Fallout New Vegas Nellis Artillery Guide

What's up, wastelanders! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most explosive and, let's be honest, sometimes annoying parts of Fallout: New Vegas: Nellis Artillery. You know the place – that giant, dusty air force base that seems to have a personal vendetta against anyone daring to tread its sandy soil. If you've ever found yourself suddenly mushroom-clouded by a rogue shell, you've experienced the raw, unadulterated power of Nellis firsthand. But what if I told you that you could harness that power? That you could, in fact, control the artillery yourself? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to break down everything you need to know about conquering Nellis and its infamous cannons. From navigating the explosive landscape to potentially even using the artillery for your own nefarious (or heroic!) purposes, this guide has got your back. So grab your Power Armor, check your ammo count, and let's get ready to rumble!

Conquering the Powder Keg: Your First Steps at Nellis

Alright, guys, let's talk about the elephant in the room – or rather, the artillery shells raining down on your head the moment you get within sniffing distance of Nellis Air Force Base. This place is a hellscape of automated defenses, and the Nellis Artillery is the main culprit. Your primary goal when first approaching is survival, plain and simple. The Brotherhood of Steel has a presence here, but they're not exactly rolling out the welcome mat. You'll need to get past their initial perimeter defenses, which often involves taking out some turrets and a few angry Brotherhood soldiers. The key here is stealth and aggression. Don't linger in the open for too long; use cover, pick off enemies one by one, and always be aware of your surroundings. The artillery strikes are usually triggered by proximity and line of sight, so knowing where the artillery cannons are pointing (hint: they cover most of the approach) is crucial. Pro tip: If you have companions, they can sometimes draw aggro and distract the artillery, giving you precious seconds to move. Don't be afraid to use explosives yourself, but be extremely careful not to blow yourself up in the process – this is Nellis, after all! The longer you stay in the open, the more likely you are to become a crispy critter. Once you manage to push through the outer defenses, you'll find yourself in the main compound. This is where things get really interesting, as you'll encounter the local residents: the NCR renegades and the actual BoS members who live here. Navigating these areas requires a different strategy. You'll want to establish some kind of peace or at least a temporary truce with the inhabitants before you can even think about controlling the Nellis Artillery. This usually involves completing quests for them, proving your worth, or, if you're feeling particularly chaotic, wiping them all out. But trust me, making friends (or at least acquaintances) is the easier path if you want to utilize the base's full potential. Remember, this initial push is all about persistence and strategic movement. Don't get discouraged by the constant shelling; it's part of the Nellis experience. Just keep moving, keep fighting, and keep your eyes on the prize: surviving and eventually, mastering the Nellis Artillery.

Making Friends (or Enemies) with the Nellis BoS

So, you've survived the initial artillery barrage and managed to waltz into the Nellis compound. Congrats! Now comes the tricky part: dealing with the residents. The main faction here, guys, is a splinter group of the Brotherhood of Steel, led by Elder McNamara. They're a bit… territorial. And by territorial, I mean they really don't like outsiders messing with their stomping grounds, especially when it involves their precious Nellis Artillery. Your first objective is to gain their trust. This usually involves a series of quests that test your loyalty and combat prowess. You might be asked to retrieve supplies, eliminate pesky Powder Gangers who are trying to steal their loot, or even help them deal with internal disputes. Completing these quests is paramount because it unlocks dialogue options and allows you to progress through the base without being shot on sight. The Brotherhood's main concern is the defense of Nellis and the preservation of their technology, including the artillery. If you can show them you're not a threat, and even better, that you can help them, they'll eventually warm up to you. Be prepared for some tough fights along the way, though. Not everyone at Nellis is going to be your friend. There are hostile elements, including some NCR deserters who have set up shop and are definitely not looking to make friends. You'll need to balance diplomacy with combat, choosing your battles wisely. Your reputation plays a huge role here. If you've been a troublemaker in the Mojave, expect the Brotherhood to be suspicious. Conversely, if you've helped the NCR or other factions they have a neutral or positive relationship with, it might make things a little easier. Don't forget to explore! Nellis is a treasure trove of loot, rare components, and unique weapons. While you're busy trying to butter up the Brotherhood, keep an eye out for anything valuable. You might find some high-tech gear or useful crafting materials that will help you on your journey. The ultimate goal here is to become accepted by the Brotherhood. Once Elder McNamara sees you as an ally, a whole new world of opportunities opens up, including the chance to get up close and personal with the Nellis Artillery system. It's a delicate balancing act, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Remember, in the Mojave, it's all about who you know and who you can trust. And at Nellis, that means proving yourself to the Brotherhood.

Unlocking the Power: How to Use Nellis Artillery

Now for the moment you've all been waiting for, guys: how do you actually use the Nellis Artillery? It's not as simple as just walking up and pressing a big red button, unfortunately. You need to gain the trust of the Brotherhood of Steel first, as we just discussed. Once Elder McNamara considers you an ally and you've completed a good chunk of their quests, you'll be granted access to the command center. This is where the magic happens. The control room for the artillery is located in one of the main buildings, usually deep within the base. You'll know you're in the right place when you see rows of consoles and blinking lights. The key to operating the artillery is understanding the targeting system. It's not a simple point-and-shoot affair. You'll need to input coordinates or select targets from a pre-defined list. This often involves a mini-game or a series of dialogue choices where you choose the location you want to bombard. The artillery has a significant cooldown period, so you can't just spam it endlessly. You need to choose your targets wisely. Think about the strategic advantage: are you trying to take out a troublesome group of Raiders? Or perhaps you want to soften up a Legion camp before a major assault? The Nellis Artillery can be a game-changer if used effectively. Be aware of friendly fire! While the Brotherhood members are your allies, they are still positioned around the base. Hitting the wrong spot can result in your hard-earned reputation being flushed down the drain, and a lot of angry BoS soldiers shooting at you. This is where the specific quests come into play. Often, the Brotherhood will task you with using the artillery to destroy specific targets. Completing these missions successfully solidifies your alliance and grants you valuable rewards. Don't overlook the lore implications either. The artillery system at Nellis is a remnant of the Old World, a powerful tool that the Brotherhood has painstakingly maintained. Understanding its history adds a layer of depth to its use. So, to recap: gain Brotherhood trust, find the control room, learn the targeting system, choose your targets wisely, and be mindful of friendly fire. It takes patience and a bit of effort, but unleashing the fury of the Nellis Artillery is one of the most satisfying experiences in Fallout: New Vegas. It's your ultimate weapon of mass destruction in the Mojave!

Strategic Uses and Fun Tricks with Nellis Artillery

Alright, you've mastered the controls, and the Nellis Artillery is your oyster. But what else can you do with this behemoth besides obliterating random bad guys? Let's talk strategy, guys, and some seriously fun tricks that will make you the envy of every other Courier in the Mojave. Firstly, strategic targeting is key. Don't just fire wildly. Think about your upcoming quests. If you're about to head into a particularly tough area like the Deathclaw Sanctuary or a heavily fortified Legion camp, a few well-placed artillery strikes can thin out the enemy ranks considerably, making your approach much easier. This is especially useful if you're playing a character who isn't heavily combat-focused. Let the artillery do the heavy lifting! Nellis Artillery can also be used for utility. Need to clear out a troublesome nest of Cazadores that's making a specific area impossible to traverse? Call in the big guns! It's like having your own personal orbital strike capability. Now for the fun stuff: exploit the radius. The artillery shells have a decent blast radius. If you know enemies are grouped together, you can often take out multiple targets with a single shot. This is where good intel and observation come in handy. Use your Pip-Boy's map to scout out enemy concentrations before you call in the strike. Another cool trick? Using it to lure enemies. Sometimes, enemies will investigate the impact zones of artillery strikes. You can use this to your advantage, drawing enemies out of cover or into a more advantageous position for you to engage them, or even into another artillery strike! Consider the environmental effects. While not as pronounced as in some other games, artillery impacts can sometimes trigger environmental hazards or create opportunities. For example, a direct hit near a cluster of explosive barrels could cause a chain reaction. Think outside the box! Can you use the artillery to destroy specific quest objectives from a distance? Can you use it to disrupt enemy patrols? The possibilities are surprisingly vast. Don't forget about the quests that require you to use it. These aren't just busywork; they're designed to teach you the system and integrate it into the game's narrative. Completing them is often rewarded with unique items or significant XP. Finally, remember the cooldown. Patience is a virtue, especially when wielding such immense power. Make sure each shot counts. So, experiment, have fun, and remember that the Nellis Artillery is more than just a weapon; it's a strategic tool that can redefine how you approach many of the challenges in Fallout: New Vegas. Go forth and rain down some justice (or chaos)!

The Fallout from Nellis: Reputation and Consequences

So, you've been busy playing commander with the Nellis Artillery, raining down shells and making a name for yourself. But what happens after the dust settles? Let's talk about the consequences, guys. Your actions at Nellis, especially your use of the artillery, have a significant impact on your reputation in the game. If you've been a good soldier, helping the Brotherhood of Steel complete their objectives and using the artillery responsibly (meaning, not blowing up innocent bystanders or friendly settlements), you'll likely see your standing with them soar. This can lead to even more trust, better dialogue options, and access to exclusive Brotherhood gear. However, if you've gone rogue, using the artillery to decimate everything in sight, including friendly NCR patrols or even the occasional brahmin herd, you're going to face the music. The Brotherhood isn't fond of reckless destruction, and your Nellis Artillery privileges will likely be revoked, along with a hefty dose of Brotherhood lead. Furthermore, your reputation with other factions will be affected. The NCR, for instance, might view your actions with suspicion or outright hostility if you've been indiscriminately shelling areas they operate in. This can lock you out of quests, make trading difficult, and even turn them into enemies. It's a delicate balancing act. You want to leverage the power of the artillery, but you also need to consider the broader consequences in the Mojave. Think of it as a powerful tool that requires a skilled hand. Exploiting the system too much without regard for your standing can lead to a premature end to your artillery career, and possibly your life. The game keeps track of your actions. Every shell fired, every target acquired, can have ripple effects. This is part of what makes Fallout: New Vegas so great – your choices matter. So, before you unleash a full barrage, ask yourself: Is this target truly hostile? Is this action beneficial to my long-term goals? Will this alienate a faction I might need later? The aftermath of your artillery use is as important as the strike itself. Manage your reputation carefully, and the Nellis Artillery can be your greatest asset. Wield it carelessly, and it becomes a double-edged sword that could very well be the end of you. Remember, in the wasteland, even the biggest guns have consequences.

Conclusion: Mastering the Might of Nellis

Well, there you have it, my fellow Mojave adventurers! We've journeyed from the fiery introduction of Nellis Artillery to mastering its control and understanding the weighty consequences of its use. It's clear that this massive weapon system isn't just some easter egg; it's a core gameplay mechanic that, when understood and wielded correctly, can drastically alter your experience in Fallout: New Vegas. We've covered how to survive the initial onslaught, the crucial steps to gaining the trust of the Brotherhood of Steel, and the intricate process of actually operating the artillery. We've also delved into the fun and strategic ways you can employ this devastating power, from softening up enemy strongholds to solving logistical nightmares. And finally, we've stressed the importance of managing your reputation and understanding the fallout of your actions. The Nellis Artillery is a testament to the game's depth, offering players a unique blend of power fantasy and strategic decision-making. It requires patience, a bit of questing, and careful consideration of your targets and your standing with the various factions. But the payoff? Immense. The ability to call down a devastating barrage on your enemies from afar is incredibly satisfying and can open up new approaches to difficult encounters. So, go forth, Courier! Whether you choose to be a benevolent protector raining justice from above, or a chaotic force of destruction, the Nellis Artillery is yours to command. Just remember to aim true, choose wisely, and always be mindful of the wasteland's ever-watchful eyes. Happy shelling!