Finding the Cambridge Police Station
The Commonwealth wasteland in Fallout 4 is littered with remnants of a pre-war society, each location telling a silent story of a world lost to nuclear fire. Among these desolate locales, the Cambridge Police Station stands out. More than just a crumbling building, it’s a crucible, a testing ground where your skills and resourcefulness will be pushed to their limits. Infested with ravenous feral ghouls and tied to a pivotal moment with the Brotherhood of Steel, the Cambridge Police Station is a location that demands attention, and this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to survive and thrive within its walls. Learn how to navigate its treacherous corridors, confront the undead threat, trigger pivotal quests, and uncover the hidden treasures within this iconic Fallout 4 location.
Nestled within the urban sprawl of the Commonwealth, locating the Cambridge Police Station requires a bit of navigational savvy. It sits roughly northeast of Diamond City and due south of the Cambridge Polymer Labs. The easiest route for players just emerging from Vault one-eleven is to head south towards Concord. From Concord, follow the road east, keeping an eye out for a distinctive red rocket gas station. Continue past the gas station heading east until you reach Cambridge. As you approach Cambridge, the unmistakable silhouette of the police station will come into view.
However, be warned: the path to the Cambridge Police Station is fraught with peril. Expect to encounter raiders, mutated creatures, and perhaps even a wandering deathclaw depending on your level. The area surrounding the station itself is often swarming with ghouls, making a cautious approach essential. Utilizing cover and engaging enemies from a distance is highly recommended. Packing some Rad-Away is also a wise move, as pockets of radiation can be found near the station.
The Ghoul Horde Within
The Cambridge Police Station isn’t just a landmark; it’s a veritable ghoul nest. The interior and surrounding areas are crawling with feral ghouls of all varieties. Standard ghouls are the most common, characterized by their decaying flesh and relentless aggression. Watch out for Glowing Ones, irradiated ghouls that radiate harmful radiation and possess greater health and damage output. Additionally, expect to encounter bloated ghouls, which explode upon death, dealing significant damage to anyone nearby.
Dealing with the ghoul infestation requires a multi-faceted approach. Shotguns and melee weapons are effective at close range, but consider using rifles or pistols to thin the herd before they get too close. Targeting their limbs can slow them down, making them easier to manage. Keep moving and utilize the station’s environment to your advantage. Hallways provide chokepoints, and upper levels offer advantageous vantage points. Remember to prioritize Glowing Ones due to their radiation aura and increased threat. The key to surviving the Cambridge Police Station lies in preparation, awareness, and a steady aim. Don’t underestimate the numbers – even a seasoned Sole Survivor can be overwhelmed by a horde of ghouls.
Initiating the Brotherhood of Steel
One of the most significant reasons to visit the Cambridge Police Station is its role in introducing the Brotherhood of Steel to your game. As you approach the station, you might hear a distress call broadcasting on your Pip-Boy radio. This call originates from Paladin Danse, a Brotherhood of Steel soldier pinned down inside the station.
Responding to the distress call will initiate the quest “Fire Support.” This quest requires you to assist Paladin Danse and his squad in clearing out the ghouls infesting the Cambridge Police Station. Agreeing to help will trigger a challenging combat scenario, but it’s well worth it. Completing “Fire Support” not only earns you valuable experience and loot but also unlocks further quests and opportunities with the Brotherhood of Steel. This marks the starting point of a lengthy and pivotal questline. This association and location make Cambridge Police Station a hotspot on the Fallout 4 map.
Paladin Danse: A Steel Companion
Once the “Fire Support” quest is complete, you will have the option of traveling with Paladin Danse. Danse is a powerful and loyal companion, specializing in heavy weaponry and power armor. He is incredibly useful in combat, capable of dealing significant damage and providing valuable support.
Traveling with Danse offers several advantages. His presence significantly increases your firepower, making him a valuable asset in challenging encounters. He provides commentary on the world around you, offering insight into the Brotherhood of Steel’s ideology and motivations. He can also carry extra gear, increasing your carrying capacity. Furthermore, completing quests and actions that align with the Brotherhood’s values will improve your relationship with Danse, unlocking new perks and abilities. Siding with the Brotherhood of Steel will ultimately determine the direction of your character’s journey through the Commonwealth.
Unlocking Hidden Treasures
Beyond the ghouls and the Brotherhood, the Cambridge Police Station also holds its share of valuable loot and resources. While the station is primarily a combat zone, diligent exploration will reward you with a variety of useful items.
Expect to find an assortment of weapons and ammunition scattered throughout the building. Keep an eye out for pistols, rifles, shotguns, and melee weapons. Ammunition is crucial for survival, so collect every bullet and shell you can find. Medical supplies, such as stimpaks and RadAway, are also essential. The Cambridge Police Station usually yields a decent supply of these life-saving items, which are crucial for surviving the radiation-soaked wasteland. You may also come across armor pieces, offering protection against enemy attacks. These pieces may not be the best armor in the game, but they provide a valuable early-game upgrade. Lastly, the station contains crafting materials. Scrapping old furniture, equipment, and debris will yield steel, wood, cloth, and other resources needed for building settlements and modifying weapons and armor. Exploring every nook and cranny is vital, and don’t forget to check locked containers and safes, as they often hold the most valuable items.
Tips for Staying Alive
The Cambridge Police Station is a dangerous place, and surviving its challenges requires a strategic approach. Entering the station at a relatively low level can lead to a swift demise. It’s generally recommended to be at least level five before tackling the ghoul infestation. Certain weapons are more effective than others. Shotguns are excellent for close-quarters combat, while rifles and pistols are better for engaging enemies at a distance. Power armor provides significant protection against damage, but it can also make you a slower and more conspicuous target. Stealth can be a valuable asset, allowing you to pick off enemies from a distance or bypass them altogether. This is more challenging due to the ghoul nature, but not impossible. Utilize cover effectively, use grenades and mines to control the battlefield, and always be aware of your surroundings. Companions provide valuable support, increasing your firepower and drawing enemy fire. However, they can also be a liability if they’re poorly equipped or easily killed. Most importantly, stay calm, conserve your resources, and don’t be afraid to retreat if things get too overwhelming.
Cambridge Police Station Aftermath
Once the initial “Fire Support” quest is complete, the Cambridge Police Station does not become obsolete. The ghouls do respawn periodically, making it a reliable source of experience and loot. It becomes a good place to practice new weapons or just stock up on common loot. If you are siding with the Brotherhood of Steel, it also makes a safe area to travel from.
The Cambridge Police Station serves as a persistent landmark. This means even after completing quests, it remains a good source of material in a dangerous area. The frequency of ghoul respawns isn’t too high to make it difficult, but just enough to offer the risk-reward relationship needed for players to enjoy looting the location. The resources the Cambridge Police Station offers are useful throughout the whole journey.
Conclusion: Braving the Station
The Cambridge Police Station in Fallout 4 is a landmark of danger and opportunity. It’s a proving ground for your survival skills, a gateway to the Brotherhood of Steel, and a treasure trove of loot and resources. It marks a key point in your journey through the Commonwealth. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced wanderer, the Cambridge Police Station offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Approach it with caution, prepare for the ghoul onslaught, and embrace the chance to forge your destiny within its crumbling walls. So gather your courage, equip your best gear, and prepare to face the horrors of the Cambridge Police Station. The wasteland awaits.
