How To Start Old World Blues

Old World Blues, a highly popular downloadable content (DLC) for Fallout: New Vegas, offers players a significant expansion to the game's narrative and gameplay. Venturing into the Big MT research facility, players face new challenges, encounter quirky characters, and uncover the secrets of pre-War technology.

This guide outlines the steps necessary to initiate the Old World Blues storyline, providing a clear path for players eager to experience this fan-favorite addition to the Fallout universe.

Initiating Old World Blues: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prerequisites and Level Recommendations

While there isn't a mandatory minimum level to begin Old World Blues, it's strongly recommended that players reach at least level 15. The DLC's enemies can be challenging, and having a well-developed character build will significantly improve your chances of survival.

Furthermore, having decent combat skills (such as Guns or Energy Weapons) and supporting skills like Science or Medicine can be extremely beneficial. Adequate gear, including sturdy armor and a reliable weapon, is also crucial.

Locating the Mysterious Broadcast

The quest line for Old World Blues begins with a mysterious radio signal. Once you're appropriately leveled, explore the Mojave Wasteland until you receive the radio message: "Mysterious Broadcast."

The broadcast will appear automatically at any location in the Mojave Wasteland once you meet the soft level requirement. There are no specific coordinates needed to trigger this event, simply exploration.

Following the Signal to the Mojave Drive-in

Upon receiving the broadcast, a quest marker will appear on your map, leading you to the Mojave Drive-in. The Mojave Drive-in is located slightly southwest of the Nipton Road Pit Stop, and generally east of Novac.

Head towards the drive-in and prepare for a potential minor encounter with creatures lurking in the area. Approaching the drive-in should trigger the next stage of the quest.

Investigating the Satellite

Once at the Mojave Drive-in, you will see a large satellite dish. Your objective is to examine this satellite.

Approach the satellite and interact with it. Doing so will trigger a cutscene.

The Abduction

After interacting with the satellite, your character will be subjected to a disorienting event. You will be "abducted".

This is a scripted event and there is no way to avoid it. This will then initiate the Old World Blues storyline, transporting you to the Big MT research facility.

Welcome to Big MT

Upon waking up, you will find yourself in a strange, high-tech environment. This is Big MT, also known as the Big Empty.

You will be greeted by the Think Tank, a group of pre-War scientists who have had their brains removed and placed into robotic containers. The Think Tank will explain your situation and task you with various missions to restore order in Big MT.

Navigating Big MT

Big MT is a vast and complex area filled with dangerous creatures and advanced technology. Be prepared for challenging combat encounters and intricate puzzles.

Explore the various research facilities, interact with the quirky characters, and uncover the secrets of Big MT to progress through the Old World Blues storyline. The DLC offers a unique blend of humor, action, and philosophical exploration.

The Significance of Old World Blues

Old World Blues is significant for several reasons. It expands the lore of the Fallout universe, providing valuable insights into the pre-War scientific community and the experiments conducted at Big MT.

Additionally, it introduces new weapons, armor, and perks that can significantly enhance your character's abilities. Many players consider it one of the best DLCs for Fallout: New Vegas due to its engaging story, memorable characters, and unique setting.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Starting Old World Blues alters the game experience. Your character will be transported to a new area and engaged in a separate storyline that may temporarily divert them from the main quest of Fallout: New Vegas.

Consider completing or progressing in the main storyline before initiating Old World Blues if you prefer to stay focused on the core narrative. However, the DLC is designed to be integrated seamlessly into the overall gameplay experience, offering a rewarding and enriching addition to the Fallout world.

The DLC's themes, touching on science, ethics, and the nature of consciousness, may also spark thought-provoking discussions and interpretations among players. Old World Blues stands out as a memorable and impactful addition to the Fallout series.