Exploring the Commonwealth in Fallout 4 reveals an incredible array of subterranean shelters built by the Vault-Tec Corporation. While advertised as safe havens from nuclear annihilation, each facility harbored unique socio-psychological experiments that unfolded over centuries. Locating every facility and uncovering their hidden histories provides players with essential loot, rare Bobbleheads, and unforgettable storylines.
Vault 111 and Vault 114 Overview
Vault 111 serves as the starting point of your journey, located in the northwestern hills near Sanctuary Hills. Its primary experiment involved long-term cryogenic stasis, preserving residents without their informed consent. Revisiting this location later allows players to retrieve the powerful Cryolator weapon from a locked security case.
Vault 114 is hidden beneath Park Street Station in downtown Boston and was designed to house wealthy elites in intentionally cramped conditions. During the main story, players rescue Nick Valentine from Triggermen occupying these unfinished corridors. Searching the overseer's office yields a speech Bobblehead alongside detailed records of the planned experiment.
Vault 75 and Vault 95 Secrets
Deep within Malden Middle School lies Vault 75, an underground facility created under the guise of protecting children. The sinister true purpose involved selective breeding and intense physical refinement to produce superior genetic strains. Clearing out the Gunner mercenaries holding this location allows players to collect valuable combat gear and the Science Bobblehead.
Vault 95 is situated near the Glowing Sea and was designed as a rehabilitation center for individuals struggling with addiction. However, Vault-Tec intentionally introduced vast stockpiles of illicit substances five years into the isolation. Exploring this dangerous facility inhabited by Assaultrons rewards brave adventurers with the Big Guns Bobblehead.
Vault 81 and Vault 88 Features
Vault 81 stands out as one of the few functional vaults where descendants of original dwellers still thrive in safety. Tucked away in the western region of the map, it conceals a secret research wing intended for disease development. Completing the local quest unlocks Curie as a companion and earns you a permanent bonus to total health.
Vault 88 was introduced in the Vault-Tec Workshop expansion and allows players to construct their custom subterranean complex near Quincy. As the newly appointed Overseer, you can conduct non-lethal experiments on incoming settlers using experimental prototype devices. Uncovering its deep limestone caverns provides massive building areas and abundant crafting materials.
Tips for Vault Exploration
Before diving into any vault, ensure your character is prepared for diverse threat types ranging from synth squads to mutated creatures. Bringing a companion with strong hacking capabilities simplifies bypassing high-level security terminals. Always scan overseer offices carefully, as they frequently contain rare collectibles, keycards, and lore terminal logs.
