Introduction
Arcade Gannon stands out as one of the most compelling companions in Fallout: New Vegas. While many remember him for his backstory and questline, it’s easy to forget how much this follower can add to any adventure in the Mojave Wasteland. Far from being just another doctor, Arcade is a complex character with a hidden past and a unique perspective on the future of the Wasteland. Located within the Old Mormon Fort, he might be missed by those in a hurry to meet up with Benny at the Tops. This article delves into Arcade Gannon, exploring everything from his recruitment to his significant impact on the player’s experience in New Vegas. We’ll uncover the secrets to unlocking his full potential, including his valuable companion perk and the intricate choices presented during his personal quest. By the end, you’ll understand why Arcade Gannon is a companion worth seeking out and investing in.
Recruiting Arcade Gannon
Your journey to recruit this intriguing companion begins at the Old Mormon Fort in the Freeside district of New Vegas. Amidst the chaos and hustle of Freeside, this fortified settlement offers a haven for the Followers of the Apocalypse, a humanitarian group dedicated to providing medical assistance and education to the Wasteland’s inhabitants. Arcade Gannon can be found within the fort, usually tending to patients or engaged in scholarly pursuits.
Initiating a conversation with Arcade reveals his sharp intellect and somewhat cynical worldview. He expresses reservations about the various factions vying for control of the Mojave and seems primarily interested in helping those in need. However, his guarded demeanor hints at a past he’s reluctant to discuss.
To recruit Arcade as a companion, you’ll generally need a neutral or positive reputation with the Followers of the Apocalypse. Having a negative reputation will likely make him hesitant to join you, as he values their cause and wouldn’t want to associate with someone who opposes their goals. During the initial conversation, certain skill checks might arise, particularly in Medicine or Science. Successfully passing these checks can impress Arcade and make him more receptive to your offer. Choosing dialogue options that reflect a commitment to helping others or a desire for a more equitable Wasteland will also increase your chances of convincing him to join your party. Once recruited, Arcade will follow you throughout the Mojave, offering his medical expertise and insightful commentary along the way.
Arcade Gannon’s Companion Quest For Auld Lang Syne
Arcade Gannon’s companion quest, “For Auld Lang Syne,” is one of the most memorable and morally complex questlines in Fallout: New Vegas. This quest is triggered when Arcade witnesses certain events or visits specific locations that relate to his past as a member of the Enclave. These triggers can include encountering Enclave remnants, visiting Enclave-related locations like the REPCONN Headquarters or the Silver Peak Mine, or engaging in conversations that reveal your knowledge of the Enclave’s history.
Once triggered, Arcade will open up about his past, revealing his connection to the Enclave and his internal conflict regarding their legacy. He’ll task you with finding other surviving members of the Enclave, giving you the option to either reunite them and reform the Enclave or convince them to abandon their past and live peacefully.
The quest involves tracking down several key Enclave remnants scattered throughout the Mojave Wasteland. These individuals include Orion Moreno, a skilled mechanic; Judah Kreger, a hardened soldier; Daisy Whitman, a resourceful medic; and Cannibal Johnson, a recluse living in the mountains. Each encounter presents unique challenges and dialogue options, allowing you to shape the fate of these former Enclave members.
The final stage of the quest culminates in a battle at the Enclave Bunker, a hidden facility where the remnants have gathered. Depending on your choices throughout the quest, you’ll either fight alongside the Enclave remnants to defend the bunker or lead an assault to destroy them once and for all. This battle has significant consequences for Arcade’s worldview and his ultimate fate. Regardless of the outcome, the moral ambiguity inherent in these choices makes “For Auld Lang Syne” a standout quest in the game.
Gannon’s Perk Full Maintenance
Completing Arcade Gannon’s companion quest opens up the opportunity to gain a powerful perk. This will only happen if you have a high approval rating with the follower. Titled “Full Maintenance,” this perk provides a significant advantage in the harsh environment of the Mojave Wasteland. With “Full Maintenance,” the Courier is healed by one point every minute. In addition to the HP regeneration, weapons and armor degrade at half the normal rate. This means your gear will last twice as long before requiring repairs, saving you valuable caps and resources.
“Full Maintenance” is particularly valuable on higher difficulties, where resources are scarce and weapon degradation is accelerated. The constant healing can help you survive longer in combat, while the reduced degradation rate ensures your equipment remains effective for extended periods.
Compared to other companion perks, “Full Maintenance” offers a unique blend of survivability and resource management. While some perks focus solely on combat bonuses, “Full Maintenance” provides a more well-rounded advantage that benefits all aspects of gameplay. The steady healing and the conservation of your best equipment make it a perk that can be appreciated during any playthrough.
Using Arcade Gannon Effectively
Arcade Gannon is more than just a source of healing and a moral compass. He’s a capable companion who can contribute significantly to your combat prowess. He prefers energy weapons, such as plasma rifles and laser pistols, and is skilled in their use. Equip him with a powerful energy weapon and he’ll provide valuable ranged support in firefights. While he can handle himself in close combat, it’s best to keep him at a distance, allowing him to utilize his energy weapons effectively.
In terms of armor, Arcade benefits from light to medium armor that provides a balance of protection and mobility. He’s not a tank, so avoid heavy armor that will slow him down. Instead, opt for armor that offers good energy resistance, given his preference for energy weapons. His skills bonuses are also valuable, particularly in Medicine and Science. His presence boosts these skills, making it easier to heal yourself, craft chems, and repair equipment. These skill bonuses can be invaluable for survival and exploration.
Finally, Arcade’s opinions on different factions can significantly impact your interactions with them. He generally disapproves of the NCR’s expansionist policies and the Legion’s brutal methods. He is more sympathetic to the Followers of the Apocalypse and Mr. House, though he remains skeptical of any organization seeking absolute power. Consider his opinions when making decisions that affect these factions, as his approval rating can influence his willingness to fight alongside you.
Other Considerations When Navigating The Mojave
Maintaining a high approval rating with Arcade Gannon is crucial for unlocking his companion perk and maximizing his effectiveness. He values compassion, intelligence, and a desire to help others. Actions that reflect these qualities will increase his approval, while actions that contradict them will lower it.
Avoid engaging in acts of violence against innocent people, supporting oppressive factions like the Legion, or making selfish decisions that harm others. Instead, focus on helping those in need, using your intelligence to solve problems, and advocating for a more just and equitable Wasteland.
Certain quests and dialogue options can significantly impact Arcade’s approval. Be mindful of your choices and consider how they align with his values. If you’re unsure how a particular action will affect his approval, save your game beforehand and experiment with different options.
While Fallout: New Vegas is relatively stable, some minor bugs and glitches can occasionally affect Arcade Gannon. These glitches are generally rare, but it’s always a good idea to save your game frequently to avoid losing progress.
Conclusion
Arcade Gannon is a valuable companion in Fallout: New Vegas. His unique backstory, engaging questline, and powerful companion perk make him a worthy addition to any player’s party. His medical expertise, skill bonuses, and thoughtful commentary make him a valuable asset both in and out of combat.
More than that, Arcade adds a layer of depth and complexity to the overall story of New Vegas. His moral compass and his nuanced perspective on the Wasteland’s factions force the player to confront difficult choices and consider the consequences of their actions. He reminds us that even in a post-apocalyptic world, compassion, intelligence, and a commitment to helping others can make a difference. For these reasons, Arcade Gannon remains one of the most beloved and well-developed characters in the entire Fallout series. He is a companion that will keep the Courier around with full HP and well-repaired gear.
