Unleash Your Inner Techie: Mastering Total Hack in Fallout 4
So, you want to know what the Total Hack magazines do in Fallout 4, eh? Well, buckle up, wasteland wanderer, because these unassuming periodicals are your ticket to becoming a robotic overlord! In essence, collecting the three issues of Total Hack grants you the ability to control robots, turrets, and spotlights remotely using holotapes. Each issue unlocks a specific holotape that, when loaded into a compatible terminal, lets you manipulate those automated defenses to your advantage. This is a game changer for settlement defense and tactical gameplay, allowing you to turn the tide of battle with a few lines of code.
Decoding the Wasteland: How Total Hack Works
The functionality of Total Hack is beautifully straightforward. Think of it like adding a sophisticated app to your Pip-Boy, one that gives you root access to the Commonwealth’s security systems. Here’s the breakdown:
The Magazine Hunt
There are only three Total Hack magazines scattered throughout the wasteland. They are not randomly generated; they have fixed locations. Finding them is the first crucial step. Each magazine covers a different type of automated defense.
Holotape Injection
Upon reading a Total Hack magazine, a corresponding holotape is added to your inventory. This holotape contains the source code needed to interface with the targeted system. This mechanic parallels how you obtain games in Fallout 4 like RobCo Fun.
Terminal Domination
Locate a terminal connected to the specific type of system you want to control – a terminal linked to turrets, spotlights, or protectrons. Load the appropriate Total Hack holotape into the terminal.
System Override
The terminal interface will change, offering you a range of control options. These options vary depending on the specific system but generally include commands like activation/deactivation, targeting priorities, and behavioral modifications. For example, you might be able to set your turrets to target specific enemy types or have protectrons patrol a designated area.
Location, Location, Location: Where to Find Total Hack
Finding these magazines is key to unlocking the remote control potential. Here are the locations for each issue:
- Total Hack – Issue 1 (Robots): Located inside the Wattz Consumer Electronics building. On the top floor, near the terminals.
- Total Hack – Issue 2 (Turrets): Found in the Wildwood Cemetery. Search the small shack near the cemetery entrance.
- Total Hack – Issue 3 (Spotlights): Located in the Shamrock Taphouse, behind the bar.
Strategic Advantages: Why Total Hack Matters
Why bother with Total Hack when you can just blast everything with a Fat Man? Because it adds a layer of strategic depth to your gameplay! Here’s a taste of the advantages:
- Settlement Defense: Remotely manage your settlement defenses during an attack, activating turrets, adjusting their targeting, and strategically deploying protectrons. This is a crucial advantage in managing your settlements.
- Ambush Tactics: Use Total Hack to disable enemy defenses before initiating an attack, giving you a significant edge in combat.
- Resource Conservation: Save on ammunition and repair costs by letting your automated defenses handle the grunt work.
- Role-Playing: Embody the role of a tech-savvy wasteland survivor, manipulating technology to your advantage.
Mastering the Terminal: Tips and Tricks
To truly master Total Hack, keep these tips in mind:
- Terminal Proximity: Ensure you’re using a terminal directly connected to the systems you want to control. A standalone terminal won’t work.
- System Status: The systems you’re trying to control must be active and functional. A broken turret can’t be controlled, no matter how much you hack it.
- Energy Requirements: Remember that turrets and spotlights require power. Ensure your settlement has sufficient energy to support your automated defenses.
- Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the different control options. The more you tinker, the better you’ll understand the system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Total Hack
Here are some commonly asked questions to further clarify the power of Total Hack:
1. Does Total Hack allow me to build robots?
No, Total Hack does not allow you to build robots. It only allows you to control existing robots, turrets, and spotlights that are already present in the environment. If you are looking to build robots, you should consider the Automatron DLC.
2. Can I use Total Hack to control enemy robots?
Yes, in some cases, you can use Total Hack to control enemy robots, assuming you can access a connected terminal. This can be a powerful tactic for turning enemy forces against each other.
3. Are the Total Hack magazines missable?
No, the Total Hack magazines are not missable. They are located in fixed locations and will remain there until you collect them. This is true regardless of your progress in the main story.
4. Does Total Hack work on robots from the Automatron DLC?
The Total Hack holotape for robots from the base game will allow you to control the Protectrons. To control robots from the Automatron DLC, you need to build the Robot Workbench at a settlement, allowing you to customize and control your own automatons. The base-game Total Hack won’t directly control the DLC-added robots.
5. Can I use Total Hack to make turrets invincible?
No, Total Hack does not grant invincibility to turrets. It only provides control over their targeting and activation. Turrets can still be damaged and destroyed.
6. Do the effects of Total Hack stack?
No, the effects of Total Hack do not stack. Collecting multiple issues of the same magazine does not provide any additional benefits. Each issue unlocks a specific holotape for a different type of system.
7. Can companions use the Total Hack terminals?
No, only the player character can use the Total Hack terminals and control the systems.
8. Does difficulty level affect Total Hack?
No, the difficulty level does not directly affect the functionality of Total Hack. However, enemies may be more difficult to defeat if you’re relying solely on automated defenses on higher difficulty settings.
9. Can I sell the Total Hack magazines after reading them?
Yes, you can sell the Total Hack magazines after reading them, and you will still retain the holotapes and the ability to control the systems. The benefit is permanently unlocked once the magazine is read.
10. Does Total Hack work on settlements in the DLC areas?
Yes, Total Hack works on settlements in the DLC areas, such as Far Harbor and Nuka-World, as long as the settlement has turrets, spotlights, or protectrons that can be controlled.
11. Is there a perk that enhances Total Hack?
No, there is no specific perk that directly enhances Total Hack. However, perks that improve your hacking skills (like the Hacker perk) can be beneficial for accessing terminals in general, potentially making it easier to reach the terminals connected to the systems you want to control.
12. Can I use Total Hack to access locked terminals?
No, Total Hack holotapes are for controlling robots, turrets and spotlights. You’ll still need the Hacker perk to open locked terminals. The two are entirely separate functionalities within the game.
13. Where can I find terminals connected to protectrons?
Terminals connected to protectrons are often found in military installations, police stations, and pre-war facilities where protectrons were used for security or maintenance. Wattz Consumer Electronics may be a good place to find such a terminal.
14. How do I know which terminal is connected to a specific system?
Typically, the terminal will be located near the system it controls and may have labels indicating its function. Experimentation is sometimes required. Also, if you are in your own settlement, you should know which terminal is connected to which set of defense.
15. Can I reassign robots and turrets using Total Hack?
No, Total Hack primarily focuses on controlling existing robots, turrets, and spotlights within their current configurations. Reassigning them usually requires manual intervention in settlement building or direct modification of the robots (if possible).
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Hack!
The Total Hack magazines are a valuable asset for any Fallout 4 player looking to enhance their strategic options and settlement defense. By taking the time to collect these magazines and master the art of remote control, you can turn the tide of battle and become a true master of the wasteland.
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