Introduction
The Commonwealth of Fallout is a vast and unforgiving landscape, dotted with the remnants of a pre-war society ravaged by nuclear fire. Amidst the raiders, super mutants, and mutated creatures, certain locations hold a particular significance for players venturing into this post-apocalyptic world. One such location is the Cambridge Police Station, a dilapidated building teeming with ghouls and offering a blend of challenge and opportunity for those brave enough to enter its decaying walls. Navigating the Cambridge Police Station in Fallout requires strategic planning, resource management, and a healthy dose of caution. This guide will provide you with the knowledge necessary to survive, thrive, and reap the rewards hidden within.
Location and Journey’s Start
The Cambridge Police Station is situated in the central-eastern region of the Commonwealth, nestled within the urban sprawl near Cambridge. Finding it can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the area, but a relatively straightforward route begins from Sanctuary Hills, your starting point in the game. Head south, following the riverbank until you reach Concord. From Concord, continue east, keeping an eye out for landmarks like the Museum of Freedom (where you might encounter the Minutemen and a Deathclaw). The Police Station lies further east, distinguishable by its crumbling brick facade and the unmistakable sounds of ghouls groaning nearby.
Be warned: the journey to the Cambridge Police Station is not without its dangers. The area surrounding Cambridge is a hotbed for raiders, feral ghouls, and even the occasional pack of wild dogs. Super mutants are also known to patrol the vicinity. Staying vigilant, checking your surroundings, and utilizing cover will be crucial to reaching the Police Station in one piece. Consider packing a decent weapon and plenty of ammunition before setting out.
Initial Ghoul Encounters
Upon reaching the Cambridge Police Station, you’ll immediately be greeted by a swarm of ghouls. These irradiated humans have become some of the most common and dangerous enemies in the Commonwealth. Expect to face a mix of standard feral ghouls, glowing ones (which radiate additional damage), and perhaps even a legendary ghoul with unique abilities and enhanced health.
The initial wave of ghouls will likely be clustered around the entrance and inside the main lobby. Utilize the environment to your advantage. The crumbling walls and overturned vehicles provide ample cover. Flanking maneuvers can be effective, allowing you to pick off ghouls one by one without being overwhelmed. Consider using explosives like grenades or mines to thin the herd before engaging in close combat. Weapons like shotguns and automatic rifles are particularly effective against ghouls, but any weapon will do in a pinch. Just remember to keep your distance and aim for the head.
Exploring Inside the Cambridge Police Station
The interior of the Cambridge Police Station is a maze of dilapidated offices, interrogation rooms, and holding cells. The main lobby is usually the first area you’ll encounter, followed by a reception desk and several interconnected rooms. The evidence room, typically located deeper within the building, may contain valuable items but is often heavily guarded. The holding cells, identifiable by their barred doors, are another dangerous area to explore. The roof can sometimes be accessed through stairs within the building or by finding an external access point.
Pay close attention to your surroundings as you explore. Ghouls can lurk around any corner, and the environment itself may pose a threat. Mines or tripwires may be hidden in dark corridors, and radiation pockets can sap your health if you’re not careful.
Loot is plentiful within the Cambridge Police Station. You can find ammunition, aid items like stimpaks and radaway, weapons, armor, and crafting materials. Holotapes can also be discovered, revealing snippets of the pre-war history of the Police Station and its occupants. Keep an eye out for locked containers or safes, as they often hold the most valuable treasures. Picklocking skills or the Hacker perk may be required to access them.
Quest Related Activities
The Cambridge Police Station is frequently associated with quests. One prominent questline might involve the Brotherhood of Steel. You could receive a distress signal calling for assistance in clearing out the Police Station. Accepting the quest will lead you to the location, where you’ll team up with Brotherhood of Steel initiates to eliminate the ghoul threat.
Completing the quest usually involves securing the Police Station and reporting back to a Brotherhood of Steel officer. Dialogue options during the quest may influence your relationship with the Brotherhood of Steel. A successful completion can earn you rewards such as experience points, weapons, armor, and increased standing with the Brotherhood.
Allies and Encounters
While the Cambridge Police Station is primarily a hostile environment, you might encounter friendly non-player characters (NPCs) during your explorations. These characters can offer assistance, provide quests, or trade goods. For example, if you are completing a Brotherhood of Steel quest, the Brotherhood of Steel members will act as allies. Engaging with them through dialogue can reveal important information about the area, the quest objectives, or the Brotherhood of Steel faction. These interactions can also provide opportunities to earn additional rewards or influence the outcome of the quest.
Potential Base of Operations
While not ideal, the Cambridge Police Station can be used as a temporary base of operations. The station offers some degree of protection from the elements and provides a central location to store your gear and rest. You can repair the environment if you have the local leader perk allowing you to create a settlement.
However, using the Cambridge Police Station as a settlement is not without its challenges. Ghouls can respawn within the building, requiring you to clear them out periodically. The limited space can also restrict your ability to build structures and defenses. There are better locations for settlements but it works as a temporary one.
Survival Tips and Tactics
Successfully navigating the Cambridge Police Station requires a combination of skill, strategy, and preparation. It is recommended you are at least level five before attempting this location, equipped with decent weapons and armor. Shotguns and automatic weapons are particularly effective against ghouls, but melee weapons can also be viable if used strategically.
Perks like Toughness (for increased damage resistance) and Medic (for more effective healing) can significantly improve your survivability. Using cover is essential for avoiding damage. The crumbling walls and overturned furniture within the Police Station provide ample opportunities to take cover and reload your weapons.
Targeting the head is crucial for maximizing damage against ghouls. Headshots can stun or instantly kill even the toughest ghouls. Utilizing explosives like grenades or mines can be an effective way to clear out groups of enemies. Remember to throw them from a safe distance to avoid taking damage yourself.
Hidden Secrets and Lore
The Cambridge Police Station, like many locations in Fallout is riddled with easter eggs. You can often find a rare weapon or piece of armor cleverly hidden inside the police station. Keep an eye out for unusual or unexpected locations, and thoroughly investigate any suspicious areas. There are holotapes which provide insight into the officers stationed here and the struggles they faced before the war.
Conclusion
The Cambridge Police Station in Fallout presents a challenging but rewarding experience for players. By understanding the location, preparing for the enemies, and utilizing the environment to your advantage, you can overcome the initial difficulties and reap the rewards of exploration. The Police Station’s importance within the overall Fallout experience lies not only in the valuable loot and experience it provides but also in the glimpses it offers into the world before the war. From the horrors that faced the police officers on duty to the current state of the Commonwealth, the building tells a story worth investigating. So, arm yourself, prepare for the worst, and venture into the Cambridge Police Station – the secrets and rewards within await.
