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Starting a war between the Minutemen and the Brotherhood of Steel in Fallout 4 is a challenging but rewarding experience. It tests your strategic skills, resource management, and combat prowess. By following the steps outlined above and preparing your settlements, you can successfully orchestrate a war and emerge victorious. Hopefully, this article helped you in understanding how to orchestrate a war between the Minutemen and the Brotherhood of Steel!