How to Trigger Mole Rat Attacks in Fallout Shelter: A Vault Dweller’s Guide
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The wasteland is a dangerous place, but sometimes the real threats come from within! In Fallout Shelter, mole rat attacks can be a nuisance, especially when they interrupt your vault’s productivity. But what if you want a mole rat attack? Maybe you’re after that sweet, sweet achievement or that coveted Mr. Handy. Here’s the lowdown on how to trigger these subterranean skirmishes.
The quickest way to intentionally provoke a mole rat infestation is to create a single, un-upgraded production room (like a water treatment or power generator). Place this room along the edge of your vault, where it’s directly adjacent to the dirt. Then, repeatedly rush the room. Each failed rush increases the chances of an incident, and if the room is bordering the soil, that incident is highly likely to be a mole rat attack.
Understanding the Mole Rat Menace
Why Mole Rats Attack
Mole rats are drawn to areas where they perceive weakness or instability. They are more likely to infest rooms that are:
- Un-upgraded: Basic rooms are more vulnerable.
- Understaffed: Fewer dwellers mean a slower response time.
- Located on the vault’s periphery: Rooms bordering the dirt are prime targets.
- Being rushed repeatedly: Failed rushes increase the chance of incidents.
Exploiting Game Mechanics
The game’s incident generation system favors rooms that are repeatedly rushed. While any incident can occur, placing a vulnerable room along the dirt line significantly tilts the odds in favor of mole rats.
Preparing for the Onslaught
Before you start triggering attacks, make sure you’re prepared to handle them:
- Adequate Weaponry: Arm your dwellers with decent weapons.
- Stimpaks and RadAway: Keep a supply of these on hand for healing.
- Dwellers with Good Stats: Choose dwellers with high Strength and Perception.
- Backup Dwellers: Have extra dwellers ready to reinforce the room if needed.
The Triggering Process: Step-by-Step
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Build a Single Room: Construct a basic, un-upgraded production room (e.g., power generator, water treatment) at the vault’s edge, bordering the dirt.
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Assign a Dweller: Place one or two dwellers in the room.
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Rush, Rush, Rush: Repeatedly rush the room. Don’t worry about succeeding; failed rushes are what you want.
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Reinforcements: When the mole rat attack starts, quickly drag additional dwellers into the room to assist in the fight.
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Heal As Needed: Use Stimpaks to keep your dwellers alive.
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Repeat: Continue rushing the room after each attack to trigger more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the best type of room to use for triggering mole rat attacks?
Any basic, un-upgraded production room like a power generator, water treatment plant, or diner will work. The key is that it’s located on the vault’s edge to make the game more prone to trigger a mole rat attack.
2. How long does it usually take to trigger an attack?
It varies, but after about 3-5 failed rushes, a mole rat attack is usually imminent. Keep rushing until it happens.
3. Do higher-level dwellers make a difference?
Yes, higher-level dwellers with better stats will make it easier to defeat the mole rats. However, you want to balance this against the room being vulnerable enough to trigger the attacks. Use mid-level Dwellers if possible
4. What weapons should I equip my dwellers with?
Equip your dwellers with the best weapons you have available. Even basic weapons are better than nothing, but shotguns and rifles are ideal.
5. How do I heal my dwellers during an attack?
Use Stimpaks. Drag the Stimpak icon onto the dweller who needs healing.
6. Can mole rats spread to other rooms?
Yes, if not dealt with quickly, mole rats can spread to adjacent rooms. That’s why its important to deal with them quickly. This is why having extra Dwellers on standby is important.
7. Are mole rat attacks more likely at certain times?
There is no confirmed evidence that mole rat attacks are more common at specific times. It seems to be mostly random. But its still useful to pay attention when you are getting attacked.
8. How do I prevent mole rat attacks after I get my achievement?
Upgrade your rooms, fully staff them, and ensure your vault is well-defended. Mole rats are less likely to attack stronger, more secure rooms.
9. What are the rewards for surviving mole rat attacks?
Aside from the satisfaction of keeping your vault safe, you may also earn resources, experience, and even a Mr. Handy if you complete specific objectives.
10. Can I use this method to trigger other types of incidents?
Yes, repeatedly rushing rooms can trigger various incidents, including fires and radroach infestations. However, the location of the room influences the type of incident most likely to occur.
11. Do mole rats attack training rooms?
Mole rats can attack training rooms if they are located along the vault’s edge and are not fully staffed or upgraded.
12. Is there a limit to how many mole rat attacks I can trigger?
No, there is no limit. You can trigger as many attacks as you want, provided you continue to meet the conditions that make your rooms vulnerable.
13. How do I deal with mole rats in the wasteland?
When encountered in the wasteland, use your dweller’s best weapon and armor. Ensure they have plenty of Stimpaks and RadAway to survive the encounter.
14. Do mole rats get stronger as my vault progresses?
Yes, the strength of mole rats increases as your vault levels up. You’ll need to upgrade your dwellers and their equipment to keep up.
15. Where can I learn more about the design of gameplay like Fallout Shelter?
Understanding the intricacies of game design, including incident generation and player motivation, can significantly enhance your enjoyment and mastery of games like Fallout Shelter. For more insights into the principles of learning and game design, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.