How Old is Nick Valentine? A Deep Dive into Fallout 4’s Synth Detective
Nick Valentine’s age is a multifaceted question that requires understanding his unique existence. While his synth body is relatively new at around 70 years old (since the events of the game take place over 200 years after the bombs fell, and he was created before that), the memories and personality he possesses are those of pre-War detective Nicholas Valentine, who was likely around 40 years old at the time of his death. Therefore, depending on how you define age, Nick is either a relatively young synth, or an older soul trapped within a synthetic shell.
Understanding Nick Valentine’s Age: A Breakdown
The confusion surrounding Nick Valentine’s age stems from his status as a second-generation synth. Unlike the later, more advanced synths produced by the Institute, Nick is a prototype, essentially having the memories of a real person downloaded into a machine. This presents a philosophical question: Does Nick’s age refer to the age of the synth body, or the age of the memories that define his personality?
- The Synth Body’s Age: As a synth, Nick’s physical body has only existed for a relatively short period. Even considering the game takes place more than 200 years after the Great War, Nick was created before the war.
- The Original Nick Valentine’s Age: The original Nick Valentine was a detective in pre-War Boston. Based on his career and general appearance, it’s estimated he was around 40 years old when he was killed. This is the age of the person whose memories were used to create the synth.
- The Accumulated Experience: While Nick possesses the memories of a 40-year-old man, he has also lived through decades of post-apocalyptic life as a synth detective. This accumulated experience further complicates the matter of his age, as he has learned and grown beyond the original Nick Valentine’s memories.
Therefore, it’s more accurate to say Nick Valentine’s age is a combination of these factors: the age of his synth body, the age of his original memories, and the length of his post-War existence. It’s this complex blend that makes him such a compelling and unique character in the Fallout universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nick Valentine
1. Who was the original Nick Valentine?
The original Nick Valentine was a pre-War detective working in Boston. He was involved in a high-profile case, “Operation Winter’s End,” which targeted mob boss Eddie Winter. Sadly, Winter retaliated by having Valentine’s fiancée, Jennifer Lands, murdered. The trauma of this event led Valentine to participate in a brain-scanning program, which inadvertently led to the creation of the synth Nick Valentine we meet in Fallout 4.
2. Why is Nick Valentine a synth?
Nick Valentine is a synth because his memories were scanned and transferred into a synthetic body as part of an experimental program conducted by C.I.T. before the Great War. This was an attempt to help him cope with the trauma of losing his fiancée. However, the program was abandoned, and the synth Nick Valentine eventually escaped into the Commonwealth.
3. Why does Diamond City tolerate Nick Valentine?
Despite Diamond City’s general distrust of synths, Nick Valentine is tolerated because of his benevolent reputation and his effectiveness as a detective. He’s known for helping people and solving crimes, and his skills are valued by the Diamond City community. His helpfulness outweighs their general fear of synths.
4. What is Nick Valentine’s ID code for console commands?
Nick Valentine’s ID code is 00002f25. This code can be used in the game’s console to locate or teleport him if he goes missing. To use it, type prid 00002f25 in the console and confirm.
5. Can you romance Nick Valentine in Fallout 4?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot romance Nick Valentine in Fallout 4. Despite his popularity and compelling personality, Bethesda did not include him as a romance option for the Sole Survivor. This has been a point of disappointment for many players.
6. Is Ellie Perkins in a romantic relationship with Nick Valentine?
While Ellie Perkins and Nick Valentine have a close and supportive working relationship, the game never explicitly states they are romantically involved. Their interactions suggest a deep friendship and mutual respect, but whether or not their relationship extends beyond that is left to the player’s interpretation.
7. How do you unlock Nick Valentine as a companion?
You unlock Nick Valentine as a companion by completing the “Unlikely Valentine” quest in Diamond City and Vault 114. This quest involves rescuing him from Vault 114 and bringing him back to Diamond City.
8. Where do you find Nick Valentine if he’s missing?
If Nick Valentine is missing, check these locations:
- Kellogg’s House (Diamond City): He should be waiting outside during the “Getting a Clue” quest.
- Memory Den (Goodneighbor): He might be inside during the “Dangerous Minds” quest, particularly in the basement area.
- Your Settlements: As a companion, he may be at one of your settlements. Check the settlement map to see his location.
9. Is everyone aware that Nick Valentine is a synth?
Yes, everyone in Diamond City and the surrounding areas is generally aware that Nick Valentine is a synth. His appearance is quite distinctive, and his history is well-known. While some individuals may harbor prejudice against him, his identity as a synth is no secret.
10. What are Nick Valentine’s likes and dislikes?
- Likes: Nice and interrogative behavior, hacking unowned terminals.
- Dislikes: Deferential and overly violent acts, murder and stealing.
Knowing his preferences can help you build a stronger relationship with him and unlock his companion perk.
11. What Generation is Nick Valentine?
Nick Valentine is a second-generation synth. This means he’s an older model, more similar to a robotic replica with implanted memories than the later, more advanced synths created by the Institute.
12. Are DiMA and Nick Valentine brothers?
While not biologically related, DiMA and Nick Valentine share a close bond, almost like brothers. They were both early synth prototypes created by the Institute, and DiMA helped Nick escape from the Institute, further solidifying their relationship.
13. Who provides the voice acting for Nick Valentine?
The voice of Nick Valentine is provided by Stephen Russell, a talented voice actor known for his work in both Fallout and Skyrim. He also voices other characters in the Fallout universe.
14. Does Nick Valentine need a bed in settlements?
Yes, Nick Valentine, like other settlers and companions, requires a bed in settlements. Providing him with a bed ensures he is comfortable and contributes to the overall happiness of the settlement.
15. Should you bring Nick Valentine along with you?
Yes, bringing Nick Valentine along with you is highly recommended, especially for main story quests. He has a strong connection to the narrative, and his presence unlocks unique dialogue options, insights, and even access to certain locations and items. He has also proven to be a powerful companion, a fact that players from the Games Learning Society often emphasize when discussing his benefits within the game. For more interesting learning games visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Nick Valentine’s Enduring Appeal
Nick Valentine is more than just a synth detective; he is a complex and fascinating character who embodies the themes of identity, memory, and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world. His unique backstory and personality make him one of the most beloved companions in Fallout 4, and his age, while complicated, is a crucial part of what makes him so compelling. Whether you consider him a 70-year-old synth or a reincarnated 40-year-old detective, Nick Valentine remains a timeless and unforgettable character in the Fallout universe.