Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the scorched sands of the Mojave Wasteland? Beyond the dangers of raiders, mutated creatures, and warring factions lies a relic of a bygone era: the Vaults. These underground havens, built by the enigmatic Vault-Tec Corporation, were designed to protect humanity from the nuclear apocalypse. However, not all of these shelters were created equal. Some, like the infamous Vault 19 in *Fallout: New Vegas*, harbored secrets far more complex and dangerous than the radiation outside. This article dives into the mysteries of Vault 19, exploring its history, layout, key choices, and rewards, offering a comprehensive guide for any explorer venturing into its depths.
History and Background
Before the Great War, Vault-Tec’s ambition extended beyond mere protection. They were involved in a complex web of social experiments. The vaults themselves, though marketed as havens, were in reality research facilities where social constructs and human behavior could be studied under extreme conditions. Each vault was designed with a specific purpose, some designed to test extreme isolation while others, like Vault 19, would undergo a different social test.
Vault 19, located in the heart of the Mojave, was not built to simply shelter its inhabitants. It was built to analyze the effects of societal division. Designed to test the breaking point of people when exposed to the extremes of stress and manipulation. The original experiment assigned different colored areas to residents, seemingly benign at first. The Vault was divided into the Red and Blue teams, with each team separated and encouraged to develop a sense of superiority and mistrust towards the other.
Over time, this deliberate division festered. The constant tension, the lack of resources, and the deliberate spread of misinformation eventually led to the breakdown of order within the vault. This breakdown eventually caused a conflict resulting in a major split within the surviving population, setting the stage for the situation the player encounters in *Fallout: New Vegas*. When the player arrives, the legacy of this division continues, with the Red and Blue factions maintaining a precarious balance of power and mistrust. This historical background is crucial for understanding the conflicts and choices the player will face within Vault 19.
Vault’s Layout and Key Locations
The architecture of Vault 19 is classic Vault-Tec, a sprawling labyrinth of corridors, living quarters, and utility areas, all designed to withstand nuclear blasts. However, the aesthetic is stark, reflecting the harsh conditions within. The vault is dimly lit, with exposed pipes, metal walls, and flickering lights creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia and tension.
The vault is split into two primary areas, defined by their color coding: the Red and the Blue sectors. The Red Section, located in the eastern part of the vault, generally features a more aggressive environment, with the Red faction often using it as a base of operations. Here, you’ll meet individuals who value strength and often display distrust of outsiders. The living quarters, common areas, and the security checkpoints within the Red section reflect their views and the internal conflict within.
The Blue Section is located on the western side, and usually exhibits a more cautious and careful stance. In contrast to the Red section, the Blue often values intellect, negotiation, and maintaining the status quo. Here, you’ll meet characters who are willing to engage in diplomacy. Their area is generally cleaner and more orderly, reflecting their approach to the world.
A central section provides essential resources. The central control room, a crucial area, offers the key to unlocking the secrets of Vault 19. The main terminal contains information about the Vault’s systems, its inhabitants, and the experiments that took place within its walls. This area, with its decaying machinery, provides an unsettling reminder of the pre-war era and the experiments that led to the divide of the vault.
The Main Questline and Choices
Your journey to Vault 19 begins when you learn about the situation there, either through the NCR or through other means. The vault presents the player with a compelling dilemma: intervene or leave things as they are. The central quest involves navigating the conflict between the Red and Blue factions, each with its own desires and plans.
The core of the quest involves a series of moral decisions, testing your loyalty, skills, and understanding of the situation. The player is given several choices when interacting with the factions within the vault.
One primary choice involves siding with one of the two factions. Supporting the Red team means allying yourself with those who favor strength and often, outright aggression. You’ll need to consider if this is what you value. The Blue team, in contrast, may present an alternative approach, favoring negotiation and diplomacy.
The second important decision is whether to intervene and help to resolve the underlying conflict. The player could also choose to betray both factions, allowing chaos to reign.
The consequences of these decisions ripple through the game. They affect the alliances you form, the resources you gain, and the overall outcome of your quest. Choosing to side with the Red team may result in gaining access to specific items and information. Choosing to help the Blue team offers different rewards, such as information or aid in the future.
Rewards and Loot
Vault 19 is not just a location of moral choices; it also offers tangible rewards to those who dare to explore its depths.
Unique items are scattered throughout the vault. One example is unique vault-tech armor, which can be found in various locations. Finding and using this armor offers protection from radiation.
Beyond tangible items, Vault 19 provides opportunities for experience and skill checks. Successfully completing the quest involves utilizing skills like Speech and Science, which influence the outcome of the interactions. Successfully completing these skill checks will allow the player to earn valuable experience points.
The long-term implications of your choices within the vault are significant. The outcome of the conflict within the vault will have repercussions that will influence the political landscape of the Mojave. Your decisions in Vault 19 could influence the strength and sway of various factions.
Strategy, Tips, and Tricks
Before you step into Vault 19, preparation is key. Your skills, your equipment, and your awareness will determine how you fare in this dangerous area.
A mix of skills, including Speech, Science, and Lockpick, is beneficial. Speech allows you to persuade, negotiate, and uncover secrets. Science allows you to interact with the vault’s technical systems and terminals. Lockpick gives access to areas and treasures.
Equip yourself with good armor and effective weaponry, as you will encounter both hostile environments and hostile individuals. Bring plenty of ammunition and healing supplies.
Navigation can be tricky within the vault. Take your time, explore every area, and be careful. Learn the layout, which doors lead where, and the locations of key characters.
Dialogue is central to success. Persuasion can open doors and unlock outcomes. Observing and taking a patient approach may be necessary to get the information or actions you need.
Vault 19 may hold hidden secrets and Easter eggs. Explore the terminals. Search every corner, to find hidden stashes and secrets that could enrich your journey.
Conclusion
Vault 19 remains an impactful location in *Fallout: New Vegas*. It serves as a microcosm of the larger conflicts and moral dilemmas of the game. Navigating the depths of Vault 19 forces players to make choices, to deal with complex personalities, and to determine whether they will choose chaos or order. The outcome of your decisions will impact the game’s narrative.
So, the next time you find yourself exploring the vast Mojave Wasteland, don’t hesitate to descend into the depths of Vault 19. Uncover the truth about its history and its secrets. The choices you make there will shape your experience in *Fallout: New Vegas*.
