Set in the post-apocalyptic Las Vegas wasteland, Fallout: New Vegas invites players to explore a world unlike any other. Within the game, players have the opportunity to visit multiple nationwide parks; the most notable of which being Zion National Park. Recreating the iconic park in the Mojave Desert, Fallout: New Vegas offers an experience that fans of the game and adventurers alike will enjoy.
Getting to Zion National Park in Fallout: New Vegas is quite easy. Players can simply Fast Travel from any area of the game they have already discovered. The Fast Travel markers are numbered on the map and all players need to do is select the marker that corresponds to Zion. Once selected, the player is catapulted to the area in an instant. However, this mode of travel does not offer much of a sight-seeing experience as the player is sent straight from location to location.
An alternate route to Zion National Park entices players with more of a journey. By car, the scenic route from Las Vegas to Zion National Park allows players to breeze through the iconic iconic desert mountains, the famous Neon Valley, and other spectacular sites. While the trip is quick and simple in-game, as the player is driving in real-time, the exposition of the scenery is a great source of entertainment. Additionally, the same route can also be taken on foot, offering up even more immersive experiences.
Having reached Zion National Park, players can expect to find a variety of fun activities, with many being in-line with the real-life park. The area is full of wildlife, areas to explore, and even some mysterious creatures. Additionally, aside from regular wildlife, hostile creatures can be encountered in some areas, making it important for the player to be well-prepared before stepping into the park.
From exploring the sights to taking on the wildlife, Zion National Park in Fallout: New Vegas offers an experience that stays true to its real-life counterpart. Knowing how to get to Zion is the key to unlocking countless adventures, unravelling some of the game’s biggest mysteries, and having an enjoyable time along the way.
Activities in Zion
One of the most enviable aspects of Zion National Park in Fallout: New Vegas is its selection of activities. For starters, the area hosts an array of wildlife that can be hunted, giving players the unique experience of being a hunter in a post-apocalyptic world. Alongside hunting the wildlife, players can also take on various side-quests that lead to finding rare items; items that can be sold or traded off to nearby traders for caps.
For those looking for something more exciting, there are various hidden places to explore and uncover secrets within the park. Some of these secret locations play an important role in the game’s story and provide an immersive experience to those willing to explore. With hidden areas come hidden enemies, many of which are far more powerful than regular critters. Still, these areas are known to contain some of the rarest weapons and armor, making the risks worth the reward.
The most iconic activity in Zion National Park is undoubtedly its stunning view of the terrain. From the highest peaks to the lower valleys, players are presented with an experience that is second-to-none compared to other regions in the game. This combined with the wildlife wandering through the park make it a sight that should not be missed.
Challenges & Preparations
Traveling around Zion National Park in Fallout: New Vegas can prove challenging for some. Along with the seemingly more powerful enemies, the area also has a greater number of hostile Radroaches and Giant Mantises. These hostiles can prove to be dangerous in certain areas, especially when combined with environmental hazards such as lava and fire pits.
Knowing these hazards, pre-preparation is key prior to the player heading to Zion. Gathering Stimpaks and the best gear available to the player is a must if the player expects to make the most out of the Zion National Park experience. Weapons, armor, and even a stay-well hydrated by drinking plenty of water tank are among some of the essential gear the player should have at all times.
For those wanting to complete the Zion story-line, the necessary preparations can be a bit more strenuous. As the player progresses further into the Zion area, a greater emphasis is placed on supplies such as food items, medications, and companions. Having access to these forms of gear may be difficult for some players; however, most can be acquired through the player’s secondary factions, so long as their reputations remain in good standing.
Tips & Tricks
Having discussed the preparation necessary to obtain Zion National Park in Fallout: New Vegas, it is important to keep some tips and tricks in mind when entering the area.
For starters, players should look out for any environmental hazards that can may not be seen in the map. Fire pits, lava vents, and other dangers can prove fatal if the player fails to plan accordingly. Additionally, scouting the area using a Spyglass before entering can provide helpful insights into the hostiles within the area; a scouting technique that should be done before each major excursion in the wasteland.
Finally, the player should always stay alert and aware of their surroundings. This is especially important in locations like Zion, as taking on one powerful enemy can almost guarantee the player’s demise. Knowing where to draw the line is an integral part of surviving Zion National Park; a lesson that can prove to be a valuable asset towards the overall Fallout: New Vegas experience.
Exploration in Zion
Outside of the immediateactivities mentioned previously,players can explore the park at their leisure. From uncovering hidden locations to discovering rare loot, Zion offers plenty to do for dedicated adventurers.
A great source of loot is the caves located near the main park. These caverns are home to some of the toughest enemies in the game, and contain some of the rarest loot. It is not uncommon for later-game players to discover powerful weapons and armor within these deep reaches. Additionally, discovering various terminals and notes within this cave can also provide the player with valuable intel for completing various mission objectives.
Outside of the caves, there are multiple places for players to explore. From old military encampments to ancient ruins, there is an unending list of places to uncover rare loot and uncover more of the game’s story. Opposite of the hostile creatures that inhabit the environment, the wildlife within Zion are tame and often avoid engaging with the player. When exploring these locations, the most dangerous part is usually reaching them, as they can often be located in more dangerous areas.
Tactical Tips
When exploring Zion National Park in Fallout: New Vegas, it is important to keep strategic practices in mind. Strategic practices are integral for survival in the wasteland due to the various enemies and hazards that players are presented with.
For starters, players should practice their aim to ensure that each shot they take lands precisely. Whether they are using guns, explosives, or melee weapons, any sign of hesitation could prove detrimental. Knowing the distances and speeds at which enemies can reach the player is also important. This will provide the player a mental insight into the best practices for approaching the area.
In terms of team tactics, players should evaluate their allies’ skills and practice their group formations. This is especially important in areas like Zion, where hostiles could surprise the group during exploration. Established team formations can provide an additional layer of security while traversing the park. Additionally, coordinating which weapons and armor should be equipped by each person in the group can increase survivability while in combat.
