Vault 81
Vault 81 is an active, inhabited vault located west of Chestnut Hill Reservoir that initially requires a donation of fusion cores or a difficult speech check to enter. After completing preliminary tasks within the main vault, the player discovers a secret, abandoned observation wing infested with infected creatures. Navigating this hidden section leads to the cure for a localized virus and the discovery of a unique companion.
Related quests: Hole in the Wall
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Items
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Secrets
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Enemies
Some carry the Vault 81 Mole Rat disease, which permanently reduces player max health if contracted.
Security bots guarding the hidden vault corridors that can be turned against mole rats via terminals.
Small wandering patrol bots found in the hidden observation areas.
Shops and people
- Alexis Combes: General merchandise, ammo, armor, and the unique combat rifle Overseer's Guardian
- Horatio: Haircutting services
- Dr. Penske: Buys harvested fertilizer and provides minor medical assistance
- Dr. Forsythe: Sells medical supplies and provides healing/radiation removal services
Tips
- Any bite from an infected mole rat—or even damage taken by a companion or hacked protectron—can permanently infect the Sole Survivor with the Vault 81 disease, so using ranged combat and keeping your distance is critical.
- You only receive one dose of the Vault 81 Cure; you must decide whether to save Austin Engill, keep it to cure yourself, or use an exploit during dialogue to do both.
- Curie can be recruited as a companion immediately after releasing her from the lab at the conclusion of the "Hole in the Wall" quest.
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