Mr. House. The enigmatic, calculating ruler of New Vegas. A pre-War genius who foresaw the apocalypse and prepared for it. He’s protected the city, built its economy, and maintains a semblance of order in the Mojave Wasteland. But perhaps you, the Courier, have different plans. Perhaps you see House as a tyrant, an obstacle, or simply a relic of a bygone era. Whatever your reasons, this guide will detail exactly how to eliminate Mr. House and claim New Vegas for yourself.
Understanding Mr. House and the Stakes
Before we get into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand who Mr. House is and what killing him entails. He’s not just some random boss; he’s a pivotal figure in the New Vegas storyline. Removing him drastically alters the game’s ending and opens up different paths for the Mojave.
Mr. House isn’t physically present in the world. He’s confined to a life-support pod within the Lucky 38 casino. His power emanates from his control of the Securitron army and his network of surveillance throughout the city. This means getting to him requires navigating his defenses and gaining access to his private chambers.
Eliminating Mr. House isn’t a simple, straightforward task. It requires some preparation, a little planning, and the willingness to make some difficult choices. You’ll need to be prepared to face his robotic guards, bypass security systems, and ultimately confront the man himself.
Weighing the Consequences
Choosing to kill Mr. House will have significant consequences for the New Vegas storyline. It will lock you out of the House ending and potentially impact your relationships with various factions, especially the Strip families. Think carefully about your objectives and the kind of Mojave Wasteland you want to create before making this irreversible decision.
Consider the alternatives: working with him, siding with the NCR, joining Caesar’s Legion, or forging an independent path. Each choice has its own merits and drawbacks. Understanding these options will help you decide if killing Mr. House is the right move for your playthrough.
Gaining Access to the Lucky 38 and Mr. House’s Control Room
The first step in your mission to eliminate Mr. House is gaining access to his penthouse suite and the control room where he resides. This requires completing certain quests and navigating the Lucky 38’s security measures.
Initially, you’ll need to gain access to the Lucky 38. This is usually granted early in the game as part of the main questline. Once inside, you’ll need to earn Mr. House’s trust by completing various tasks for him. This might seem counterintuitive, but it’s necessary to gain access to the upper levels of the casino.
As you progress through Mr. House’s questline, he will eventually grant you access to his penthouse. This is where his control room is located. The penthouse is heavily guarded by Securitrons, so be prepared for a fight.
Navigating the Security
The Lucky 38 is heavily guarded by Securitrons. These robots are tough, well-armed, and can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Before heading to the penthouse, make sure you have adequate weapons, armor, and ammunition.
Consider bringing companions to help you in the fight. Boone, with his sniper rifle, or Raul, with his repair skills, can be valuable allies. You can also use stealth to your advantage, sneaking past the Securitrons whenever possible. A high Sneak skill and a stealth boy can be extremely useful.
Hacking terminals can also help you disable or reprogram the Securitrons. If you have a high Science skill, you can potentially turn the robots against Mr. House. Keep in mind that hacking terminals can alert nearby guards, so be careful.
The Act of Elimination: Methods and Strategies
Once you’re in Mr. House’s control room, the moment of truth has arrived. Eliminating him is surprisingly straightforward, but it’s the consequences that matter most.
Mr. House is confined to a life-support pod. To kill him, simply interact with the pod and choose the option to disconnect him. This will trigger a short cutscene and effectively end his reign over New Vegas.
Alternatively, you can use weapons to destroy the pod. While this is more violent, the end result is the same. Be aware that destroying the pod will alert any remaining Securitrons in the area.
Weapons and Tactics
While any weapon can technically destroy the pod, some are more effective than others. High-damage weapons like the Anti-Material Rifle or the Gauss Rifle are excellent choices. Explosives like grenades or mines can also be used, but be careful not to damage yourself in the process.
Consider using EMP grenades to disable the Securitrons before attacking the pod. This will give you a significant advantage in the ensuing fight. You can also use companions to distract the robots while you focus on destroying the pod.
The Aftermath
Killing Mr. House will immediately alter your relationship with the Strip families. The Omertas and the White Glove Society will likely become hostile. The Chairmen, led by Benny, might be more amenable to your presence.
Your reputation with the NCR will also be affected, depending on your actions. The NCR views Mr. House as a valuable asset, so eliminating him will likely decrease your standing with the faction. Caesar’s Legion, on the other hand, will likely approve of your actions.
The most significant consequence of killing Mr. House is that it opens up the possibility of the “Yes Man” ending. Yes Man is a reprogrammable Securitron who can help you take control of New Vegas for yourself.
The “Yes Man” Ending and Independent New Vegas
With Mr. House out of the picture, the Courier can seize control of New Vegas. This is where Yes Man comes into play. He will guide you through the process of securing the city and establishing an independent New Vegas.
Yes Man will task you with eliminating or neutralizing the NCR and Caesar’s Legion. This involves completing a series of quests and making strategic alliances. You’ll need to rally the various factions in the Mojave to your cause and defend New Vegas from outside threats.
The “Yes Man” ending is often considered the “independent” ending, as it allows you to create a New Vegas free from the control of outside powers. It requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and the willingness to make tough decisions.
Securing the Mojave
To secure the Mojave for an independent New Vegas, you’ll need to deal with the various factions in the region. This includes the Boomers, the Brotherhood of Steel, and the various tribes and settlements scattered throughout the wasteland.
You can choose to ally with these factions, destroy them, or simply ignore them. Your choices will determine the fate of the Mojave and the kind of New Vegas you create.
Remember, every action has consequences. Think carefully about your choices and how they will impact the future of New Vegas.
Tips and Tricks for a Successful Takeover
Eliminating Mr. House and establishing an independent New Vegas is a challenging but rewarding task. Here are some tips and tricks to help you succeed:
- Plan your build carefully: Focus on skills like Speech, Science, and Combat. These skills will be essential for navigating the various challenges you’ll face.
- Gather powerful weapons and armor: You’ll need the best gear to survive the dangers of the Mojave. Explore the wasteland, complete quests, and loot enemies to find powerful weapons and armor.
- Recruit strong companions: Companions can provide valuable support in combat and help you complete quests. Choose your companions wisely and equip them with good gear.
- Utilize stealth whenever possible: Stealth can help you avoid unnecessary conflicts and conserve resources. A high Sneak skill and a stealth boy can be extremely useful.
- Make strategic alliances: Aligning yourself with the right factions can give you a significant advantage in the fight for New Vegas.
- Be prepared for difficult choices: The fate of New Vegas rests on your shoulders. Be prepared to make tough decisions that will have far-reaching consequences.
- Explore every location: The Mojave is filled with hidden secrets and valuable resources. Take the time to explore every location and uncover its mysteries.
Detailed Walkthrough
Here’s a detailed walkthrough to help you kill Mr. House and embrace the independent ending:
- Begin the game: Follow the main questline until you reach New Vegas.
- Enter the Lucky 38: Gain access to the Lucky 38 casino. This is usually granted early in the game.
- Complete Mr. House’s quests: Work for Mr. House and complete his initial quests to gain his trust and access to the penthouse.
- Reach the penthouse: Once you have access to the penthouse, make your way to Mr. House’s control room.
- Eliminate Mr. House: Kill Mr. House by disconnecting him from his life-support pod or destroying the pod with weapons.
- Talk to Yes Man: After killing Mr. House, Yes Man will contact you. He will become your primary quest giver for the independent ending.
- Follow Yes Man’s instructions: Complete the quests that Yes Man gives you. This will involve dealing with the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, and the various factions in the Mojave.
- Secure the Hoover Dam: The final step in the independent ending is to secure the Hoover Dam. This will involve a major battle against either the NCR or Caesar’s Legion.
- Claim New Vegas: Once you have secured the Hoover Dam, you will have successfully established an independent New Vegas.
Conclusion: Your Mojave, Your Rules
Killing Mr. House is a major decision in Fallout: New Vegas. It’s a choice that reflects your vision for the Mojave Wasteland and the kind of leader you want to be. Whether you believe House is a benevolent dictator or a power-hungry tyrant, the consequences of your actions will shape the fate of New Vegas.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to eliminate Mr. House and take control of the city. Remember to weigh the consequences, plan your strategy, and make the choices that align with your vision for the future of New Vegas. Good luck, Courier. May your Mojave be prosperous and your rule be just.
What are the immediate consequences of killing Mr. House?
Eliminating Mr. House immediately removes him as a power player in New Vegas. His Securitron army becomes deactivated unless reprogrammed by the player or another faction, significantly weakening his control over the Strip and surrounding areas. This also voids any alliances the player may have forged with House, forcing them to choose an alternative path to control New Vegas, either by siding with the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, or becoming independent.
Beyond the immediate power shift, the consequences include altered quest lines and reputation changes. Certain quests previously available through Mr. House become inaccessible. Depending on your actions afterward, your relationship with the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, and independent factions will be affected, potentially leading to open conflict or alliances depending on your choices. Your overall ending will be drastically different than if you continued to follow Mr. House’s plan for New Vegas.
What weapons and strategies are most effective for defeating Mr. House?
Mr. House is heavily protected within his penthouse suite, behind layers of security and robotic defenses. High damage weapons such as the Anti-Materiel Rifle, Gauss Rifle, or a fully upgraded Plasma Rifle are effective choices for dealing with his Securitron guards. Explosives like grenades and mines can also be useful for clearing out corridors and disabling robots quickly. Utilizing companions equipped with powerful weapons provides additional firepower.
A tactical approach is key to success. Stealth is difficult due to the abundance of robots and security cameras. Focus on targeting the mainframe terminal connected to Mr. House first. Use a high Science skill to hack the terminal and disable the Securitron defenses, making the final confrontation with Mr. House much easier. Alternatively, bring EMP grenades or energy weapons specifically designed to damage robots.
What are the benefits of choosing to eliminate Mr. House?
Eliminating Mr. House allows for greater flexibility in shaping the future of New Vegas. It opens up options to side with the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, or pursue an independent path, free from House’s technological grip. This provides players with a greater degree of control over the narrative and the opportunity to influence the region’s political landscape according to their own values.
Furthermore, siding against Mr. House avoids his arguably authoritarian vision for New Vegas. Some players might disagree with his long-term plans and perceive him as a detached, controlling figure. By eliminating him, they can prevent his vision from coming to fruition and choose a different direction for the Mojave Wasteland, prioritizing alternative ideologies or leadership styles.
How does eliminating Mr. House affect my reputation with other factions?
Eliminating Mr. House will significantly impact your reputation with various factions. Your standing with the NCR and Caesar’s Legion will be determined by your subsequent actions. If you choose to side with either of them after removing Mr. House, your reputation with that faction will increase. However, actively working against them will lead to a decrease in reputation and potential hostility.
Independent factions like the Boomers, the Followers of the Apocalypse, and the Great Khans will be less directly affected by Mr. House’s death, but their reactions will depend on your overall actions in the Mojave. Helping or hindering these factions will influence your reputation with them, regardless of Mr. House’s fate. Ultimately, your choices after removing House will determine your final reputation landscape.
What happens to the Lucky 38 casino after Mr. House is eliminated?
After Mr. House is eliminated, the Lucky 38 casino becomes largely inactive. The Securitrons are deactivated (unless reprogrammed by another faction), and the automated systems that once maintained the casino cease to function effectively. The penthouse suite remains accessible, but the player gains complete control over it, transforming it into a personal base of operations.
The casino’s operations, including gambling and entertainment, come to a standstill. The Lucky 38 loses its central role as a symbol of House’s power and influence in New Vegas. While the player can use the suite as a safe house and storage location, the casino itself remains dormant, awaiting a new leader or purpose to revitalize its potential.
Are there any specific skill checks required to eliminate Mr. House successfully?
While eliminating Mr. House directly doesn’t require specific skill checks beyond combat proficiency, certain skills are highly beneficial. Hacking the terminals in the Lucky 38, particularly those controlling the Securitrons, can significantly ease the process. A high Science skill is useful for deactivating the robotic defenses, reducing the number of enemies you’ll face.
Speech skills can be used to attempt to dissuade Mr. House or manipulate certain situations within the Lucky 38, although this is not a guaranteed path to victory. Ultimately, effective combat skills, such as Guns, Energy Weapons, or Melee Weapons, coupled with tactical planning, are more crucial for successfully eliminating Mr. House than any specific skill check during the confrontation.
Can I return to Mr. House’s questline if I change my mind after starting the process of eliminating him?
Once you initiate the quest to eliminate Mr. House, turning back and resuming his questline is generally not possible. The game treats this action as a point of no return, signifying a permanent break with Mr. House and his goals for New Vegas. The quest lines associated with Mr. House become unavailable once he is targeted for elimination.
While you might be able to load a previous save to revert to a point before initiating the elimination process, continuing forward after starting the quest to destroy him locks you out of his questline. You must commit to the consequences of your actions and pursue an alternative path to control New Vegas, siding with the NCR, Caesar’s Legion, or forging your own independent destiny.