Should You Split the Gold in Fallout 76? A Wastelander’s Guide to Riches and Reputations
The burning question on every Wastelander’s mind after cracking Vault 79: should you split the gold in Fallout 76? The short answer is: it depends on your priorities. There’s no objectively “best” outcome, as the optimal choice depends on whether you prioritize maximizing reputation with one faction, gaining smaller boosts with both, or hoarding all the gold for yourself. Understanding the consequences of each decision is key to making the right call for your character and play style.
Understanding the Gold Distribution Options
After successfully raiding Vault 79 in the Wastelanders expansion, you’re presented with three choices regarding the gold bullion:
- Split Evenly: Give 250 Gold Bullion to both the Crater (Raiders) and Foundation (Settlers). This provides a minor reputation boost to both factions.
- Give it All to Your Ally: Dedicate 500 Gold Bullion to the faction you allied with during the main quest. This grants a significant reputation boost with that specific faction.
- Keep it All: Absorb all 1,000 Gold Bullion for yourself. Be warned, this will result in a medium reputation loss with the faction you allied with.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Choice
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages that you need to carefully consider.
Splitting the Gold Evenly
- Pros: Provides a reputation boost to both factions simultaneously. Useful if you want to remain on relatively good terms with both the Raiders and Settlers. This can be especially beneficial if you plan on completing daily quests for both factions to eventually reach Ally status with both.
- Cons: The reputation boost is smaller than the boost you’d receive from giving all the gold to one faction. It will take longer to reach higher reputation tiers, and thus, unlock their respective unique items and plans.
Giving it All to Your Ally
- Pros: The fastest way to gain a significant reputation boost with a single faction. This allows you to unlock valuable plans and items from their vendor sooner. If you have a clear preference for one faction’s offerings, this is the most efficient approach.
- Cons: Neglects the reputation with the other faction. If you later decide you want to maximize your standing with the other group, you’ll have to rely solely on daily quests and other reputation-boosting activities.
Keeping All the Gold
- Pros: You get to keep all the Gold Bullion. Gold Bullion is the primary currency for purchasing end-game items from vendors at the Crater, Foundation, and Vault 79. More gold upfront allows you to immediately buy items you want.
- Cons: Significant reputation loss with your chosen ally faction. This is generally not recommended unless you are completely unconcerned with faction reputation and are simply focused on acquiring as much Gold Bullion as possible immediately. This can put you behind on your grind to max out your standing.
The Importance of Faction Reputation
Reputation with the Raiders and Settlers is crucial for unlocking various rewards. Each faction has a vendor that sells unique items, plans, and even camp objects that can only be purchased after reaching specific reputation levels. Reaching Ally status with a faction unlocks the best rewards and allows access to daily quests that further improve your standing. Items such as the ArmCo ammunition construction appliance at the Raiders max reputation are very appealing. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding how game mechanics like faction reputation influence player behavior and decision-making.
Beyond the Main Quest: Grinding Reputation
Regardless of your choice, you’ll need to engage in daily quests and events to fully maximize your reputation with both factions. This is a long-term process that involves completing various tasks for the Raiders and Settlers, ranging from simple collection quests to more challenging combat missions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Gold Bullion used for in Fallout 76?
Gold Bullion is a special currency used to purchase endgame items, plans, and recipes from vendors located at the Crater, Foundation, and Vault 79. These items often include powerful armor sets, weapons, and useful camp items.
2. How do I acquire Gold Bullion?
You can earn Gold Bullion by completing public events, daily quests given by both factions, and redeeming Treasury Notes at Gold Press Machines located at faction hubs.
3. What is the maximum amount of Gold Bullion I can hold?
The maximum amount of Gold Bullion any single character can hold is 10,000. Plan your purchases accordingly to avoid hitting the cap.
4. Should I side with the Raiders or Settlers?
There’s no inherent advantage to siding with one faction over the other. The choice depends on the rewards you prioritize. The Raiders offer more aggressive and combat-oriented items, while the Settlers focus on more practical and defensive options.
5. Can I max out my reputation with both Raiders and Settlers?
Yes, it is possible to reach Ally status with both factions, regardless of your choice during the main quest. This requires consistent completion of daily quests for both groups.
6. What happens if I become enemies with one faction?
It is difficult to become enemies with either faction. Even if you make choices that result in reputation loss, you can always improve your standing through daily quests.
7. Is it better to grind reputation with one faction at a time?
It depends on your play style. Focusing on one faction allows you to unlock their rewards faster, but splitting your time between both provides a more balanced approach.
8. What are the best items to buy with Gold Bullion?
This depends on your character build and play style. Popular choices include the Secret Service Armor, the T-65 Power Armor, and various weapon plans.
9. Where is Vault 79 located?
Vault 79 is located south of Site KJC7-F11 Power Station.
10. Does my choice in the “Over and Out” quest matter?
No, your choice in the “Over and Out” quest has no significant impact on the overall storyline or faction reputation.
11. Can I romance any characters in Fallout 76?
Yes, you can romance Beckett and Commander Daguerre. These characters can be found in the world and become allies at your camp.
12. Can other players raid my base in Fallout 76?
While the traditional base raiding isn’t a core mechanic in Fallout 76, your camp can be attacked by creatures and sometimes by other players if you engage in PvP.
13. Is it better to sell or scrap items in Fallout 76?
Scrapping items is generally more beneficial. Scrapping provides valuable resources for crafting and repairing gear, whereas selling items yields very little Caps.
14. What are the best perk cards to invest in Fallout 76?
Essential perk cards include Ironclad, Super Duper, weapon damage perks, and mutation perks. These perks significantly enhance your character’s survivability and combat effectiveness.
15. How do I get the Secret Service Armor in Fallout 76?
Purchase the plans for the Secret Service Armor from Regs in Vault 79 for 5,900 Gold Bullion after completing the Wastelanders questline. Then, craft the individual pieces at an Armor Workbench.
Final Thoughts
Choosing how to split the gold in Fallout 76 is a personal decision. It is an early game choice with long lasting implications in the late game grind. Consider your long-term goals, prioritize the rewards that align with your play style, and understand that consistent effort is the key to maximizing your standing with both the Raiders and Settlers. Remember to check out resources like GamesLearningSociety.org to deepen your understanding of game design and player behavior. Happy adventuring, and may your bullion bags be ever full!