Should I Lie to Johnny in Fallout 76? A Vault Dweller’s Dilemma

The short answer: No, you should not lie to Johnny in Fallout 76. Lying to Johnny results in his immediate death by the vault’s automated turrets. Telling him to stop allows him to survive and become a temporary companion, aiding you for the remainder of the quest.

The decision of whether or not to lie to Johnny in Fallout 76 boils down to a simple, albeit somewhat dark, choice: immediate reward versus long-term (albeit short) assistance. This particular encounter takes place within Vault 79, during one of the more morally ambiguous missions in the game. Understanding the consequences of your actions is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your preferred playstyle. While the choice might seem trivial at first glance, it speaks to the core themes of Fallout 76 and the ethical dilemmas players face in a post-apocalyptic world. Let’s break down the situation.

Understanding Johnny’s Situation

Johnny is a character encountered during the Vault 79 raid questline. He’s attempting to bypass a security system using a biometric scanner. He can be instructed to stop his actions, or he can be encouraged to continue by lying to him. However, lying triggers the vault’s defenses, resulting in a swift and unavoidable death. The game presents this choice as a simple, binary decision with immediately apparent consequences.

The Consequences of Lying

The immediate consequence of lying to Johnny is his death. The vault’s turrets will activate and eliminate him, making him unavailable for any further interaction. There’s no way to prevent this outcome if you choose to lie. While some players might see this as a quick and efficient way to bypass the situation, it comes with the cost of losing a potential ally, however temporary.

The Benefits of Telling the Truth

If you choose to tell Johnny to stop, he will survive and become a temporary companion for the duration of that part of the quest. He’ll assist you in combat and provide a helpful, if somewhat unreliable, presence. Although his time with you is limited, having an extra gun in a firefight, especially in the challenging environments of Vault 79, can be a significant advantage. You might even discover that you will receive unique dialogue as well.

The Ethical Considerations

Beyond the gameplay mechanics, this choice raises ethical questions relevant to the Fallout universe. Is it justifiable to sacrifice someone for personal gain, even if the gain is minimal? Is it better to risk your own safety to potentially save another person’s life? These questions resonate with the overarching themes of morality and survival that Fallout 76 explores. Many players enjoy these morally ambiguous choices, as the Games Learning Society suggests that games are a great way to examine human responses.

Beyond Johnny: The Broader Picture

The encounter with Johnny is just one example of the many choices players face in Fallout 76. The game is filled with decisions that have consequences, both immediate and long-term. These choices shape your character’s reputation, influence your interactions with other characters, and affect the overall narrative of the game. Approaching each decision with careful consideration and understanding the potential outcomes is key to navigating the wasteland successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Johnny in Fallout 76

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Johnny and related gameplay elements in Fallout 76.

What happens if Johnny is killed?

If Johnny is killed, Meg, another character in the quest, will ask what happened to him. You can lie, claiming he died to feral ghouls, mirroring a cover story Johnny suggested previously. This deception can have minor repercussions in your relationship with Meg, depending on your choices and Charisma level.

Why did Johnny kill Hal in Fallout 76?

Johnny’s motive for freeing Hal was to exact revenge. Hal betrayed Johnny in the past, and Johnny sought retribution. However, after killing Hal, Johnny experiences deep remorse, regretting his actions.

What are the alternatives to Johnny’s biometric scanner?

The alternative is to use Gail to fool the biometric scanner. This involves guiding Gail through a conversation with the AI security system (AC) and providing the correct responses to bypass the security measures.

What is the best way to convince Gail to help?

Convincing Gail typically involves passing a Charisma check. You’ll need to select dialogue options that appeal to her sense of duty or promise her some form of reward for her cooperation.

Should I kill Digger in Fallout 76?

The decision to kill Digger is another moral choice. Regs and Mercy suggest killing him due to his inexperience with ghouls, while AC and Slick are hesitant. You can influence the decision based on your Charisma level and your assessment of Digger’s potential threat.

Should I kill Tally Lang in Fallout 76?

The choice to spare or kill Tally Lang and her gang is entirely up to the player. If spared, they retreat and evacuate the vault. Killing them will earn you Valdez’s approval but might affect your standing with other factions.

What happens if you don’t kill Johnny in Vault 79?

If you don’t lie to Johnny, he survives and becomes a temporary companion. He assists you in combat and provides helpful commentary during that section of the quest.

Does killing enemies affect my character’s karma?

Fallout 76 does not have a traditional karma system like previous Fallout games. However, your choices and actions can influence your reputation with different factions and impact the storyline.

What are the consequences of having a high or low reputation with a faction?

Having a high reputation with a faction can unlock unique quests, rewards, and vendor discounts. A low reputation can result in hostility from faction members and the inability to access certain areas or services.

What is the hardest enemy to kill in Fallout 76?

Some of the most difficult enemies in Fallout 76 include the Scorchbeast Queen, Earle Williams, and the Impostor Sheepsquatch. These enemies require coordinated team efforts and specialized builds to defeat.

Should I loot everything in Fallout 76?

In general, yes, you should always be looting in Fallout 76. Resources are scarce, and you never know when you’ll need a specific item for crafting, repairs, or quests.

What happens when another player kills me in Fallout 76?

If another player kills you in Fallout 76 without you fighting back (i.e., you’re not engaged in PvP), they will be marked as a murderer, receive a bounty on their head, and gain nothing from the kill. You will drop your junk, which they can loot.

Can my camp be destroyed by other players in Fallout 76?

Yes, other players can damage or destroy your camp if you are engaged in PvP. If a player picks a lock, your turrets will attack, thus, turning on PVP.

Does dying matter in Fallout 76?

Dying in Fallout 76 results in the loss of all your junk, which can be retrieved by returning to your body. It’s advisable to store your valuable junk regularly to minimize the impact of death.

Are there any pacifist options in Fallout 76?

Fallout 76 has a Pacifist Mode setting that prevents you from accidentally engaging in PvP combat. However, it’s impossible to complete the game without killing any enemies. The GamesLearningSociety.org can offer insights into how game design incorporates violence and conflict resolution.

Choosing whether to lie to Johnny in Fallout 76 is more than just a simple decision; it’s a reflection of your moral compass in a harsh and unforgiving world. While the immediate reward of his death may seem tempting to some, the long-term benefits of having him as a temporary ally, however small, outweigh the immediate gain. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but remember that every action in Fallout 76 has consequences, shaping your character’s story and impacting the world around you.