Escaping the Think Tank: Your Guide to Leaving Old World Blues in Fallout: New Vegas
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Yes, there is absolutely a way to leave Old World Blues (OWB) in Fallout: New Vegas. But it’s not quite as simple as just walking out the door. Think of Big MT as a gilded cage; beautiful, bizarre, and filled with technological wonders, but a cage nonetheless. Your freedom hinges on completing the main questline of the DLC.
The Key to Freedom: Completing the Main Quest
The essential thing to understand is that you are locked within Big MT until you’ve wrapped up the OWB main story. This is explicitly designed into the game’s mechanics. Don’t waste your time looking for hidden exits or glitches early on; you won’t find any. The game wants you to experience the narrative it crafted.
Brains Before Escape
The initial hurdle is also narrative. The article you found touches on this: “You need to finish the OWB main quest first, because you don’t have a brain right now.” You can’t simply bypass this. Your character’s lack of a brain (literally) makes leaving impossible. The Think Tank has plans for you, and those plans involve a series of quests.
“Big Mountain Transportalponder!”: Your Ticket Home
Once you’ve completed the main quest, your reward isn’t just closure; it’s the “Big Mountain Transportalponder!” This nifty device is your portal back to the Mojave Wasteland.
How to use the Transportalponder:
- Equip the Transportalponder: Treat it like any other weapon in your inventory.
- Aim and Fire: Point it at the sky (or any open space) and pull the trigger. Poof! You’re back in the Mojave.
Cheating Your Way Out (For the Impatient)
If you’re absolutely stuck, or just want to skip ahead (though I strongly advise against it for a first playthrough), you can use console commands to acquire the Transportalponder early.
Here’s how (PC only, obviously):
- Open the Console: Press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard.
- Enter the Command: Type
player.additem xx00E1B0 1(replace “xx” with the load order number of the Old World Blues DLC in your game). The load order can be found in your mod manager. - Close the Console: Press the tilde key again.
You should now have the Transportalponder in your inventory. Use it as described above. Note: This method might disrupt the intended storyline and could lead to unforeseen consequences.
Returning to the Sink After OWB
Once you finish Old World Blues, it’s highly recommended you go back up to the Sink. The game has more to offer, as that’s when you will see the end of the story and you will be told that you, and only you can return using the Transportalponder.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Old World Blues
Here’s a comprehensive list of FAQs designed to address any lingering questions you might have about Old World Blues and, most importantly, how to leave:
1. What level should I be to start Old World Blues?
While the game recommends level 15, many players suggest being closer to level 20 or even higher. The Robo-scorpions and other enemies can be quite challenging, especially if you’re not heavily invested in energy weapons. Being prepared with decent gear and skills is crucial.
2. Can I return to Big MT after completing the DLC?
Yes! The Big Mountain Transportalponder allows you to travel freely between the Mojave Wasteland and Big MT after you’ve completed the main quest. This allows you to continue exploring, completing side quests, and acquiring any loot you might have missed.
3. Are there any companions in Old World Blues?
While you can’t bring your regular companions from the Mojave, you do encounter Roxie, a cyberdog, at the X-8 research center. Roxie is a temporary companion and provides some assistance in combat.
4. Do I lose my equipment in Old World Blues?
Thankfully, no. You keep all your equipment when entering and leaving Big MT. However, having high skills in Science and Medicine is highly recommended as these will help you complete tasks and heal yourself more effectively.
5. What happens when I finish Old World Blues?
Besides earning achievements/trophies, completing Old World Blues provides you with the Big Mountain Transportalponder, closure to the storyline, and access to numerous unique items and perks. You’ll also have resolved the existential threat posed by Dr. Mobius.
6. Can I avoid killing Dr. Mobius?
Yes, it is possible! If your Repair skill is 75 or higher, you can repair the “ghosting” in his optical sensors, making it easier to persuade him to stand down. This allows you to spare him and achieve a more peaceful resolution. You can find more helpful information on game mechanics at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
7. What do I get for completing Old World Blues?
Apart from the narrative resolution and the Transportalponder, you get a variety of perks, unique weapons (like the Sonic Emitter), and armor (like the Stealth Suit Mk II). The Sink also becomes a fully functional base of operations, providing various services.
8. How long does it take to complete Old World Blues?
On average, it takes around 6 hours to complete the main quest. Completionists aiming for 100% can expect to spend upwards of 10-12 hours exploring every nook and cranny.
9. What is the message of Old World Blues?
The DLC explores themes of regret, identity, and the dangers of unchecked scientific advancement. It also touches upon the “Old World Blues” themselves, the depression and anxiety associated with clinging to a lost past.
10. Can I revisit the Think Tank?
Absolutely! As mentioned earlier, the Transportalponder allows you to freely travel back and forth between the Mojave and the Think Tank after completing the main quest.
11. What is the hardest DLC in Fallout: New Vegas?
This is subjective, but many players consider Dead Money to be the most challenging due to its limited resources, oppressive atmosphere, and the constant threat of the toxic cloud. Old World Blues is difficult in its own right, primarily due to the challenging enemies.
12. Why is it called Old World Blues?
The title refers to the emotional state of dwelling on the past, specifically the pre-war world and the regrets and losses associated with it. This theme is central to the DLC’s narrative and the motivations of the Think Tank scientists.
13. How do I disable the giant robo-scorpion?
You can permanently disable the X-42 giant robo-scorpion by hacking a “Very Hard” terminal located in the balcony room on the far left side of the zone from the entrance. This will give you the option to shut it down permanently.
14. Can you play Old World Blues without other DLC?
Yes, Old World Blues doesn’t need any other DLC to function. You can play it independently without any issues. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org provides insightful resources about the DLC.
15. Can you go back to the think tank with companions?
No. You can bring followers into the Big MT initially, they’ll wait for you outside the border. You cannot bring followers back to the Big MT, and they will not appear with you upon returning.
In conclusion, leaving Old World Blues is tied directly to completing the DLC’s main story. Embrace the strange, explore the bizarre, and ultimately, you’ll earn your freedom – and a nifty teleportation device to boot. Happy adventuring!