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Unraveling the Mystery of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol Quest: A Comprehensive Guide

The Commonwealth Wasteland in Fallout 4 is a dangerous place, riddled with mutated creatures, raiders, and environmental hazards. Amidst this chaos, stories of bravery, sacrifice, and mystery unfold. One such story is the quest known as the “Lost Patrol.” This quest, seemingly simple at first glance, delves into the fate of a Brotherhood of Steel reconnaissance team and offers significant rewards and lore for those who dare to uncover its secrets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest, ensuring you don’t miss a single detail.

Initiating the Lost Patrol Quest

The Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest can be initiated in several ways. Perhaps the most common is by stumbling upon the distress beacon signal while exploring the eastern parts of the map, near the Revere Satellite Array. Alternatively, joining the Brotherhood of Steel and progressing through their questline will eventually lead you to this mission. Specifically, after completing the “Shadow of Steel” quest, you might be assigned this task by Paladin Danse or another Brotherhood officer.

Finding the Distress Beacon Source

Once you receive the quest, your Pip-Boy will guide you towards the source of the distress signal. This will lead you to the Revere Satellite Array. Be prepared for a fight. The array is usually swarming with ghouls, some of which might be higher-level variants. Clear out the ghouls to secure the area and proceed to investigate the array’s structures.

Investigating the Revere Satellite Array

The Revere Satellite Array is a complex structure, and the source of the distress signal is not immediately apparent. You’ll need to search the various buildings and satellite dishes carefully. The signal originates from a damaged satellite dish on one of the higher platforms. Ascend the platforms, dealing with any remaining ghouls along the way. At the top, you’ll find a dead Brotherhood of Steel Knight and a holotape. This is the first piece of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol puzzle.

Listening to Knight Astlin’s Holotape

Playing Knight Astlin’s holotape reveals the grim circumstances surrounding the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol. The team was ambushed by a large group of ghouls and suffered heavy casualties. The holotape provides clues to the location of the remaining members of the patrol. Astlin mentions the names of the other knights: Varham, Brandis, and Wilkins. Your next objective is to locate these individuals, or at least discover their fates.

Tracking Down the Lost Patrol Members

The holotape provides leads to three locations where the remaining members of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol might be found. These locations are scattered across the Commonwealth, requiring you to travel and investigate each one individually.

Finding Knight Varham

Knight Varham’s location is marked on your map based on the information from Astlin’s holotape. You’ll find him at a small, dilapidated shack. Unfortunately, Varham’s fate is a tragic one. He is dead, surrounded by the remains of a desperate last stand against the ghouls. Examine his body to recover his holotag, which serves as proof of his demise. This adds another layer to the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol narrative.

Locating Knight Brandis

Knight Brandis is the most interesting and potentially rewarding member of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol to find. He is located inside the Deep Satellite Array. Upon arriving at the location, you’ll find the entrance to the satellite array is heavily fortified. Inside you discover that Brandis has become a recluse, driven to the brink of madness by the horrors he witnessed and the guilt he carries. He is heavily armed and initially hostile.

You have several options when dealing with Brandis:

Attack and Kill Brandis: This is the simplest but least rewarding option. You can simply kill Brandis and loot his body for his gear and holotag.
Persuade Brandis to Return: With a high enough Charisma skill, you can attempt to persuade Brandis to rejoin the Brotherhood of Steel. This requires passing a series of speech checks. If successful, Brandis will agree to return to the Prydwen.
Leave Brandis Alone: You can choose to leave Brandis in his isolation. This will complete the quest without any further interaction with him.

Investigating Knight Wilkins

The final member of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol, Knight Wilkins, can be found at the National Guard Training Yard. This location is heavily guarded by feral ghouls, so be prepared for a tough fight. Inside the training yard, you’ll discover that Wilkins met a similar fate to Varham. He is dead, having succumbed to the ghouls’ relentless attacks. Recover his holotag to confirm his death.

Returning to the Brotherhood of Steel

Once you have located all three members of the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol (or at least discovered their fates), return to the Brotherhood of Steel on the Prydwen. Report your findings to Paladin Danse or the officer who assigned you the quest. Present the holotags of Varham and Wilkins as proof of their deaths. If you managed to persuade Brandis to return, he will accompany you to the Prydwen.

Quest Rewards

The rewards for completing the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest vary depending on your actions. Regardless of your choices, you will receive experience points and caps. However, the most significant reward comes from persuading Brandis to return. If he rejoins the Brotherhood, he will become a vendor on the Prydwen, selling unique and powerful items, including rare weapon modifications and armor pieces. This makes the effort to convince him worthwhile.

The Significance of the Lost Patrol Quest

The Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest is more than just a simple fetch quest. It provides valuable insights into the Brotherhood of Steel, their ideals, and the sacrifices they make in their mission to preserve technology. The quest also explores themes of guilt, trauma, and the psychological effects of war. Brandis’s story is particularly poignant, highlighting the human cost of the Brotherhood’s unwavering dedication to their cause. The Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest also serves as a reminder of the dangers of the Commonwealth and the constant struggle for survival.

Tips for Completing the Lost Patrol

Prepare for Ghoul Encounters: The areas associated with the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol are heavily populated with ghouls. Bring weapons and armor that are effective against these creatures. Consider using radiation resistance items or perks.
Level Up Your Charisma: Persuading Brandis to return requires a high Charisma skill. Invest in Charisma perks or wear clothing that boosts your Charisma to increase your chances of success.
Explore Thoroughly: Each location associated with the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol contains valuable loot and resources. Take the time to explore each area thoroughly to maximize your rewards.
Consider Your Choices: The choices you make during the quest will have consequences. Think carefully about your actions and their impact on the story and the characters involved.

Conclusion

The Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest is a compelling and rewarding experience that offers a glimpse into the lives of the Brotherhood of Steel and the challenges they face in the Commonwealth. By following this guide, you can navigate the dangers of the Wasteland, uncover the fate of the lost patrol, and reap the rewards of your efforts. Whether you choose to embrace the Brotherhood’s ideals or forge your own path, the Fallout 4 Lost Patrol quest is a memorable and enriching addition to your Fallout 4 adventure. This quest also demonstrates the depth of storytelling and world-building that Bethesda is known for. The Fallout 4 Lost Patrol is a must-play for any fan of the game.

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