Should I Give the Cure to Austin?
Giving the cure to Austin can be a pivotal decision in the game of Fallout 4. While it seems like a no-brainer to save him from a life of pain and suffering, there are several reasons to consider why you may not want to give it to him.
Temporary Solution
In Survival mode, using the cure on yourself will temporarily cure Austin of the Mole Rat disease, giving you more time to survive in the harsh environment. However, this cure has a caveat – it also makes the Sole Survivor suffer from Dehydration, regardless of your current hydration level. This means you’ll still need to scavenge for water.
Permanent Consequences
As you’ve no doubt figured out by now, taking the cure and then immediately using it on Austin does not have any permanent positive effects. It simply relieves his immediate symptoms for a short while, giving you a window of time to survive without the hassle of his whining (literally!).
Side Effects
Let’s face it, Mole Rats are contagious. They spread their nasty disease just by being in the same vicinity as a healthy living being. While giving the cure to Austin may "cure" him for now, there’s still a chance you yourself could contract the disease through proximity. Think twice before putting your own well-being at risk.
Long-term Consequences
If you do give the cure to Austin and manage to keep him "healthy," there’s the chance of long-term repercussions. Consider this: as the "healthy" patient, you may start experiencing undesirable character changes, such as lowered SPECIAL statistics or even certain personality quirks.
An Alternative Solution
What many players overlook is that, as the doctor, there are alternative means of relieving Austin’s suffering that don’t require giving in to the tempting "Quick Fix" syndrome. We recommend experimenting with other methods, such as giving him meds or discussing the situation in-game without giving in to the temporary cure.
| Mole Rat Symptoms | Temporary Cures | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Debilitation | Yes | Still needs treatment for Dehydration |
| Mucus Streaks | No | Still contagious |
In light of these consequences, there are a few takeaways to consider. First and foremost, weigh the costs and benefits. Are a few extra in-game years of survival truly worth giving in to your emotions or compromising your long-term in-game health?
In closing, the age-old "Should I give the cure to Austin?" question holds a lot more significance than it initially seemed. Instead of jumping straight to quick fixes, let’s step back and ponder the moral implications of altering another individual’s life with potentially dangerous, irreversible, and detrimental effects.
Now, after careful consideration of the side effects, there are also some strong arguments against giving the cure to Austin. Whether or not you decide to do it ultimately depends on your overall gameplay strategy, moral convictions, and risk tolerance.