Every run of <a href="https://www.polygon.com/game/fallout-new-vegas/2117/" target="_blank"><em>Fallout: New Vegas</em></a> begins with a familiar scenario: being shot in the head by Benny outside Goodsprings. From that point, however, the player's choices define the narrative. Obsidian Entertainment's 2010 RPG offers extensive freedom, allowing players to shape their Courier into any persona imaginable, from a hat-wearing cowboy to a corpse-eating vampire, a pacifist, or a kleptomaniac with a penchant for explosives.
Playing on Hardcore Mode
The game offers an optional Hardcore mode that significantly increases the challenge. In this mode, ammunition carries weight, players must manage hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and healing items have a delayed effect. Companions can also die permanently. While the actual difficulty is a subject of debate, Hardcore mode can be toggled on or off at any time, though completing the game in this mode grants a unique achievement.
Faction Loyalty Challenges
<em>New Vegas</em> features four major factions: Mr. House's regime, Independent New Vegas (Yes Man), Caesar's Legion, and the New California Republic. Aligning with one of these, or smaller groups, offers distinct advantages. Wearing faction armor can sometimes serve as a disguise, allowing passage through enemy territory, though some characters may see through the ruse. Conversely, wearing the wrong faction's attire can provoke hostility from opposing groups. Committing to a single faction means making enemies of all others, potentially leading to failed quests, ambushes, and companion refusal.
Roleplaying Archetypes
Players can adopt distinct character archetypes. A "cowboy" run involves eschewing traditional armor for a hat and ranger outfit, focusing on revolvers, lever-action firearms, and melee weapons. This approach requires managing scarce ammunition and constant repairs. Alternatively, a "vampire" persona involves traveling only at night, sleeping during the day, and utilizing the Cannibal perk to feed on corpses while sneaking, emphasizing a stealthy and secluded playstyle.
Low Intelligence and Pacifist Runs
Choosing a low Intelligence stat during character creation unlocks unique, often humorous, dialogue options. For instance, a low-intelligence character might guess the correct password at REPCONN headquarters with "ICE CREAM!" or make a nonsensical remark about selling plants that leads to a beneficial implant. This approach, however, reduces skill points per level and impacts certain character skills. A full pacifist run requires avoiding all kills and injuries, which necessitates extensive use of stealth and running. This challenge is more about bragging rights, aiming to finish the game with a kill counter at zero, often requiring skills like Sneak and Speech, and perks like Silent Running.
Outlaw and Speedrun Approaches
An "outlaw" run involves antagonizing all factions, forcing players to rely solely on stolen goods for resources. This path typically leads to a more aggressive playstyle, as most NPCs become enemies. For a different kind of challenge, players can attempt to reach the New Vegas Strip as quickly as possible, bypassing many of the game's intended quests and encounters. This speedrun approach often involves navigating dangerous areas with high-level enemies, with some players completing the main quest in under an hour. Such a run requires strategic use of long-range attacks and stealth.
Stealth and Explosives Specialist
Focusing on Sneak and Explosives skills can dramatically alter combat encounters. Players can employ reverse-pickpocketing explosives to eliminate enemies from a distance or use Charisma and Speech in conjunction with traps and landmines to navigate the wasteland. This playstyle emphasizes avoiding direct confrontation and leveraging environmental hazards.
The Gambler's Challenge
In a "gambler's" run, players forgo traditional loot-based income and must earn all their caps through casino games and the card game Caravan. Success in gambling is improved by having a high Luck stat, which can be prioritized during character creation. A single losing streak can quickly deplete a player's resources, making this a high-stakes challenge.
