That Lucky Old Sun is one of the most memorable side quests in Fallout: New Vegas, taking place at the iconic HELIOS One solar power plant. Players are tasked with restoring power to the region, but they are quickly forced to make significant political and moral decisions. The outcome of this mission directly affects various factions across the Mojave Wasteland and offers unique rewards based on your chosen path.
Navigating HELIOS One and Meeting Key Characters
Upon arriving at HELIOS One, the New California Republic guards will direct you toward Fantastic, an incompetent scientist overseeing the project. Fantastic gives you the basic task of configuring the solar array, while Ignacio Rivas, a Followers of the Apocalypse member in disguise, offers a more ethical alternative. Interacting with both characters gives players valuable context regarding who should truly benefit from the facility's power generation.
To progress through the facility, you must bypass automated security systems and repair the terminal connections outside. Depending on your character's skills, you can hack terminals, repair damaged generators, or recruit the help of a local maintenance mister handy robot. Clearing out the poseidon security turrets ensures safe navigation to the central control room.
Power Distribution Choices and Faction Consequences
Once inside the main tower, the terminal prompts you to choose where to route the solar energy generated by HELIOS One. You can choose to send power to McCarran and the Strip, balancing the NCR's military needs, or distribute it equally to the entire region, including impoverished communities like Freeside. Alternatively, powering Archimedes II unlocks an orbital strike weapon, while overloading the grid damages the facility permanently.
Routing power to Freeside and Westside aligns with the goals of the Followers of the Apocalypse and earns positive reputation with Ignacio Rivas. Choosing the NCR option satisfies Fantastic's superiors, granting NCR reputation and small monetary compensation. Overloading the plant or activating the defense system turns NCR troops hostile, dramatically altering your standing in the Mojave.
Unlocking the ARCHIMEDES II Orbital Weapon
For players seeking a destruction-focused playthrough, arming ARCHIMEDES II provides access to C-Finder, a targeting device carried by a young boy named Max in Freeside. When activated properly during the quest, the weapon allows the player to call down a powerful orbital laser strike once per day. While visually impressive, choosing this option forfeits positive relations with major civilian factions and local aid organizations.
Ultimately, That Lucky Old Sun provides a rich role-playing experience that highlights the complex moral landscape of Fallout: New Vegas. Evaluating the long-term impact on the Mojave helps players align their choices with their character's narrative goals. Whether prioritizing military strength, community relief, or sheer firepower, the decision shapes your journey through the wasteland.
