Act III · 2281 · playing as Courier
The Second Battle of Hoover Dam
In this chapterAt Hoover Dam General Oliver greets the Courier, the Legion attacks through the intake tunnels and the Boomers, the Khans, the Brotherhood and the Enclave Remnants appear as allies.
The battle brings all of the Courier's choices to a head. The NCR defends the Dam, the Legion attacks through the intake tunnels, and allied factions arrive depending on earlier quests. The Boomers conduct bombing runs, the Khans and Brotherhood add firepower and the Enclave Remnants arrive by Vertibird.
The Courier fights to the Legate's camp and confronts Lanius, or to the NCR's command and General Oliver. The result depends on the path: NCR victory, Legion victory, House's Securitrons or an independent New Vegas.
The battle is a test of the Courier's earlier work. The more allies the Courier gained, the stronger their side, and the quests that seemed side missions become decisive. It is a rare example of a payoff that depends on 40 hours of play.
Each ending has a distinctive tone. The NCR ending is hopeful but bureaucratic; the Legion ending is brutal and ordered; House's ending is polished and cold; the independent ending is uncertain and free. The ending slides summarise the consequences for every faction and settlement. They are as important as the battle itself, because they show the long-term effects of the Courier's decisions on towns such as Novac and Freeside.
What unfolds
- In the Legion version, Legate Lanius briefs the Courier, and the Courier helps the Legion capture the Dam and confronts General Oliver.
- In the House version, the Courier installs the override at the Dam, awakens the Securitrons and confronts Lanius.
- Depending on the Courier's choices, the NCR, the Legion, House or an independent New Vegas controls the Mojave after the battle.