Fallout New Vegas: Nellis AFB And Its Artillery

Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the most explosive aspects (pun intended!) of Fallout: New Vegas: the Nellis Air Force Base and its, shall we say, unique artillery situation. Nellis isn't just another location on the map; it's a fortified settlement packed with personality, history, and a whole lot of high explosives. So, buckle up as we explore everything you need to know about Nellis AFB and how to make the most of your interactions with its… colorful residents.

Discovering Nellis AFB

First off, locating Nellis AFB can be a bit of a challenge for the uninitiated. You'll find it in the northeastern part of the Mojave Wasteland. But getting there? That's where the real fun begins. As you approach, you'll quickly realize that Nellis isn't exactly welcoming to outsiders. The base is heavily defended by artillery, and they're not afraid to use it. Seriously, these guys have a hair-trigger when it comes to blowing trespassers to smithereens. The area around Nellis is basically a minefield – both literally and figuratively. You'll need to navigate a treacherous path filled with debris, irradiated zones, and, of course, those pesky artillery strikes. So, how do you survive this initial gauntlet? Well, stealth is your friend. Stick to cover, watch for the tell-tale signs of incoming fire, and maybe pack some Rad-X and RadAway, just in case. Timing is everything, too; try to move between salvos. Alternatively, if you're feeling brave (or foolish), you could try to sprint through the danger zone. But trust me, that's a risky proposition.

Once you manage to dodge the artillery and reach the gates, you'll be greeted (or perhaps interrogated) by the gatekeepers of Nellis. They're not exactly the friendliest bunch, but if you can prove you're not a threat – or better yet, that you can be useful – they might just let you in. This usually involves passing a speech check or completing a small task to demonstrate your intentions. So, be prepared to put on your diplomatic hat, or, if that fails, your most convincing intimidating glare.

Meeting the Boomers

Upon entering Nellis AFB, you'll be introduced to the Boomers, the residents of this explosive haven. These guys are a unique faction in the Fallout universe. Descended from vault dwellers, they have a fascination with pre-War aviation and a penchant for blowing things up. Seriously, their entire culture revolves around explosives and aircraft. Talk about a niche interest! The Boomers are led by Pearl, a pragmatic and level-headed leader who strives to maintain order within their somewhat chaotic society. She's the one you'll likely be dealing with if you want to gain their trust and access to their resources. The Boomers are fiercely independent and wary of outsiders, so gaining their trust is no easy feat. You'll need to prove yourself by completing various quests and tasks for them. These quests often involve scavenging for scrap, repairing equipment, and, of course, helping them with their artillery. Be warned, though: the Boomers have their own way of doing things, and their methods can be… unconventional, to say the least.

Understanding Nellis's Artillery

Now, let's talk about the main attraction: Nellis's artillery. These aren't your run-of-the-mill cannons; they're massive, pre-War artillery pieces that can level anything in their sights. The Boomers maintain and operate these behemoths with a mix of reverence and recklessness. They see the artillery as both a symbol of their strength and a tool for protecting their home. But here's the catch: the artillery is old and prone to malfunctions. The Boomers, despite their expertise, don't fully understand the technology behind it. This leads to frequent misfires, breakdowns, and, occasionally, accidental explosions. As you might imagine, this makes living in Nellis a bit… unpredictable. One minute you're enjoying a quiet afternoon, the next you're dodging artillery shells that have gone off course. It's all part of the Nellis experience! As a player, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the artillery in various ways. You might be tasked with repairing or maintaining the cannons, or you might even get to use them yourself in certain quests. Just be careful not to blow yourself up in the process. After all, these are powerful weapons, and they demand respect – or at least a healthy dose of caution.

Quests and Interactions

So, what can you actually do in Nellis? Quite a bit, actually. The Boomers offer a variety of quests that can help you gain favor with them and unlock new opportunities. One of the main questlines involves helping them recover a bomber from Lake Mead. This is a multi-stage quest that requires you to dive into the depths of the lake, retrieve parts, and eventually help the Boomers restore the bomber to its former glory. It's a challenging but rewarding quest that offers a unique glimpse into the Boomers' culture and their obsession with aviation. In addition to the main questline, there are also several smaller side quests that you can undertake. These might involve scavenging for scrap, repairing equipment, or helping the Boomers with their daily tasks. Completing these quests will not only earn you their trust but also provide you with valuable rewards, such as weapons, armor, and ammunition. Plus, you'll get to learn more about the individual Boomers and their stories. Each one has their own unique personality and quirks, and getting to know them is one of the highlights of the Nellis experience.

Gaining Favor with the Boomers

Want to get in good with the Boomers? Here's the lowdown. First and foremost, be respectful. These guys are proud and independent, and they don't take kindly to disrespect. Listen to what they have to say, follow their instructions, and avoid causing trouble. Second, be helpful. The Boomers are always in need of assistance, whether it's repairing equipment, scavenging for scrap, or defending their base from attackers. Volunteer your services and show them that you're willing to pitch in. Third, be generous. The Boomers are often short on supplies, so if you have anything to spare, don't hesitate to share it with them. This could be anything from ammunition and medicine to food and water. Finally, be patient. Gaining the Boomers' trust takes time, so don't expect to become best friends overnight. Keep working to help them, and eventually, they'll come to see you as one of their own. Once you've gained their favor, you'll unlock a number of benefits, including access to their resources, the ability to trade with them, and even the opportunity to receive training from their experts. You might even get to fly in their bomber! But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Don't abuse their trust, and always be mindful of their values and beliefs.

Strategic Importance of Nellis AFB

Nellis AFB isn't just a cool location; it's also strategically important in the grand scheme of Fallout: New Vegas. The Boomers, with their artillery and air power, can be a valuable ally in the upcoming battle for Hoover Dam. Depending on your choices, you can either convince them to support the NCR or side with another faction. Their support can significantly impact the outcome of the game, so it's worth considering your options carefully. If you choose to align the Boomers with the NCR, they'll provide air support during the final battle, raining down fire on the Legion forces. This can give the NCR a significant advantage and make the battle much easier. However, convincing the Boomers to support the NCR isn't always easy. You'll need to complete their questline and gain their trust before they'll be willing to commit their resources to the NCR's cause. Alternatively, you can choose to align the Boomers with a different faction, such as Mr. House or Yes Man. This can lead to different outcomes and change the course of the game. Ultimately, the decision of whether to align with the Boomers and which faction to support is up to you. But keep in mind that your choices will have consequences, and they'll impact the fate of the Mojave Wasteland.

Unique Loot and Rewards

Of course, no discussion of Nellis AFB would be complete without mentioning the unique loot and rewards that you can find there. The Boomers have a variety of weapons, armor, and items that are exclusive to their faction. These items can be incredibly powerful and useful, so it's worth exploring Nellis thoroughly to find them all. One of the most notable rewards is the Boomer faction armor, which provides excellent protection against ballistic weapons and explosives. This armor is perfect for players who like to get up close and personal with their enemies. In addition to the faction armor, you can also find a variety of unique weapons in Nellis, such as the Annabelle, a unique missile launcher, and the Big Boomer, a powerful shotgun. These weapons are highly sought after by collectors and can be incredibly effective in combat. But the loot isn't just limited to weapons and armor. You can also find a variety of other useful items in Nellis, such as ammunition, medicine, and crafting materials. These items can be incredibly valuable, especially if you're playing on a survival difficulty setting. So, whether you're looking for powerful weapons, protective armor, or valuable supplies, Nellis AFB has something to offer everyone. Just be careful not to get blown up while you're searching for it!

Conclusion

So, there you have it: a comprehensive guide to Nellis AFB and its artillery in Fallout: New Vegas. This location is a true gem, offering a unique blend of action, exploration, and storytelling. Whether you're a seasoned Fallout veteran or a newcomer to the series, Nellis is a place that you won't soon forget. Just remember to watch out for those artillery strikes!

So, get out there, explore the Mojave Wasteland, and discover all that Nellis AFB has to offer. And who knows, maybe you'll even become an honorary Boomer. Just don't blame me if you accidentally blow something up!