Can you nuke the NCR and still side with them?
In the vast world of Fallout: New Vegas, making decisions can be challenging. You have to weigh the pros and cons of every choice you make, especially when it comes to waging war. One such decision is whether to nuke the NCR, the New California Republic, and still side with them. Yes, you can, but it comes with severe consequences.
Nuking the NCR: What it means
Nuking the NCR means launching a devastating nuclear attack on their stronghold, wiping out their main supply line, and cutting off their route to California. This can be achieved by interacting with the Three Dog, a radio host, and starting a war between the NCR and the Legion, a hostile faction. By doing so, you’re essentially becoming the "chosen one" who decides the fate of the Mojave Wasteland.
Consequences of nuking the NCR
Nuking the NCR comes with severe consequences, not just for the NCR but also for the surrounding factions. Some of these consequences include:
- Loss of positive reputation with the NCR: If you nuke the NCR, your positive reputation with them will be replaced with negative reputation, known as infamy. This can affect how other factions view you, making it harder to get their approval.
- NCR outposts and caravans destroyed: The nuke will wipe out all NCR outposts and caravans, severing their connection to the rest of the world. This can have a devastating impact on their economy and ability to protect their people.
- Legion gains an upper hand: By cutting off the NCR’s main supply line, the Legion gains a significant advantage in the war. They will be able to focus their efforts on taking over the Mojave Wasteland, putting the NCR in a difficult position.
- Brotherhood of Steel’s involvement: If you nuke the NCR, the Brotherhood of Steel, a technological faction, will become more involved in the conflict. They may even decide to destroy the NCR completely, leaving the Mojave Wasteland in shambles.
Side effects on other factions
Nuking the NCR will also have side effects on other factions, including:
- Casino to the NCR: The NCR will take over the Lucky 38, a casino owned by the Mr. House, in an attempt to gain an upper hand in the conflict.
- Legion’s plans disrupted: While the Legion may gain an upper hand initially, they will eventually turn their attention to the Mr. House and the Brotherhood of Steel, making the conflict more complex.
- Vikki and Carson’s fates: Two key characters, Vikki and Carson, will be affected by the nuke. Their fates are tied to the NCR, and their stories will change drastically if the NCR is destroyed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nuking the NCR can be a tempting option, especially if you’re fed up with their constant military presence in the Mojave Wasteland. However, it comes with severe consequences that can affect not just the NCR but also other factions and characters in the game. You must weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision. Remember that the fate of the Mojave Wasteland hangs in the balance, and your choice can have a lasting impact on the game’s story.
Can you nuke the NCR and still side with them? A summary table
| Positive Reputation | Negative Reputation (Infamy) | Effect on NCR | Effect on Legion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuke NCR | – | Yes | Destruction of outposts and caravans | Gain advantage in war |
| Nuke NCR | Yes | – | Destruction of outposts and caravans | No gain |
Note: In the second scenario, if you do not nuke the NCR, your positive reputation with them will remain unchanged, and they will not be destroyed.