Should I Return the Deathclaw Egg to the Nest or Deliver it to Wellingham? A Fallout 4 Dilemma
The age-old question in Fallout 4’s “The Devil’s Due” quest: return the pristine deathclaw egg to its nest in Lynn Woods, or hand it over to Wellingham in Diamond City? The short answer: it depends on your play style and what you prioritize. Returning the egg offers a unique weapon and a surprisingly peaceful resolution. Delivering the egg gives you caps and a new cooking recipe. There’s no inherently “better” choice – both have merit. Let’s dive into the specifics to help you decide.
The Deathclaw Egg Decision: A Detailed Breakdown
The “Devil’s Due” quest presents a moral choice wrapped in the harsh realities of the Wasteland. The player character (the Sole Survivor) must decide the fate of a pristine deathclaw egg, a specimen valuable to both a grieving deathclaw mother and a curious (and possibly nefarious) Diamond City resident.
Returning the Egg to the Nest: A Path of Peace (and Power)
- The Reward: The most immediate benefit of returning the egg is the acquisition of a deathclaw gauntlet conveniently left near the nest after the egg is returned. This unique weapon is a powerful unarmed option, perfect for players specializing in close-quarters combat.
- The Experience: Returning the egg allows for a surprisingly peaceful encounter. Once the egg is placed back in the nest, the deathclaw guarding it becomes friendly. This deathclaw will remain non-hostile as long as the player doesn’t attack it or interact with the nest again. This creates a safe zone in a potentially dangerous area of the Commonwealth.
- The Moral Implications: Choosing to return the egg arguably aligns with a more ethical approach. You reunite a mother with her offspring, opting for compassion over personal gain.
- The Location: You’ll need to travel to Lynn Woods, located on the north-central edge of the Commonwealth. The nest is marked on your map once you initiate the quest. Remember to sneak or use stealth boys to avoid initially provoking the deathclaw.
Delivering the Egg to Wellingham: Caps and Cuisine
- The Reward: Wellingham offers caps as payment for the egg. The amount varies based on your Charisma stat. You also receive Wellingham’s recipe, which opens up new possibilities for cooking, using the deathclaw egg as a consumable.
- The Experience: This choice is straightforward and transactional. There’s no emotional connection to the deathclaw family. The quest is resolved with a simple exchange.
- The Moral Implications: Delivering the egg to Wellingham raises ethical questions. What are his intentions? Is he planning on using the deathclaw egg for experimentation or profit? The answers remain ambiguous.
- The Location: Wellingham is found within Diamond City, usually near the marketplace.
Key Factors to Consider
- Your Build: Are you a melee-focused character who would benefit from the deathclaw gauntlet?
- Your Playstyle: Do you prefer a more compassionate approach to quests?
- Your Needs: Are you short on caps and in need of quick funds?
- Your Curiosity: Are you interested in experimenting with Wellingham’s recipe?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Deathclaw Egg
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insights into this Fallout 4 quest:
1. Can I Get Both the Deathclaw Gauntlet and Wellingham’s Recipe?
No, you can’t. The game only allows for one resolution to “The Devil’s Due” quest. Once you choose a path (returning the egg or delivering it), the other option is no longer available.
2. Does Killing the Deathclaw Affect the Quest Outcome?
If you kill the deathclaw before returning the egg to the nest, you can still place the egg in the nest. However, the gauntlet will still appear after the deathclaw’s death.
3. What is So Special About the Pristine Deathclaw Egg?
The pristine deathclaw egg is a particularly well-formed and preserved specimen. This makes it valuable to Wellingham, who likely intends to study or experiment with it.
4. What Happens if I Keep the Deathclaw Egg for Myself?
If you keep the deathclaw egg, you cannot complete the quest.
5. Is There a Level Requirement for “The Devil’s Due” Quest?
There is no specific level requirement. However, the area around Lynn Woods can be dangerous, so it’s recommended to be at least level 15 before attempting the quest.
6. Can I Use Stealth Boys to Avoid the Deathclaw at Lynn Woods?
Yes, using Stealth Boys is highly recommended, especially if you are a lower level character. They will allow you to sneak past the deathclaw and quickly place the egg in the nest without being detected.
7. What Are the Stats of the Deathclaw Gauntlet?
The deathclaw gauntlet is a powerful unarmed weapon that deals significant damage and can be modified with various upgrades. Its exact stats depend on your level and the modifications you apply.
8. Is the Deathclaw Gauntlet the Only Way to Get One?
No, deathclaw gauntlets can be found elsewhere in the Commonwealth, but the one obtained through “The Devil’s Due” quest is guaranteed and readily available.
9. What is the Significance of Wellingham?
Wellingham appears to be a researcher or collector interested in unusual specimens. The exact nature of his experiments remains unclear, adding to the moral ambiguity of the quest.
10. Are Deathclaws Always Hostile?
In most cases, yes. Deathclaws are generally aggressive creatures. However, returning the egg to the nest creates a rare exception where a deathclaw becomes permanently friendly.
11. What Other Quests Involve Deathclaws?
Deathclaws are featured in several quests throughout Fallout 4, often as powerful enemies. Some notable examples include clearing locations infested with deathclaws or hunting them for specific purposes.
12. Can I Tame a Deathclaw in Fallout 4?
While not in the base game, the Wasteland Workshop DLC allows you to capture and tame various creatures, including deathclaws. This requires specific perks and resources.
13. What is the Most Effective Way to Fight Deathclaws?
Targeting their legs with powerful weapons or crippling effects is an effective strategy. Utilizing armor-piercing ammunition and exploiting their weaknesses can also increase your chances of survival.
14. Where Can I Find More Information About Fallout 4 Quests?
Numerous online resources, wikis, and guides provide detailed information about Fallout 4 quests, including “The Devil’s Due.” Exploring these resources can offer further insights into the game’s lore and gameplay mechanics.
15. How Does Gaming, Like Playing Fallout 4, Relate to Education?
Games such as Fallout 4, with its complex questlines, choices, and character development, offer opportunities for learning about problem-solving, decision-making, and narrative understanding. The exploration of virtual worlds can enhance cognitive skills and critical thinking. To learn more about the educational potential of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Wanderer
The decision to return the deathclaw egg or deliver it to Wellingham is a microcosm of the choices players face throughout Fallout 4. It highlights the game’s emphasis on player agency and the consequences of their actions. Weigh your options carefully, consider your character’s goals, and choose the path that best aligns with your vision for the Sole Survivor. No matter your choice, the Commonwealth awaits with its dangers, its rewards, and its endless possibilities.