Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most interesting companions in Fallout: New Vegas: Arcade Gannon. If you've ever wandered the Mojave Wasteland and stumbled upon the Followers of the Apocalypse at the Old Mormon Fort, you might have already met him. But Arcade is more than just a friendly doctor; he has a rich backstory tied to the Enclave, one of the most controversial factions in the Fallout universe. So, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes Arcade Gannon such a compelling character and how you can unlock his full potential.

Meeting Arcade Gannon

First things first, let's talk about where to find Arcade. As I mentioned earlier, he hangs out at the Old Mormon Fort, specifically with the Followers of the Apocalypse. This group is dedicated to helping people, providing medical care, and spreading knowledge throughout the wasteland. Arcade fits right in, using his medical skills to aid those in need. When you first meet him, he comes off as intelligent, a bit sarcastic, and generally a good guy. He's got that classic Fallout charm that makes you want to have him by your side.

However, what most players don't realize initially is that Arcade is hiding a significant secret. He's not just another doctor; he's a former member of the Enclave. The Enclave, for those who might not know, are the remnants of the pre-War United States government. They're technologically advanced but often morally questionable, with a history of actions that paint them as the antagonists in many Fallout stories. Arcade's connection to this group adds layers to his character, making him far more complex than he initially appears. He grapples with his past, trying to reconcile his experiences with the Enclave with his desire to help people now. This internal conflict is a key part of his character arc and is what makes him such a fascinating companion.

To recruit Arcade, you'll need to pass a Speech check or have a high enough Intelligence. Once he joins you, he's a valuable asset in combat, especially if you need someone who can handle energy weapons. Plus, having a doctor around is always a good idea in the harsh environment of New Vegas. But the real reason to keep Arcade around is to delve into his personal quest, which reveals much more about his history and the choices he faces.

Arcade's Enclave Past

Now, let’s really get into the heart of Arcade Gannon's story: his connection to the Enclave. Arcade’s past is shrouded in the complexities and moral ambiguities that define the Fallout universe. His father was an Enclave officer, and Arcade himself was raised within the Enclave's rigid structure. This upbringing exposed him to the Enclave's ideals, their advanced technology, and their often ruthless methods. However, Arcade never fully bought into their vision. He witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed in the name of the Enclave, and these experiences left a deep impression on him. This is a crucial part of understanding his motivations and why he ultimately distanced himself from the Enclave.

One of the most significant events in Arcade's life was his involvement in a mission to capture and experiment on wastelanders. This mission was a turning point for him, as he saw the human cost of the Enclave's actions. The suffering and cruelty he witnessed led him to question everything he had been taught. This moral awakening set him on a different path, one that ultimately led him to desert the Enclave. Leaving the Enclave was no easy task. It meant abandoning everything he had ever known and risking his life. The Enclave does not take kindly to deserters, and Arcade was constantly looking over his shoulder, fearing their retribution. This fear and the weight of his past experiences are palpable in his interactions, adding a layer of vulnerability to his otherwise stoic demeanor.

After deserting, Arcade sought refuge among the Followers of the Apocalypse, a group whose values aligned more closely with his own. He dedicated himself to helping others, using his medical skills to make a positive impact on the wasteland. This decision was a conscious effort to atone for his past and to distance himself from the Enclave's legacy. However, his past continues to haunt him, and he grapples with the question of whether he can ever truly escape the shadow of the Enclave. This internal conflict is a central theme in his personal quest and is what makes his character so compelling. Understanding Arcade's Enclave past is essential for appreciating his character arc and for making informed decisions during his questline.

Unlocking Arcade's Quest: "For Auld Lang Syne"

To really understand Arcade Gannon, you need to dive into his personal quest, "For Auld Lang Syne." Triggering this quest isn't automatic; it requires specific actions on your part. Arcade's quest is deeply rooted in his past and forces him to confront his ties to the Enclave. To initiate this quest, you generally need to gain a certain amount of affinity with Arcade and then visit specific locations related to the Enclave or trigger certain events that remind him of his past. The game doesn't explicitly tell you what these triggers are, which adds an element of discovery to the process.

Some known triggers include visiting locations like the REPCONN Headquarters or engaging with characters who have ties to the Enclave. Additionally, progressing through the main storyline and making certain choices that align with or oppose the ideals of the old world can also prompt Arcade to open up about his past. Once you've met the necessary conditions, Arcade will eventually confide in you about his history and his connection to the Enclave. He'll express his inner turmoil and his struggle to reconcile his past with his present. This conversation is the starting point for the quest.

Once the quest is active, Arcade will ask for your help in finding his old Enclave companions. These companions are scattered throughout the Mojave Wasteland, each with their own stories and perspectives on the Enclave's legacy. Your task is to locate these individuals and convince them to join Arcade in a final stand. This part of the quest involves a series of moral choices, as you must decide whether to persuade these former Enclave members to fight for a cause that aligns with Arcade's current values or to let them remain in their isolated existences. The choices you make during this quest have significant consequences and will ultimately determine Arcade's fate. Will he find peace and redemption, or will he be forever haunted by his past? The answer depends on your actions and the path you choose to take him down.

Choices and Consequences

The culmination of Arcade's quest, "For Auld Lang Syne," presents you with a significant choice that profoundly impacts not only Arcade's future but also the fate of the Enclave remnants in the Mojave Wasteland. These choices have meaningful consequences that shape the ending you'll experience. The main decision revolves around whether to rally Arcade's former Enclave comrades to fight alongside the Followers of the Apocalypse or to encourage them to seek peaceful lives away from conflict. Each path has its own set of challenges and rewards, and the outcome is far from predictable.

If you choose to rally the Enclave remnants, you'll need to convince them to set aside their old ideals and fight for a new cause. This involves persuading them that the Followers of the Apocalypse's vision of helping people is more worthwhile than clinging to the Enclave's outdated and often destructive ideology. This path is fraught with difficulties, as many of the Enclave members are deeply entrenched in their beliefs and resistant to change. However, if you succeed, you'll gain powerful allies who can significantly impact the final battle for Hoover Dam. On the other hand, if you opt to encourage the Enclave members to seek peaceful lives, you'll need to help them find ways to integrate into wasteland society. This might involve helping them find new jobs, reconcile with their pasts, or simply providing them with the resources they need to survive. This path is less focused on combat and more on redemption and personal growth. While it may not provide immediate benefits in the form of combat support, it can lead to a more satisfying and morally fulfilling ending.

Ultimately, the choice you make in "For Auld Lang Syne" reflects your own values and your vision for the future of the Mojave Wasteland. Do you believe in the possibility of redemption for even the most morally compromised individuals, or do you think that some sins are unforgivable? Your answer to this question will determine the path you choose for Arcade and the Enclave remnants, and it will have lasting consequences on the world of New Vegas.

Why Arcade Gannon Matters

Arcade Gannon isn't just another companion in Fallout: New Vegas; he's a character that adds depth and moral complexity to the game. His story is a microcosm of the larger themes explored in the Fallout series, such as the consequences of war, the nature of morality, and the possibility of redemption. Arcade's importance lies in his ability to challenge the player's preconceived notions and force them to confront difficult questions.

One of the reasons Arcade is so compelling is his nuanced portrayal of the Enclave. Instead of simply presenting the Enclave as cartoonishly evil villains, Arcade's story reveals the human side of the organization. He shows that even within a group known for its atrocities, there are individuals who struggle with their conscience and seek to make amends for their past actions. This adds layers to the Enclave and makes them a more complex and interesting faction.

Moreover, Arcade's personal quest, "For Auld Lang Syne," is a masterclass in moral storytelling. The choices you make during this quest have real consequences, and there's no easy answer. Each path presents its own set of challenges and rewards, forcing you to carefully consider your values and priorities. This makes the quest feel meaningful and impactful, and it adds to the overall richness of the game. Furthermore, Arcade's interactions with other characters and factions in the game provide valuable insights into the world of New Vegas. He offers a unique perspective on the conflicts and ideologies that shape the Mojave Wasteland, and his presence can significantly impact the outcome of various quests and storylines. In conclusion, Arcade Gannon is a character that deserves to be explored and appreciated. His story is a testament to the power of good writing and the ability of video games to tackle complex moral themes. Whether you're a seasoned Fallout veteran or a newcomer to the series, Arcade Gannon is a companion that will leave a lasting impression.