You’re waking up in a doctor’s office in Goodsprings with a massive headache and a lead-filled skull. Honestly, that’s just a Tuesday in the Mojave Wasteland. If you’re looking for a Fallout New Vegas walkthrough, you probably already know this isn't your standard linear shooter. It’s a messy, political, and often buggy masterpiece where your choices actually have consequences that ripple out for forty hours of gameplay.
Most people mess up the beginning. They try to head straight north to Vegas because it’s right there on the map. Don’t do that. Unless you enjoy being torn apart by Cazadores or Deathclaws within ten minutes of starting the game, you need to follow the intended "U" shape of the map. This isn't just a suggestion; it’s survival.
Surviving the Early Game Grind
The "tutorial" ends once you leave Doc Mitchell’s house. You’ve got a Pip-Boy, some stimpaks, and a bunch of questions about the guy in the checkered suit who shot you. Your first real stop is the town of Goodsprings. You can help Sunny Smiles clear out some geckos, which is basically the game's way of teaching you how to aim without dying.
But here’s the kicker: the conflict between the town and the Powder Gangers. This is your first taste of the reputation system. If you side with the town, the Powder Gangers will hate you forever. If you side with the convicts, you’re basically a pariah in civilized society. Choose carefully, because New Vegas remembers everything.
After Goodsprings, head south toward Primm. You'll see the giant roller coaster. That’s your landmark. Inside the Vicky and Vance Casino, you’ll find a town in chaos and a robot named ED-E that needs fixing. Pro tip: Repairing ED-E early is the smartest move you can make. He’s a floating radar system that lets you see enemies from miles away. It’s a game-changer for avoiding ambushes in the dark.
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The Long Road to the Strip
Once you’ve settled things in Primm—usually by finding them a new sheriff—you’re heading toward Niption. This is where the game stops being a fun desert romp and gets dark. You’ll meet Caesar’s Legion for the first time. They’ve burned the town to the ground. You can attack them, but you’ll probably die. It’s better to just listen to Vulpes Inculta talk about "profligates" and keep moving toward Novac.
Novac is home to the giant dinosaur statue. You can’t miss it.
Inside the dinosaur’s mouth is a sniper named Boone. He’s arguably the best companion in the game, but he won’t join you unless you help him find out who sold his wife into slavery. This quest, "One for My Baby," is a classic bit of New Vegas detective work. Look for the Bill of Sale in the floor safe behind the front desk of the motel.
From Novac, you’re finally heading north toward Boulder City and eventually the outskirts of Vegas. You’ll pass through Freeside first. It’s a dump. But it’s the gateway to the Strip. You need 2,000 caps to get past the Securitrons at the gate, or a fake passport from Ralph at Mick & Ralph’s.
Understanding the Major Factions
By the time you reach the Strip, every major player wants a piece of you.
- The NCR (New California Republic): They’re the overstretched, bureaucratic "good guys" who are taxing everyone to death.
- Caesar’s Legion: A bunch of Roman-cosplaying slavers who value order over human rights.
- Mr. House: The immortal overlord of Vegas who just wants his city to stay profitable.
- Yes Man: The wild card. If you hate everyone else, Yes Man helps you take over the whole place for yourself.
Navigating the End Game and Hoover Dam
The middle of any Fallout New Vegas walkthrough is about the Platinum Chip. You finally catch up with Benny at the Tops Casino. You can kill him, sleep with him (if you have the Black Widow perk), or let him escape to the Fort. Regardless, the Chip is the key to everything. It upgrades Mr. House's robots or lets you seize control of the dam's power grid.
The final act is the Battle of Hoover Dam.
Depending on who you sided with, you’ll either be defending the dam or attacking it. This is where your side quests come back to haunt or help you. Did you fix the B-29 bomber for the Boomers? If so, they’ll provide air support. Did you help the Great Khans? They might show up to fight by your side. If you ignored everyone, you’re going to have a much harder time.
The final boss is usually either General Oliver for the NCR or Legate Lanius for the Legion. Lanius is a beast. He’s fast, he hits like a truck, and he’s got a massive sword. If your Speech skill is at 100, you can actually talk him down. It’s one of the most satisfying endings in RPG history—winning a massive war just by being really good at arguing.
Technical Tips for a Smoother Run
New Vegas is notorious for crashing. It’s an old game running on an even older engine. If you're on PC, you absolutely need the "New Vegas Script Extender" (NVSE) and the "4GB Patch." These aren't just mods; they're essential stability fixes.
- Save often. Not just quicksaves, but actual hard saves. The game can corrupt files if you only rely on autosaves.
- The Jury Rigging Perk is the best perk in the game. It allows you to repair weapons with similar items. It makes maintaining high-tier gear like the Anti-Materiel Rifle much cheaper.
- Don't ignore the DLC. Old World Blues and Lonesome Road provide context that makes the main story feel much more complete.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Playthrough
- Prioritize Intelligence: Start with at least 9 Intelligence. You get more skill points every time you level up. It’s the single most important stat for a powerful build.
- Head to the Atomic Wrangler: If you need caps for the Strip, play Blackjack. If your Luck is 7 or higher, you will win almost every hand.
- Find the Combat Ranger Armor: You can find a set in the Mojave Outpost or wait until later in the game when NCR Rangers start wearing it. It’s the best non-power armor in the game.
- Complete "Companion Quests" early: Each companion gives you a unique perk. Raul the Ghoul makes your guns degrade slower, which is incredibly helpful for long treks.
The Mojave is a big, empty, beautiful mess. Whether you're a savior or a tyrant, the real joy of a Fallout New Vegas walkthrough is discovering that the "right" choice is usually whatever keeps you alive long enough to see the sunrise over the Colorado River. Stick to the roads, watch out for the red markers on your compass, and for heaven's sake, stay away from Quarry Junction until you have a Fat Man.