Old World Blues Implants: A Comprehensive Guide to Mojave Augmentation

In the vast and irradiated wasteland of Fallout: New Vegas, survival often hinges on adaptation. For those brave (or foolish) enough to venture into the Big MT research facility in the Old World Blues DLC, a unique opportunity arises: the chance to undergo radical surgery and receive a suite of powerful implants. These Old World Blues implants offer significant stat boosts and special abilities, transforming your Courier into a walking, talking, wasteland-conquering machine. This guide will delve into the specifics of each implant, their locations, and their overall impact on your gameplay experience.

Understanding Old World Blues Implants

The Old World Blues implants are a series of cybernetic enhancements available exclusively in the Old World Blues DLC. Unlike regular implants acquired from Dr. Usanagi at the New Vegas Medical Clinic, these implants are installed by the Auto-Doc in the Sink, your headquarters in Big MT. They offer a wide range of benefits, from increasing your SPECIAL stats to granting you unique resistances and abilities.

The installation process is largely painless (at least for the Courier), and the implants are generally considered permanent. However, it’s important to note that some implants may have specific requirements or drawbacks, so careful consideration is advised before undergoing the procedure.

Acquiring the Implants

Finding the Old World Blues implants is a scavenger hunt in itself. They are scattered throughout the Big MT research facility, often hidden in obscure locations or guarded by formidable enemies. The process typically involves exploring abandoned labs, navigating treacherous environments, and overcoming various challenges. The Auto-Doc at the Sink will provide clues and hints as you progress through the DLC’s main questline.

Unlike standard implants, you don’t need to pay for these using caps. They are acquired through exploration and quest completion within Big MT. This makes them a valuable resource for players of all levels, especially those looking to maximize their character’s potential.

The Implants: A Detailed Overview

Here’s a detailed look at each of the Old World Blues implants available, their effects, and their locations:

Reinforced Spine

The Reinforced Spine is one of the first implants you’re likely to encounter. It increases your Carry Weight by 50 pounds. This is incredibly useful for any character build, allowing you to haul more loot and equipment without becoming encumbered. You can find this implant in the X-8 Research Center.

Sub-Dermal Armor

The Sub-Dermal Armor implant provides a Damage Threshold (DT) of 4. This significantly reduces the amount of damage you take from each attack, making you more resistant to both ballistic and energy weapons. It’s a solid defensive upgrade for any character. This implant can be found in the X-13 Research Facility.

Heartless

Heartless grants you immunity to poison. In the Mojave Wasteland, where poisonous creatures and traps are common, this implant can be a lifesaver. No more worrying about Radscorpions or Cazadores poisoning you! You can find this implant within the Higgs Village.

Brainless

The Brainless implant grants immunity to head critical hits. Critical hits to the head usually cause increased damage, this implant negates that, making you more resistant to high damage attacks. You can find this implant in the Magneto-Geometric Pavilion.

Spineless

The Spineless implant grants immunity to paralysis. Paralysis can be caused by certain weapons or creatures, and this implant will make you immune to those effects. You can find this implant within the Z-14 Pepsinae Agicultural Research Center.

Lonesome Drifter

The Lonesome Drifter implant increases your Luck by 1. Luck affects a variety of skills and abilities, from your critical hit chance to your gambling prowess. A boost to Luck is always beneficial. This implant is located in the Securitron De-Construction Plant.

Big Brained

The Big Brained implant increases your Intelligence by 2. Intelligence governs your skill points per level and affects several skills, including Science, Medicine, and Repair. This implant is particularly useful for characters who rely on these skills. It is found in the Little Yangtze.

Adamantium Skeleton

The Adamantium Skeleton implant reduces limb damage taken by 50%. This makes you significantly more resistant to crippling injuries, allowing you to stay in the fight longer. This implant is located within the Forbidden Zone Dome.

Enhanced Sensors

The Enhanced Sensors implant increases your Perception by 2. Perception affects your accuracy in VATS and influences skills like Lockpick and Sneak. This implant is beneficial for characters who rely on stealth or ranged combat. It is found in the Calibration Center.

Implant Y-7

Implant Y-7 grants you +2 to your unarmed damage. This is incredibly useful for unarmed builds, as it will increase your damage output significantly. The implant can be found in the X-17 Meteorological Station.

Strategic Considerations for Old World Blues Implants

Choosing which Old World Blues implants to acquire depends heavily on your character build and playstyle. Some implants are universally useful, while others are more niche. Here are some strategic considerations to keep in mind:

• Carry Weight: The Reinforced Spine is almost always a good choice, regardless of your build. The extra carry weight is invaluable for managing loot and equipment.
• Defense: The Sub-Dermal Armor provides a solid defensive boost, making you more resistant to damage. The Adamantium Skeleton is also a strong defensive option, reducing limb damage.
• Skill Enhancement: The Big Brained and Enhanced Sensors implants are excellent choices for characters who rely on specific skills. The boost to Intelligence or Perception can significantly improve your effectiveness.
• Specialized Builds: If you’re playing an unarmed character, Implant Y-7 is a must-have. Similarly, if you’re struggling with poison or critical hits to the head, Heartless and Brainless are valuable options.

Beyond the Implants: The Legacy of Old World Blues

The Old World Blues implants are just one aspect of the rich and complex world of Big MT. The DLC offers a compelling storyline, memorable characters, and a unique blend of science fiction and dark humor. The implants, however, represent a significant opportunity for player customization and character enhancement. They allow you to tailor your Courier to your specific playstyle and overcome the challenges of the Mojave Wasteland.

Ultimately, the decision of which implants to acquire is a personal one. Consider your character’s strengths and weaknesses, your preferred playstyle, and the challenges you expect to face. With careful planning and strategic choices, the Old World Blues implants can transform you into a formidable force in the Mojave Wasteland. [See also: Fallout New Vegas Character Builds] [See also: Fallout New Vegas Best Weapons] [See also: Fallout New Vegas Companion Guide]

Conclusion

The Old World Blues implants are a significant and rewarding addition to Fallout: New Vegas. By carefully selecting and strategically utilizing these enhancements, players can significantly improve their Courier’s capabilities and increase their chances of survival in the harsh and unforgiving Mojave Wasteland. So, venture forth into Big MT, embrace the madness, and become the ultimate augmented wasteland wanderer. Just remember to keep an eye out for Lobotomites!