Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the most fascinating companions you can find in Fallout: New Vegas: Arcade Gannon. This isn't just another buddy to lug around your gear; Arcade brings a rich backstory, intriguing quests, and some serious firepower to the Mojave Wasteland. So, let's get started and explore everything you need to know about Arcade Gannon.

Who is Arcade Gannon?

Arcade Gannon is more than just a follower; he's an Enclave descendant with a moral compass, making him a unique and compelling character in Fallout: New Vegas. You'll first encounter Arcade at the Old Mormon Fort in Freeside, where he works as a doctor for the Followers of the Apocalypse. Arcade's backstory is steeped in the history of the Enclave, the remnants of the pre-War United States government. Unlike many Enclave members you might encounter, Arcade harbors deep reservations about the Enclave's ideology and actions, particularly their brutal tactics and disregard for human life. This internal conflict shapes much of his dialogue and personal quest, making him one of the most morally nuanced characters in the game.

As a companion, Arcade offers more than just an extra gun. His medical expertise provides valuable insights into injuries and diseases you might encounter in the wasteland. Additionally, his intelligence and perspective often lead to unique dialogue options and quest resolutions. Finding Arcade Gannon is relatively straightforward, but convincing him to join you requires a bit of finesse. You'll need to pass a Speech check or have a high enough reputation with the Followers of the Apocalypse. Once he joins your party, Arcade's presence can significantly impact your journey through Fallout: New Vegas, both in terms of combat support and narrative depth. His personal quest, "For Auld Lang Syne," delves into his past and forces you to make critical decisions that align with your own moral code. Whether you choose to help him reconnect with his Enclave roots or guide him towards a different path, Arcade's story is a memorable and thought-provoking experience in the vast world of Fallout: New Vegas.

How to Recruit Arcade Gannon

Recruiting Arcade Gannon in Fallout: New Vegas is a straightforward process, but it requires you to meet certain criteria. First, you need to locate him. Arcade can be found at the Old Mormon Fort in Freeside, tending to patients as a doctor for the Followers of the Apocalypse. This location is easily accessible early in the game, making Arcade one of the first companions you can potentially recruit. Once you've found him, initiating a conversation is key. Approach Arcade and engage in dialogue. To successfully recruit him, you will need to pass a Speech check of 75 or have a positive reputation with the Followers of the Apocalypse. The Speech check can be challenging if your Speech skill is not adequately leveled, so investing in this skill early on can be beneficial. Alternatively, gaining favor with the Followers of the Apocalypse is another viable option. You can do this by completing quests for them, such as helping them with their medical supplies or resolving conflicts in Freeside. If you've already gained a positive reputation, Arcade will be more inclined to trust you and consider joining your cause.

During the conversation, make sure to express your intentions clearly and demonstrate that you are someone who aligns with his values. Arcade is particularly drawn to characters who show compassion, intelligence, and a desire to help others. Avoiding dialogue options that portray you as ruthless or indifferent can significantly increase your chances of convincing him to join you. Once you've successfully passed the Speech check or met the reputation requirement, Arcade will agree to accompany you on your journey. Before you set off, it's a good idea to equip him with decent gear. Arcade starts with basic weapons and armor, but providing him with better equipment will greatly enhance his combat effectiveness. Consider giving him a reliable weapon like a plasma rifle or a laser pistol, and equip him with sturdy armor to increase his survivability in the harsh Mojave Wasteland. With Arcade by your side, you'll have not only a skilled combatant but also a valuable source of knowledge and moral support.

Arcade's Companion Perk: Better Healing

Arcade Gannon's companion perk, Better Healing, is an invaluable asset in Fallout: New Vegas, particularly for players who rely on healing items to stay alive. This perk provides a significant boost to the effectiveness of healing, making it easier to recover from injuries and stay in the fight. Specifically, Better Healing increases the amount of health you restore from all healing items by 20%. This means that stimpaks, food, and other restorative items will provide a more substantial health boost, allowing you to conserve resources and survive longer in challenging encounters.

The benefits of Better Healing are immediately noticeable. For example, a standard stimpak typically restores a set amount of health, but with Better Healing, it restores an additional 20% of that amount. This can be the difference between surviving a close call and succumbing to your wounds. In a game where resources can be scarce and enemies can inflict heavy damage, having access to enhanced healing is a game-changer. Furthermore, Better Healing is not limited to stimpaks. It applies to all sources of healing, including food items like gecko steaks and healing powders like Doctor's Bags. This versatility makes it a universally useful perk, regardless of your preferred playstyle or character build. Whether you're a melee-focused character who takes a lot of damage up close or a ranged character who needs to quickly recover from sniper fire, Better Healing will improve your survivability.

To maximize the benefits of Better Healing, it's essential to carry a variety of healing items. Stimpaks are the most common and reliable source of healing, but don't overlook the potential of food and other restorative items. Experiment with different recipes and combinations to find the most efficient ways to restore your health. Additionally, consider investing in skills like Medicine, which can further enhance the effectiveness of healing items. By combining Better Healing with a high Medicine skill, you can become incredibly resilient, capable of weathering even the most intense firefights. In summary, Arcade Gannon's Better Healing perk is a must-have for any player looking to improve their survivability in Fallout: New Vegas. Its consistent and versatile benefits make it an invaluable asset in the harsh and unforgiving Mojave Wasteland.

Arcade's Personal Quest: For Auld Lang Syne

"For Auld Lang Syne" is Arcade Gannon's personal quest in Fallout: New Vegas, and it’s one of the most morally complex and engaging storylines in the game. This quest delves into Arcade's past as a member of the Enclave and forces you to make choices that will shape his future. The quest is triggered when Arcade begins to trust you, usually after traveling with him for a certain amount of time or reaching a specific point in the main storyline. Once triggered, Arcade will reveal more about his history and his conflicted feelings about the Enclave. He'll explain that he left the Enclave due to their extreme ideologies and brutal methods, but he still carries a sense of loyalty to his former comrades.

The quest involves tracking down several of Arcade's old Enclave companions, each with their own unique perspectives and motivations. As you meet these characters, you'll learn more about the Enclave's past and the events that led to its downfall. You'll also be faced with difficult decisions about whether to help these individuals or turn them away. These choices will not only affect Arcade's personal journey but also the fate of the Enclave remnants in the Mojave Wasteland. One of the key decisions you'll need to make is whether to encourage Arcade to reconnect with his Enclave roots or to steer him towards a different path. This choice will ultimately determine Arcade's allegiance in the final battle for Hoover Dam.

If you choose to help Arcade reconnect with the Enclave, he will gather his old companions and fight alongside the NCR during the battle. This option can provide a powerful boost to the NCR's forces, but it also comes with the moral implications of aligning with a group known for its ruthless tactics. Alternatively, if you choose to steer Arcade away from the Enclave, he will instead fight for the Followers of the Apocalypse, using his medical skills to aid the wounded. This option aligns with Arcade's desire to help others and distance himself from the Enclave's dark past. Regardless of your choice, "For Auld Lang Syne" is a deeply impactful quest that will leave a lasting impression. It explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions, making it one of the most memorable and thought-provoking experiences in Fallout: New Vegas.

Best Equipment for Arcade Gannon

Equipping Arcade Gannon with the best gear in Fallout: New Vegas can significantly enhance his combat effectiveness and survivability. As a companion, Arcade's performance is directly tied to the quality of his equipment, so investing in good weapons and armor for him is well worth the effort. When it comes to weapons, Arcade excels with energy weapons. He starts with a plasma defender, but upgrading him to a more powerful weapon like the plasma rifle or the AER14 prototype will greatly increase his damage output. The plasma rifle is a reliable and versatile weapon that can handle most enemies, while the AER14 prototype offers higher damage per shot but consumes more ammunition. Consider giving him a weapon with a scope for better accuracy at longer ranges.

In terms of armor, Arcade benefits from anything that provides a good balance of protection and mobility. He can wear any type of armor, but heavier armors may encumber him and slow him down. A good choice is the reinforced combat armor, which offers solid protection without sacrificing too much mobility. Alternatively, you can equip him with the remnants power armor if you want maximum protection. This armor is obtained during his personal quest, "For Auld Lang Syne," and it provides excellent defense against all types of damage. However, keep in mind that power armor requires training to use effectively, so you'll need to have the Power Armor Training perk or complete certain quests to unlock its full potential.

Aside from weapons and armor, don't forget about other useful items like stimpaks, super stimpaks, and weapon repair kits. Arcade can use stimpaks to heal himself during combat, and super stimpaks provide even greater healing. Weapon repair kits are essential for keeping his weapons in good condition, as damaged weapons are less effective. Additionally, consider giving him some extra ammunition for his weapons, as he can run out of ammo quickly during long engagements. By equipping Arcade with the best possible gear, you'll transform him into a formidable ally who can hold his own in even the toughest battles. A well-equipped Arcade is not only a valuable asset in combat but also a reliable companion who can help you navigate the dangers of the Mojave Wasteland.

Factions and Arcade Gannon

Arcade Gannon's allegiances and reactions to the various factions in Fallout: New Vegas are deeply influenced by his personal history and moral values. As a former member of the Enclave, he holds strong opinions about the remnants of the old world and their impact on the Mojave Wasteland. Understanding Arcade's stance on these factions can help you make decisions that align with his values and maintain a positive relationship with him.

The NCR is one of the major factions in the game, and Arcade generally views them with cautious optimism. He appreciates their efforts to establish order and rebuild society, but he also recognizes their flaws and the potential for corruption. Arcade is more likely to support the NCR if you make choices that promote justice, fairness, and the well-being of the Mojave Wasteland's inhabitants. Caesar's Legion, on the other hand, is a faction that Arcade vehemently opposes. He views their brutal methods and authoritarian rule as a perversion of the values he holds dear. Siding with the Legion will almost certainly lead to a negative reaction from Arcade and may even cause him to leave your party. Mr. House is another influential figure in Fallout: New Vegas, and Arcade's opinion of him is somewhat mixed. He recognizes Mr. House's intelligence and ambition, but he also questions his motives and the potential consequences of his vision for the future. Arcade is more likely to support Mr. House if you can convince him that his plans will ultimately benefit the Mojave Wasteland.

The Followers of the Apocalypse are a faction that Arcade deeply respects and admires. He shares their commitment to helping others and using knowledge to improve the world. Supporting the Followers of the Apocalypse will strengthen your relationship with Arcade and reinforce his belief in your good intentions. The Brotherhood of Steel is a faction that Arcade views with suspicion, primarily due to their hoarding of advanced technology and their isolationist tendencies. While he acknowledges their expertise and technological prowess, he also worries about their potential to abuse their power. Siding with the Brotherhood of Steel may lead to a negative reaction from Arcade, especially if you support their efforts to control or destroy advanced technology. In summary, Arcade Gannon's reactions to the various factions in Fallout: New Vegas are a reflection of his complex moral compass. By understanding his values and making choices that align with them, you can maintain a strong and positive relationship with this fascinating companion.