Picking Up The Trail Fallout 3 Complete Quest Walkthrough
Navigating the post-apocalyptic Capital Wasteland in Fallout 3 requires patience, tactical awareness, and clear guidance during pivotal story moments. Following the tragic events at the Jefferson Memorial, players must embark on the main quest known as Picking Up The Trail to uncover the whereabouts of the Garden of Eden Creation Kit. This guide breaks down each objective step-by-step to help players transition smoothly into the next phase of the campaign.
Securing Entrance and Accessing Citadel Archives
The quest begins immediately after escorting Doctor Li safely into the Brotherhood of Steel headquarters. Once inside the Citadel Laboratory, speak with Scribe Rothchild to request permission to search their pre-war records. He directs you to the Vault-Tec terminal located inside Ring A, where historical data on regional vaults is kept.
Head over to the archives room and interact with the terminal to locate information regarding Vault 87. The database reveals that Vault 87 was supplied with a G.E.C.K. unit before the war. Players looking for complete game strategies can check out to enhance their gameplay experience.
Consulting Scribe Rothchild and Planning the Route
Return to Scribe Rothchild in the laboratory after retrieving the vault coordinates from the computer. He brings you over to a large projected map to explain the severe environmental hazards surrounding Vault 87. Extreme radiation levels completely block the main entrance, making direct entry impossible.
To bypass the lethal radiation, Rothchild suggests reaching the vault via subterranean caverns nearby. He updates your Pip-Boy map with the location of Lamplight Caverns. Players should pack radiation protection, combat gear, and supplies before starting the trek north.
Entering Little Lamplight and Reaching Vault 87
Travel north across the Capital Wasteland until you discover the entrance to Lamplight Caverns. Upon entering, Mayor MacCready will stop you at the gate and question your motives for visiting. You can gain entry by passing a Speech check, using the Child at Heart perk, or aiding the settlement.
Once inside Little Lamplight, there are two primary paths available to reach the Vault 87 airlock. You can battle through Super Mutants along Murder Pass or ask Joseph to help repair a computer terminal. Passing through either entrance brings you directly to Vault 87, successfully finishing the quest.