Fallout: New Vegas has four major endings, each determined by the player's ultimate allegiance and actions in the Mojave Wasteland. These distinct paths lead to significantly different outcomes for the region and its inhabitants.
Understanding the Major Endings
The narrative of Fallout: New Vegas culminates in a struggle for control over the Hoover Dam, a pivotal strategic location. The four major endings are directly tied to which of the major factions or independent powers the Courier decides to support. Each choice has far-reaching consequences, shaping the future of New Vegas and the surrounding territories.
Here's a breakdown of the primary factions whose support determines the game's ultimate conclusion:
| Faction/Path | Description |
|---|---|
| New California Republic (NCR) | Supports the democratic, expansionist government seeking to bring law and order to the Mojave. |
| Caesar's Legion | Backs the brutal, authoritarian regime that aims to conquer and unify the Wasteland under a single, iron-fisted rule. |
| Mr. House | Aligns with the enigmatic pre-War mastermind who seeks to restore New Vegas to its former glory under his absolute control. |
| Independent New Vegas (Yes Man) | Opts for a truly independent New Vegas, free from external influence, by utilizing Benny's modified Securitron, "Yes Man," to establish player-driven autonomy. |
These four paths represent the core ideological and political choices available to the player, leading to unique conclusions for the New Vegas Strip and the wider Mojave.
The Four Faction Paths
Each of the four major endings is a result of the Courier's dedication to a particular ideology or power structure:
- Siding with the NCR: Choosing to support the New California Republic leads to the establishment of NCR control over the Mojave. This path often involves working with their military forces and securing their presence at the Hoover Dam, aiming for a more democratic and orderly, albeit bureaucratic, future for the region.
- Siding with Caesar's Legion: Opting for Caesar's Legion means embracing their brutal and authoritarian vision for the Wasteland. This involves aiding their military campaigns and ensuring their dominance, leading to a future where tribalism and strength dictate the rule of law.
- Siding with Mr. House: Aligning with Mr. House results in him maintaining absolute control over New Vegas. This path sees the Courier assist House in securing his technological advantage and influence, paving the way for his technocratic rule and ambitious plans for humanity's future.
- Creating an Independent New Vegas: This unique path involves forging an independent future for New Vegas, free from the influence of the NCR, Legion, or Mr. House. By utilizing the Securitron, "Yes Man," the Courier can establish their own vision for the region, acting as the ultimate authority and shaping its destiny based on their own moral compass.
While various smaller events and decisions throughout the game can influence the specific details and epilogues of these endings, the overarching conclusion of the main story will always fall into one of these four major categories.
