What is the Courier’s Stash in Fallout: New Vegas?
The Courier’s Stash is a collection of four distinct content bundles that were initially offered as pre-order bonuses for Fallout: New Vegas. These bundles, the Caravan Pack, Classic Pack, Mercenary Pack, and Tribal Pack, provide the player with a variety of unique weapons, apparel, and aid items from the very start of the game. The stash is designed to give players an early edge and offer different playstyles from the beginning. Unlike some DLC that adds new quests or locations, Courier’s Stash items are automatically added directly into your inventory, no matter your starting location or current progress, making them immediately available from the moment you launch the game with the DLC installed, or start a brand new adventure in the Mojave Wasteland.
A Look at the Individual Packs
Caravan Pack
The Caravan Pack is tailored towards players who like a more resource-focused and strategic playstyle. This pack includes the Sturdy Caravan Shotgun, a robust weapon that can be effective at close-to-medium ranges early in the game. Alongside this weapon, you also receive a lightweight leather armor, providing decent early protection without significantly impeding your mobility. The pack is rounded out with a Canteen, which will help you stay hydrated, and a variety of repair kits, letting you keep your gear in top shape with less investment in additional resources.
Classic Pack
The Classic Pack is designed to appeal to fans of the original Fallout games. It includes the Armored Vault 13 Jumpsuit, which not only offers moderate armor but is also a nod to the series’ roots, specifically Fallout 2. The Vault 13 Canteen also provides additional hydration while on your adventures. The Weathered 10mm Pistol offers a reliable and versatile early-game firearm, while the included 5 Stimpaks are an essential early resource to keep you alive in the harsh wasteland.
Mercenary Pack
If you enjoy playing as a tough-as-nails mercenary, then the Mercenary Pack is your choice. The Mercenary’s Grenade Rifle provides explosive capabilities, great for dealing with multiple enemies or damaging hard targets. It also includes the Light Metal Armor, which provides a good balance between protection and mobility, making it easier to react to enemy encounters while still remaining safe. Finally, you also get a selection of Super Stimpaks, for stronger healing, and doctor’s bags to fix any more serious ailments.
Tribal Pack
Those who prefer a more stealthy and unique play style might enjoy the Tribal Pack. The Tribal Raiding Armor provides a very good defensive option for a less robust build, alongside a unique look and feel. This pack also includes the Broad Spear, a melee weapon with surprising reach and damage, and a set of Throwing Spears for ranged engagements, adding to your versatility in combat. The Stimpacks will be sure to heal your wounds should you be hit by enemy fire.
How to Access the Courier’s Stash
Accessing the Courier’s Stash is straightforward. Simply installing the relevant DLC will instantly add these items to your inventory when you start a new game or load an existing save file. All characters receive access to everything in the Courier’s Stash, meaning you can enjoy the early game advantages no matter your chosen playstyle or character build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is included in the Courier’s Stash?
The Courier’s Stash contains four distinct content bundles: the Caravan Pack, Classic Pack, Mercenary Pack, and Tribal Pack. Each pack offers different sets of weapons, apparel, and aid items to help you get started in the Mojave Wasteland.
2. Do I need to do anything special to get the Courier’s Stash items?
No, once the DLC is installed, the items are automatically added to your inventory when you start a new game or load an existing save. There is no quest or specific trigger required to access them.
3. Does the Courier’s Stash benefit all my characters, even if they were created before installing the DLC?
Yes, all characters on your profile get access to the Courier’s Stash. This includes new characters and existing characters that were made before you got the DLC.
4. Does the Courier’s Stash break the balance of the game?
While the Courier’s Stash items do provide an early advantage, they are not so overwhelmingly powerful as to completely break the game. They primarily provide a boost to early-game capabilities without negating later gear choices.
5. Why does the Courier wear a Vault 21 Jumpsuit if he wasn’t from a vault?
The Vault 21 Jumpsuit is a nod to New Vegas in itself. The vault number is related to Blackjack, and Vegas is the gambling capital of the world. It is also kept in line with the general series, and the Vault Jumpsuit is iconic to Fallout as a whole.
6. Is the Courier from a vault?
No, unlike many protagonists in the Fallout series, the Courier was not born in a vault. This is why the Courier has prior experience of the wasteland.
7. Is the Courier a Synth?
No, the Courier is human; however, after the events of Big MT, the Courier becomes a cyborg due to having their organs replaced.
8. Was the Courier originally from the Divide?
The Courier was a delivery person before the game, and did pass through The Divide prior to it being destroyed. The Courier does not remember the divide, and is not from there, however.
9. Why does Ulysses hate the Courier?
Ulysses hates the Courier because of his part in the destruction of the Divide, which was a civilization Ulysses was trying to build.
10. Does the Courier have a child?
Yes, through dialogue with The Lonesome Drifter, it can be inferred that the Courier had a child about 17 years ago with a woman in Montana.
11. Why can the Courier become trapped in the Sierra Madre vault?
During one of the possible endings of Dead Money, the Courier can become trapped inside the Sierra Madre vault, resulting in a game over slide.
12. How many times was the Courier shot by Benny?
The Courier was shot twice in the head by Benny at the start of the game.
13. What are the best stats for a Fallout: New Vegas build?
Intelligence and Luck are very beneficial for a powerful build in New Vegas.
14. Where is the Courier’s Mile?
The Courier’s Mile is a location in the Lonesome Road DLC. It is found as soon as you exit Hopeville Missile Silo; turn right to find the entrance.
15. Is the Courier the strongest Fallout Protagonist?
The Courier is argued to be one of the most powerful protagonists, given that they lived their entire life in the wasteland and were a professional messenger, surviving many dangerous situations.
Conclusion
The Courier’s Stash is a useful addition for players in Fallout: New Vegas, providing a variety of gear for different playstyles and offering a useful head-start. Understanding what each pack contains and how they can benefit your unique approach to the game will make your Mojave Wasteland adventure all the more exciting and enjoyable.