Introduction
Fallout: New Vegas presents players with a multitude of choices, but few are as pivotal as deciding the fate of the Mojave Wasteland. Will it fall under the control of the tyrannical Caesar’s Legion, remain a puppet state under the watchful eye of the New California Republic, be seized by the ambitious Mr. House, or forge its own path as an independent New Vegas? The latter, an independent Vegas, offers a compelling vision of self-determination and a future free from external domination. However, achieving this outcome isn’t merely a matter of completing the main questline; it requires careful planning and, crucially, the support of your companions.
Your followers in New Vegas aren’t just pack mules and combat assistants. They’re characters with their own beliefs, values, and motivations. Their affinity towards you, and towards your vision for New Vegas, directly impacts the game’s ending. Some followers will readily embrace an independent New Vegas, while others might vehemently oppose it, potentially leading to them leaving your side altogether. Understanding how to sway their opinions, and ensure their support, is paramount to achieving the independent Vegas ending you desire. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to get followers to support independent vegas, ensuring your chosen ending reflects your decisions and the companions who stood by you.
Understanding Follower Alignment
Before delving into the specifics of individual followers, it’s essential to grasp the core concept of follower affinity. Each follower has a hidden “affinity” score that reflects their opinion of you. This score isn’t a static value; it fluctuates based on your actions, dialogue choices, and even the locations you visit. Positive actions increase affinity, while negative actions decrease it. As affinity increases, followers will share personal insights, unlock unique quests, and ultimately become more loyal to your cause. Conversely, low affinity can lead to disapproval, reluctance to assist, and even the follower leaving your service.
Several actions universally affect follower affinity. Showing generosity, helping those in need, and acting honorably generally garner positive reactions. Conversely, acts of violence against innocents, stealing, and blatant cruelty will typically lead to disapproval. But beyond these general principles, each follower has their own specific moral compass, influenced by their background, experiences, and personal beliefs. This is where understanding individual followers becomes critical to swaying them to your side.
Followers also have pre-set opinions of the major factions in the game. Some are naturally inclined to support the NCR, while others despise Caesar’s Legion. In order to understand *new vegas how to get followers to support independent vegas* you need to be aware of each follower’s values. Some followers will be harder to convince than others.
Key Followers for an Independent New Vegas and How to Win Them Over
Winning the support of your companions is key when considering *new vegas how to get followers to support independent vegas.*
Boone
Boone, the stoic and battle-hardened sniper, is driven by a burning desire for justice and vengeance for the atrocities he witnessed during his time with the NCR. His loyalty lies with those who fight for what he believes is right, and he despises those who prey on the weak or betray their comrades. To gain Boone’s support for an independent New Vegas, you must demonstrate a commitment to justice and protect the innocent.
Avoid siding with slavers, the Legion, or anyone who actively harms others. Instead, focus on helping those in need, exposing corruption, and fighting against injustice. Completing quests like “I Put a Spell on You” (investigating Camp McCarran’s water supply) and “One for My Baby” (seeking justice for Boone’s wife) will significantly increase his affinity. Choosing dialogue options that express a commitment to protecting the vulnerable and upholding justice will also resonate with him. Steer clear of choices that prioritize personal gain over the well-being of others, as these will quickly erode his trust. With Boone by your side, you demonstrate that an independent New Vegas is not just about freedom, but about creating a safer and more just society.
Veronica
Veronica Santangelo, the disillusioned Brotherhood of Steel scribe, yearns for a world where knowledge and technology are used to benefit humanity, not hoarded away in isolation. She’s torn between her loyalty to the Brotherhood and her belief that they’ve lost their way, becoming stagnant and unwilling to adapt. To gain Veronica’s support for an independent New Vegas, you must demonstrate an understanding of her frustrations with the Brotherhood and offer her a vision of a future where technology serves a greater purpose.
Take her with you when dealing with matters involving the Brotherhood, especially when considering their fate. Showing her the consequences of their isolationist policies and the potential benefits of a more open and cooperative approach can sway her opinion. Completing quests like “I Could Make You Care” (exploring potential replacements for the Brotherhood’s technology sources) can significantly increase her affinity. While she may harbor some reservations about an independent Vegas at first, emphasizing that it could be a hub for innovation and progress, free from the rigid constraints of the NCR or the Legion, can win her over. Avoid actions that would reinforce the Brotherhood’s negative stereotypes or dismiss her concerns about their future. Veronica’s support signifies that an independent New Vegas can be a place where progress and innovation thrive, guided by ethical considerations.
Raul
Raul Tejada, the ghoul mechanic, is a pragmatist who has seen the best and worst of humanity over his long lifespan. He values experience, resilience, and a realistic assessment of the world. To gain Raul’s support for an independent New Vegas, you must demonstrate that you’re not naive or idealistic, but have a clear understanding of the challenges facing the Mojave and a practical plan for overcoming them.
Engage him in conversations about the past, allowing him to share his wisdom and perspectives. Showing him that you value his experience will earn his respect. Actions that demonstrate self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances will also appeal to him. Avoid making overly optimistic or idealistic statements that don’t reflect the realities of the Wasteland. Instead, focus on practical solutions and sustainable plans. While he may initially be skeptical of an independent Vegas’s chances of survival, emphasizing its potential for self-sufficiency and its ability to avoid the mistakes of the past can win him over. With Raul by your side, an independent New Vegas gains a valuable asset: a seasoned veteran with the knowledge and experience to navigate the challenges ahead.
Cass
Cassidy “Cass” Rose, the hard-drinking caravan owner, is a survivor who values loyalty, honesty, and a good stiff drink. She’s seen her fair share of betrayal and hardship, and she appreciates those who are upfront and reliable. To gain Cass’s support for an independent New Vegas, you must demonstrate honesty, loyalty, and a willingness to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s difficult.
When given the choice side against the Van Graffs and the Crimson Caravan. She appreciates honesty and despises those who exploit others for personal gain. Make sure to allow her to go through her personal questline. Showing her that you value her loyalty and are willing to fight alongside her will earn her trust. While she may initially be hesitant to embrace an independent Vegas, emphasizing its potential for self-determination and its ability to forge its own destiny, free from the corruption and greed of the NCR, can win her over. Avoid actions that would betray her trust or demonstrate a lack of loyalty. Cass’s support signifies that an independent New Vegas can be a place where honesty and loyalty are valued, and where people can build a future based on trust and mutual respect.
Arcade
Arcade Gannon, the Enclave doctor, is motivated by altruism and social justice. He believes in making the world a better place and has a deep hatred of the Enclave and their views. To gain Arcade’s support for an independent New Vegas, you must do things that would help people and the wasteland. Siding with the NCR will not work, but helping other places and groups in the Mojave will win him over to your cause.
Don’t work with anyone who would cause harm to others. Make sure to bring him when dealing with the Remnants. Avoid being apathetic when people are suffering, but make sure to side with underdogs and those who are in trouble. Arcade’s support is integral to an independent Vegas, as it shows that the group is motivated by good and isn’t just about money or power.
General Tips for Influencing Followers
Beyond these specific strategies, several general principles can help you influence your followers:
- Consistent Behavior: Maintaining a consistent ideology is crucial. Avoid acting in ways that contradict your stated beliefs. If you profess to value freedom and independence, don’t suddenly start supporting authoritarian regimes.
- Dialogue Choices: Pay close attention to dialogue options. Many conversations offer opportunities to express your views on the future of New Vegas. Choose options that align with an independent vision.
- Reputation: Your reputation with various factions can indirectly influence follower opinions. Maintaining positive relationships with groups that support independence can reinforce your message and demonstrate the viability of your vision.
Handling Conflicting Loyalties
Inevitably, you’ll encounter situations where followers disagree with each other or with your own choices. For example, Veronica may object to actions that harm the Brotherhood of Steel, even if they benefit an independent Vegas in the long run. In these situations, diplomacy and compromise are key. Try to find solutions that address everyone’s concerns, or at least mitigate the negative impact. Be willing to explain your reasoning and acknowledge the validity of opposing viewpoints.
In some cases, you may have to make difficult choices that disappoint certain followers. It’s important to weigh the long-term benefits of your actions against the potential consequences of alienating a companion. In rare instances, you may even have to part ways with a follower if their values are fundamentally incompatible with your vision for New Vegas.
Conclusion
Securing follower support for an independent New Vegas requires careful planning, a deep understanding of your companions, and a consistent commitment to your ideals. By tailoring your actions and dialogue choices to resonate with each follower’s individual values, you can build a loyal and dedicated team that will stand by you as you forge a new destiny for the Mojave Wasteland. The independent Vegas ending is not just about seizing power; it’s about creating a better future for the people of the Mojave, and having the support of your companions makes that victory all the more meaningful. So, venture forth, make your choices wisely, and rally the troops to your cause. With their backing, an independent New Vegas is not just a possibility; it’s a certainty.
