The world ofFallout 4is a dangerous post-apocalyptic wasteland inhabited by a vast array of people ranging from peaceful settlers to bloodthirsty raiders. As the old saying goes, there’s safety in numbers, and it comes as no surprise that many folks in the Commonwealth are members of distinct factions. Several of these factions are available for you to join, with companions and storylines that spell out their agendas.
Each of the joinable factions has its own set of quests, which will eventually pit them against others and dictatewhich faction you choose inFallout 4’s main story. Among the many missions are quests thatpack more of a punch in terms of the narrative. Whether it’s in terms of emotions, showing the faction’s true nature, or a significant turning point in their questline, each of these quests is vital for any playthrough.
8Power Play - Nuka-World Gangs
Gain The Full Allegiance Of Two Nuka-World Raider Gangs
“Power Play” is the last quest in the main story ofFallout 4’s raider-themedNuka-WorldDLC. After becoming the new Overboss of the raider gangs and being sent into the Nuka-World theme park to clear it, you’ll have to assign each section of the park to one of the three gangs.Whichever gang has the least territory will betray youas you attempt to restore power to the area, prompting the other two raider leaders to provide back-up.
The quest is only available after making or claiming three settlements for the raiders and embracing a raider playthrough.“Power Play” is an excellent climax to theNuka-Worldstoryline, cementing your status as Overboss and rewarding you with unique gang-specific perks and weapons. The fight itself is also pretty fun, with the power plant making a great final dungeon. Ultimately, you get to turn the power back on, which finally allows players to fully access all of Nuka-World.
7Rite Of Passage - Far Harbor’s Harbormen
Win Over The Stubborn Harbormen Community
“Rite of Passage” is aFar Harborside quest that, despite being a bit of a slog to complete, really sheds light on the inner workings of the small community of the Island. In an attempt to gain the respect and cooperation of the Harbormen, you can speak with Teddy Wright, who will suggestan initiation ritual called “The Captain’s Dance.”The idea is simple enough, as you’ll need to take some meat to a remote swamp area and return victorious from the waves of mirelurks.
There will be three waves of mirelurks, mirelurk kings, and finally a queen, with the difficulty varying depending on your equipment and build. However, the quest itself is fascinatingandreally emphasizes the importance that the Harbormen and other Islanders placeon survivaland strength. The ending of the quest is also very telling about the culture of the island, as the community comes together to feast and celebrate the arrival of a new member.
6The Price Of Memory - Acadia’s Synths
Find Out What Happened To Victoria
The Synths of Acadia are a strange group, and despite seeming earnest in their desire to build their own community in peace, they still harbor many dark secrets. One of these can be uncovered with the quest “The Price of Memory”, which can be started after recovering some storage drives for Faraday and then speaking with Cog, who wants you totalk to Jule and learn more about her terrible nightmares. Returning to the shipwreck, you’ll be able to unlock a truck labeled as Victoria’s with a key that Jule gives you.
Reward
Tell Jule the truth
Unyielding Synth Chest Piece - Damage resistance 39, energy resistance 42, +3 to all stats (except Endurance) when at 25% health or lower.
Talk to Cog & keep the secret
Crippling Sledgehammer - 50% more limb damage.
Inside, there is a note revealing that Jule is Victoria, who suffered such terrible injuries when the boat was damaged thatFaraday performed a full memory wipe. However, due to the lack of high-level tech, it went terribly wrong, leaving Jule still traumatized with no context. Both Cog and Faraday believe keeping this from Jule is for the best, but the final decision is yours.
5Witch Hunt - Children Of Atom
Shows The In-fighting In The Children Of Atom & Tektus’ Paranoia
“Witch Hunt” is a great side quest for the Children of Atom inFar Harbor, as it really highlights the in-fighting and distrust among this so-called happy family.High Confessor Tektus is investigating disloyal members of the factionand wants you to look into Sister Aubert and bring him proof. Investigating, Aubert reveals she was in a relationship with another member named Edgar; however, Edgar is now dead, and Aubert believes Tektus had him killed.
You can choose whether to tell Tektus or not, with options including telling Aubert to leave or asking for a bribe. However, what makes this quest stand out is just how clearly it shows Tektus' paranoia. Despite positioning himself as the new leader after Confessor Martin’s disappearance,Tektus is obviously insecureand goes after Edgar purely because of his friendship with the previous High Confessor.
4Taking Independence - Commonwealth Minutemen
Retaking The Castle For The Minutemen
The Minutemen were once a huge faction in the Commonwealth; however, by the time you meet them inFallout 4, the group is on its last legs.Fractured by infighting and with many members losing faith, it can be rebuilt into a force for good over the course of the game.A major turning point for the Minutemen comes with “Taking Independence”, when Preston decides it’s time to reclaim the faction’s headquarters.
You will need to have four Minutemen-aligned settlements to trigger Preston’s conversation about the Castle.
The fight to clear the Castle can be a tough one, with the Mirelurk Queen being a particularly tough boss. However, once she’s defeated and the Castle is available as a settlement,there is a real sense of the Minutemen moving forward as a faction. With a proper base and the radio, the Minutemen begin to turn back into a serious faction, on the road to protecting the Commonwealth.
3Tradecraft - The Railroad
Officially Join The Underground Movement & Get Great Rewards
As part of the process tojoin the Railroad inFallout 4, you will need to accompany Deacon on a mission to the faction’s former headquarters. Deacon wants to prove to Desdemona that you are more valuable to the cause as an agent and plans to have you help him recover a prototype. “Tradecraft” is a great quest that cleverly explains who the Railroad is, what they stand for, andgives necessary background to their struggles by showing rather than telling.
There are two ways to gain access to the headquarters, with the more stealthy escape tunnel being the most fun, in my opinion.“Tradecraft” is a great introduction to Deacon as a companion, and he is fantastic for stealth builds. Finally, completing this quest will also reward you with Deliverer, one of thebest weapons inFallout 4, which is another perfect choice for stealth or V.A.T.S.-based characters.
2Blind Betrayal - Brotherhood of Steel
Deal With The Truth About Paladin Danse
“Blind Betrayal” serves as both a companion quest for Paladin Danse and a fantastic step in the Brotherhood of Steel questline. After infiltrating the Institute and sharing gathered intel with the Brotherhood, it was discovered thatDanse is really a Gen 3 Synth. Elder Maxson will immediately react with anger and order you to find Danse and kill him.
The quest itself is fairly simple in terms of mechanics, as Danse is easily located and will not fight you if you choose to follow Maxson’s orders. However,siding with Danse results in one of the best scenes inFallout 4, with Maxson arriving to ensure his orders are carried out and a tense standoff ensues. The whole quest packs a punch and does a brilliant job of showing just how fanatical Maxson is, as he is willing to kill one of his most trusted officers based purely on information from the enemy.
1The Battle Of Bunker Hill - The Institute
The Turning Point To Officially Side With The Institute
“The Battle of Bunker Hill” is a powerful story quest, although actually playing through it can be a pain due to bugs or lag. After earning the trust of the Institute, you will be sent to Bunker Hill by Father to reclaim some escaped Synths.The objectives of the quest are straightforward, and depending on which other factions are warned, you may be able to make it into the settlement quickly.
If you are still on good terms with the Brotherhood and/or the Railroad, then they can be warned of the Institute’s plans in advance.
What sets “The Battle of Bunker Hill” apart is the repercussions, asthe Institute outright attacks a well-established settlement in the Commonwealth, with the Brotherhood and Railroad also becoming involved. The result is carnage and something that realistically would shape the Commonwealth for years afterFallout 4. This quest also marks the defining point where you can fully side with the Institute, and the discussion with Father after the battle never stops sending a chill down my spine.
