What Not To Miss in Vault 111: A Comprehensive Guide

Vault 111, the starting location in Fallout 4, is more than just a tutorial area; it’s a treasure trove of useful items and a crucial piece of the game’s narrative. Players might rush through eager to explore the wasteland, but a careful sweep of Vault 111 is highly recommended. The vault holds key gear, hints of the past, and a taste of the chilling experiments conducted by Vault-Tec. So, what should you absolutely not miss in Vault 111? Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Key Loot and Areas Within Vault 111

Essential Gear

• Vault 111 Jumpsuits: You’ll find multiple Vault 111 Jumpsuits within the vault. There is one on a table in the second cryo pod room and another near the skeleton in the entrance hall (where they were handed out upon entry). Additionally, there are two more in the Vault Door room near the exit. These provide a good starting armor and are essential for that iconic Fallout look.

• 10mm Pistol: Located on the Overseer’s Desk in his office, this early-game weapon is invaluable for taking down early threats in the wasteland. Be sure to grab it before you leave.

• Cryolator: This unique freezing gun is hidden within a Master Locked cage inside the storage cage in the Vault Door room. While accessing it requires a high lockpicking skill or a companion with said skill, the Cryolator’s power makes it well worth the effort. It’s easily one of the most potent weapons available in the early game.

Interesting Finds

• Red Menace Holotape: Located inside a terminal in the recreation area, this minigame provides a fun distraction and a taste of pre-war entertainment. It’s a unique piece of Fallout lore.

• Wedding Ring: Found on the corpse of the Sole Survivor’s spouse (Nate or Nora), this item, though not offering a gameplay advantage, is a poignant reminder of your pre-war life and adds an emotional depth to the story.

• Security Batons: Found through the vault, these are not as impactful as a gun but are useful in the early going.

Understanding Vault 111

Beyond the loot, the vault itself tells a story. Take the time to look around and notice the design and experimentations Vault-Tec was performing. This will give you a better understanding of the game’s lore and the dark nature of the vaults. It will give you crucial information later in the game as you explore more of the Fallout universe.

Vault 111: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Did Vault 111 Fail?

Vault 111 didn’t fail in the traditional sense of a vault malfunction. The vault’s staff faced dwindling supplies after the 180-day mandatory shelter period elapsed. The overseer, fearful of the outside radiation levels, refused to open the vault door, even when requested by the security staff. This led to the eventual demise of the vault’s inhabitants.

How Long Were You in Vault 111?

The Sole Survivor was frozen in Vault 111 for approximately 210 years. The game begins on October 23, which is the exact date of your exit from the vault. The Great War, which led to the nuclear holocaust, happened on the same day 210 years before.

Can You Beat Fallout 4 With Only Items From Vault 111?

Yes, it’s theoretically possible to beat Fallout 4 using only the items from Vault 111. However, this would be extremely challenging due to the limitations of starting gear. While the Cryolator is powerful, relying only on a 10mm pistol and batons through the entire game would require an immense amount of skill and strategy.

Can You Build a Settlement in Vault 111?

Yes, after exiting the vault and reaching Sanctuary Hills you can return to Vault 111 to build a fully functional settlement. You can activate the workbench and add a radio beacon to attract settlers.

What is the most messed up vault in Fallout?

While Vault 111’s experiment is unsettling, Vault 11 is often considered the most messed up in the Fallout universe. Its residents were forced to sacrifice one member every year under the threat of total annihilation by an AI controlled system. This continued until only a few remained.

Why did Kellogg leave you alive?

Kellogg left the Sole Survivor alive because he was following Institute orders. The Institute wanted Shaun as he was the best genetic source for the third generation of synth due to his radiation-free DNA. The Sole Survivor was an inconvenience but not a threat.

Is Father Shaun really your son?

Yes, Shaun, also known as Father, is the son of the Sole Survivor and is the director of the Institute. He was kidnapped by Kellogg from Vault 111 as a child.

What date do you leave Vault 111?

The Sole Survivor leaves Vault 111 on October 23, exactly 210 years after the start of the Great War. This is the beginning date of Fallout 4.

Can I get another Vault 111 jumpsuit?

Yes, you can. There are at least two spare Vault 111 Jumpsuits located near the exit of the vault, where you received your initial one. These additional jumpsuits are handy for companions or as extra gear.

What is the secret weapon in Vault 111?

The secret weapon in Vault 111 is the Cryolator. It’s a unique freezing gun, which can stop enemies in their tracks, making it a powerful weapon in the early stages of the game and beyond.

Is there any good loot in Vault 11?

Yes, Vault 11 has notable loot, including a Mini nuke, a large amount of Vault 11 Jumpsuits, which can be sold to Sarah Weintraub in Vault 21 as a part of the quest “Suits You, Sarah.”

Who can you romance in Fallout 4?

There are several romance options in Fallout 4, including Porter Gage, Curie, MacCready, Piper, Cait, and Hancock. There are even some very brief and temporary love interests. The best of those are Gilda Broscoe, and Magnolia. Romancing one of these characters grants the “Lover’s Embrace” perk (+15% experience points for 8 hours).

What items can Dogmeat wear?

Dogmeat can be equipped with various cosmetic items in four distinct slots: “eyes,” “headband,” “neck,” and “torso.” Despite having an inventory weight, none of these items offer any actual protection.

Is the Sole Survivor a synth?

No, the Sole Survivor is not a synth. They are the only fully human survivor (ghouls are evolved humans) from the pre-war era left in the game, and the game specifically states you are not a synth.

Is Kellogg a synth?

Kellogg is not a synth in the traditional sense, but he has been cybernetically enhanced by the Institute, slowing his aging and extending his lifespan. These enhancements allow him to live well past a hundred years old and still look much younger.

Conclusion

Vault 111 is an excellent opening experience for Fallout 4 players. Beyond the introduction to the game mechanics, it is the first taste of the dark and disturbing nature of the Fallout universe and, specifically, the vaults of Vault-Tec. By taking the time to thoroughly explore the vault, players can acquire key items, gain insight into the lore, and fully immerse themselves in the start of their adventure. Don’t just rush through the vault; take your time to soak it all in. You may not be able to get back in once you leave!